What your completion date does to your money

Buying a newly built house often feels like a fresh start. You draw, choose finishes and already dream about your first evening in your new living room. But there is almost always a period of time between purchase and completion. And it is precisely this waiting period that affects your financial choices.

Money you may need quickly

With new builds, it is smart to keep some of your money accessible. In the months after signing, costs often come up that you can't exactly plan for. Think advice fees, notary fees or an extra bill for choices you make later. Some people also want to do something with their savings at such a stage, such as buying silver, but it's good to think about how soon you might need that money again. After all, a completion date that moves up can change your planning immediately.

The period between signing and living

With existing buildings, you often get the key quickly. With new builds, it usually takes longer. During that time, you will still be paying your current living expenses. Sometimes you also have costs for your new home already, for example because your mortgage is already partially started or because you pay interest on the amount already paid to the builder. This feels double. It helps to make a realistic monthly buffer in advance, so you don't get stuck if construction takes longer.

Additional work often comes later than you think

You don't make many choices all at once. First you choose a kitchen set-up, and later you choose electrical sockets, floor finishing or extra insulation. This is often called additional work. The tricky thing is that you only notice what you really find important as you go along. Then it's nice to have room to decide, without having to immediately calculate every amount back into your daily expenses.

A house without a floor is not yet a home

With new builds, not everything is included. Window coverings, a floor, painting and sometimes garden work regularly add to your budget. These are not small items. Timing plays a role here as well: you don't arrange some things until completion is in sight. By spreading your money flows over time, you avoid stress, especially if you are temporarily living somewhere else.

What if the completion date shifts?

A schedule is an expectation, not a guarantee. Deliveries can be delayed due to materials, weather conditions or coordination with subcontractors. That could mean you pay rent longer, spend longer with family or can move out later. If you allow for delays in advance, you give yourself peace of mind. You will be less likely to have to reverse choices, just when your head is already full of arranging things.