A show home is a furnished, decorated example of a home at a new-build development. You can walk through the layout, get a feel for the room sizes and see the kind of finishes on offer.
It usually represents a type of home rather than the exact plot you’re buying, so the size, orientation, outlook and specification can differ. It’s also styled to look its best. For the home you are considering, check the latest floor plan, property specification, reservation information and purchase documents. They will help you understand what applies to that property rather than the show home.
What a show home can help you understand
Floor plans, brochures and computer-generated images only go so far. In a show home you can:
- See how the rooms connect and how easily you can move between them. Think about a normal day: cooking, eating, working from home, having people round.
- Get a sense of ceiling heights, room sizes and the space around furniture.
- Look closely at kitchen units, worktops, flooring, doors, tiling and bathroom fittings.
- Pick up ideas for furniture placement, lighting and colour.
A show home can’t tell you the condition or finished appearance of any other home on the development.
What may not be included
Just because something is on display doesn’t mean it comes with the home. Items displayed but not necessarily included can include:
- Furniture
- Curtains and blinds
- Mirrors and artwork
- Freestanding lighting
- Some appliances
- Upgraded flooring
- Fitted wardrobes
- Enhanced kitchen or bathroom finishes
- Garden furniture and planting
Some displayed features are standard, some are optional upgrades, and some are just there to dress the show home. If an upgrade is offered, find out what it costs, what it covers and when you need to decide. Options, prices and deadlines may depend on the property and its stage of construction.
What to check during your visit
Bring the floor plan for the property or plot you are considering and compare it with what you see.
Layout and dimensions
Does the available home have the same dimensions, or is its layout reversed or mirrored? Window positions and room sizes may differ.
Furniture
Compare the room dimensions on your floor plan with your own beds, wardrobes, sofas, desks and dining table. If you’re allowed to take measurements in the show home, treat them as a rough guide only. Check the plan before you order anything, and verify critical measurements when access to the property becomes available.
Storage
Find out whether the built-in cupboards and wardrobes are in the available home too. Freestanding furniture in the show home isn’t storage that comes with the property.
Natural light
Ask which direction the available home faces and compare its position with the development layout. Neighbouring buildings and landscaping can affect how much light gets in.
Kitchen and bathroom
Ask which appliances, cabinets, worktops, splashbacks, mirrors, shower screens and tiles are in the specification for the available home.
Outdoor space
Gardens, balconies and terraces can differ from the show home’s. Check the planned size, position and orientation, and what fencing, paving and planting are proposed. Landscaping plans can change.
Parking and shared areas
Is parking allocated, and are there any restrictions? For apartments and homes with shared facilities, look at the plans for entrances, lifts, corridors, cycle stores, bin stores and communal areas.
The wider development
A current development layout may help you understand access, neighbouring buildings, shared spaces and planned future phases. These details can change for planning, design or construction reasons.
Questions to ask the sales team
- Which displayed fixtures, finishes and appliances are standard, and which are optional upgrades?
- Are flooring, appliances and window coverings included?
- What do upgrades cost, and when do I need to choose?
- Where can I find the heating, ventilation and electrical details?
- Can I see the current property specification and any available development layout?
- Can I take photographs or measurements?
- Is construction currently expected to continue nearby after the home is ready?
- What is the current price, and are any incentives available?
- Where can I find details of known ongoing property costs?
- Where are the reservation and purchase terms recorded?
Making the most of your visit
Try to picture the rooms without the artwork, mirrors and display furniture. Take notes, and photographs where they’re allowed, but check anything important against the documents rather than relying on memory. Afterwards, go through the floor plan, specification, price and reservation information at home, away from the styling.
Show home or marketing suite?
A show home is a furnished example of a property. A marketing suite is the sales area where you can talk about availability, prices and how to buy. They’re sometimes in the same building, and part of a show home, garage or adjoining space may be used by the sales team.
Using a virtual show home tour
A virtual tour is handy before you book an appointment, or as a reminder afterwards. Like the show home itself, it usually shows a type of home rather than the exact property available. The way a virtual tour is photographed or displayed may affect how you perceive the room proportions. Use it alongside the floor plan and specification. If a suitable in-person viewing is available, it can provide further context.
Buying the show home itself
Show homes are sometimes sold once they’re no longer needed for marketing. Availability, release dates and terms vary between developments. If you’re interested, ask:
- Is there an expected release date, and will it still receive visitors before handover?
- Which furniture and appliances are included? Ask whether a contents inventory is available showing the furniture, appliances, window coverings and other items stated as included in the sale.
- Which displayed features are permanent upgrades?
- What work is planned for any areas the sales team has used, and how will signs of use be dealt with?
- When is the property currently expected to be ready for occupation?
As a show home may have received many visitors, check floors, doors, cupboards, worktops and other surfaces for signs of use. Make sure any agreed repairs, replacements or conversion work are written into the purchase documents.
You may wish to consider an appropriate independent inspection. Its type and timing will depend on the property, purchase process and access available.
Visit a Guinness Homes show home
Viewing arrangements vary between developments. Before you travel, check the development page or contact the sales team for opening times, appointment arrangements and the homes available to view.
Explore Guinness Homes developments offering Shared Ownership and Outright Sale homes.
The information in this guide is general and does not constitute legal, financial, mortgage, surveying or other professional advice. Layouts, dimensions, specifications, availability, prices, incentives, costs and purchase terms vary between developments and individual properties and may change. A show home may include optional upgrades or items that are not included with another property. Check the latest floor plan, property specification, reservation information and purchase documents for the home you are considering. Seek independent professional advice where appropriate.
