A new homes sales centre is the first physical space a first time buyer will encounter. So what should they expect when they walk through the door? And how do housebuilders make the right first impression? Steve Hird, Director of specialist new homes interior designers, Edward Thomas Interiors demystifies the process…
What does a sales centre look like?
A typical sales complex includes a showhome (or showhomes), sales centre, parking and an options suite. It will be positioned at a development’s entrance, with plenty of signage, meaning it is easy to locate and access. The main sales centre is usually a converted double garage, with full glazing and glass doors so any sales advisors are immediately visible. This is important as walking into an unknown space can be intimidating, so a friendly face and a clear path helps with comfort and wayfinding.
For space reasons, and to minimise disruption when a development finishes, sometimes you’ll find sales centres integrated within a house, so don’t be deterred if you have to walk through the front door to find your sales advisor. Its ground floor will be converted and styled as an office.
Speaking of styling, a sales centre is the first opportunity a housebuilder has to showcase its brand and its product. So expect bright, well-lit spaces that are easy to navigate and have a welcoming, ‘at home’ feel.
Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions people make and they need to feel comfortable and relaxed to do so. Sales offices should have varied seating options, a pleasant fragrance or scent, and plenty of greenery. In some cases, housebuilders might also opt to incorporate elements of the location in their sales office design. For example, panelling and farmhouse style furniture could create a country aesthetic in rural locations, or a traditional colour palette and whitewashed furniture might indicate a coastal environment. Location specific design presents a great opportunity for house hunters to gain a sense of a housebuilder’s attention to detail and overall quality.
Why are sales centres designed in this way?
It’s a question of functionality. Sales centres are dual purpose. Firstly, they’re an inviting and informative space for potential purchasers but secondly, they’re a place of work for sales consultants.
The most successful sales centres balance these requirements by adopting subtle techniques. Hidden storage means paperwork, office and site equipment is all out of sight, so a house hunter won’t feel like they’ve intruded on someone’s workplace. You might also notice how the space is ‘zoned’ to accommodate different activities, from browsing information and informal chatting through to private meetings and space for choosing your options.
How can I maximise my time in a sales centre?
Obviously the first point of action is to book an appointment with the sales advisor. This will enable you to learn all about the development, current availability, pricing, and, of course, view the showhome! But if you’re dropping in on spec, then my advice is to take advantage of the tools and information available.
As digital technology has become more sophisticated, housebuilders are finding new ways to include this as part of the house buying journey. Expect to find interactive touchscreens where you can view specific plots, find live data about the build programme, or tour different house types. These are super easy to operate and can be used independently if a sales advisor is busy.
Another growing trend we’re seeing is the use of VR. This technology can show you a full development tour but is also popular for choosing options, so you can mix and match different colours, materials and finishes to see how they will look. For instance how kitchen cabinetry compares with worktops, how bathrooms look with full or half height tiling, what flooring looks best. Creating the right environment for this is important too, so don’t be surprised if you’re invited into a cinema-style room for VR use. These ensure viewings can take place privately, don’t distract other house hunters and make a memorable feature for a sales office.
Is the sales centre where I will choose my options?
Yes, most sales centres will include an options suite and its presentation has really evolved in the last decade or so. Housebuilders have recognised that choosing options, so things like kitchen cabinetry, worktops, flooring, tiling, bathroom fittings, window dressings, is a joyful part of the buying journey and therefore doing so should feel like an experience.
You can expect to find a dedicated space to deliberate your choices. Somewhere to feel comfortable, not rushed, and maybe even so well-designed that it motivates you to share your experience on social media. In most cases this is a private room within the sales complex but it’s also not uncommon for options suites to be purpose-built. One we designed recently took over a three-storey house, so it had ‘meet and greet’ at ground floor, the standard range on the middle floor and upgrades on the top level. Perfect for Instagram or TikTok!
Taking cues from retail, all options will be displayed so they are easy to find and are clearly labelled with what’s part of the standard range and what is an upgrade. Interestingly, an increasingly popular brief we’re encountering is for a housebuilder to commission bespoke pieces of furniture to display their options as this not only makes a striking presentation area but also enables easier comparison.
What else should I look out for in a sales office?
Pay attention to any upcoming events. This can include things like showhome launches, specific deals weekends, competitions and our favourite, meet the designer events! This can be on an evening or weekend and is an opportunity to meet the showhome and sales office’s interior design team. Styling and furnishing a blank canvas can be a daunting prospect, so take advantage of these ‘meet and greets’ to learn from their expertise and gather some hints and tips to style according to your taste and budget.
To find out more visit edwardthomasinteriors.com
Picture Captions: A selection of sales offices designed and styled by Edward Thomas Interiors.
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.