5 Ways to Empower Your Homebuyers

In Support of the ‘Power to Move’ Theme of New Homes Week 2026

New Homes Week is a campaign that was launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) in 2005, to raise awareness and provide a platform for the homebuilding industry to come together to highlight the benefits of new builds.  The campaign also shines a spotlight on the positive experience of buying a new build home – from reservation through to move‑in and beyond.  

At Classic Folios, we’ve spent more than 25 years helping housing providers create meaningful, confidence‑boosting experiences for their customers, and have gained some key insights about what homebuyers really need along the way. 

In this blog, we’ll explain five practical ways you can empower your homebuyers and give them the ‘power to move’ with confidence.

1. Equip Them Early with a Reservation Manual

A well‑crafted Reservation Manual sets the tone for the entire homebuying journey.  As the name suggests, these manuals are provided at the point of reservation and guide homebuyers through all the key steps of the purchase. 

Providing a Reservation Manual gives homebuyers clarity and confidence from the very start, by clearly outlining each step, from conveyancing timelines and deposit procedures to legal requirements and contingencies.  By helping buyers understand their responsibilities, they avoid mistakes and feel informed every step of the way.  Checklists, key dates and documentation guidance also reduce the risk of missed deadlines, while FAQs support smoother communication between buyers and sales teams by answering routine questions upfront.

Beyond practical guidance, these manuals demonstrate professionalism and build trust, showing buyers that the property developer is committed to supporting them.  It also empowers homeowners by providing insight into the market, financing options and property selection considerations.

A Reservation Manual isn’t just a helpful document, it’s a tool that improves the overall homebuying experience, reduces fall-throughs and positions developers as transparent, buyer-focused and professional, which, in turn, leads to higher customer satisfaction ratings and an increase in referrals.

2. Welcome Them Properly with Bespoke Home User Guides

Once buyers are committed and approaching completion, providing Home User Guides brings a host of benefits.  These guides reinforce a builder’s brand by showcasing attention to detail, quality standards and a commitment to supporting homeowners, all of which encourages residents to remember and appreciate their homebuilding company long after move-in.  Homeowners who feel informed and supported are also more likely to recommend their homebuilder to friends and family or return for future purchases.

It is also worth noting that Home User Guides make life easier for both buyers and builders.  By giving homeowners clear instructions and advice on using and maintaining their property, they reduce routine customer care queries and promote long-term confidence in the home.

Home User Guides can also be used to support energy-conscious living by providing practical guidance on operating the property efficiently, while ensuring homeowners understand how to get the most out of the features and systems unique to their home.

In short, Home User Guides are a practical, professional tool that enhances the homeowner experience, strengthen trust and reinforce a builder’s reputation for quality and care.  Good handover content reduces confusion, boosts satisfaction and turns new buyers into loyal advocates of your brand.

3. Create How To Videos that Demystify the Home

When it comes to finding answers, today’s homebuyers are used to instant gratification and therefore increasingly look for on‑demand information and explanations.  Professional How To Videos walk homeowners through appliances, systems and key features of their property, acting as on-demand home demonstrations to give homeowners clear, easy-to-follow guidance tailored specifically to their property.  

Filmed on site and produced exclusively for each development, they walk residents through all the essential day-to-day tasks such as using appliances, setting heating controls and caring for finishes, to help homeowners settle in with confidence.

Video content is engaging, accessible and especially effective for visual learners.  By answering common questions upfront, How To Videos also significantly reduce calls to aftercare teams, saving time and resources while improving the customer experience.

Professionally presented, they reflect the quality and professionalism of your brand.  Careful planning, including pre-site visits and checks, ensures every video delivers the right information clearly and consistently, creating a polished, reassuring handover experience for every homeowner. 

4. Educate Buyers on Snagging vs Defects

Educating homebuyers on the difference between a snagging issue and a defect plays an important role in shaping a positive homebuying experience.  When buyers understand that minor cosmetic snags are a normal part of the settling-in process, and how these differ from more serious defects that affect the performance or safety of the home, they are more likely to feel reassured and satisfied with their purchase.

Clear guidance also brings practical benefits.  Knowing what to look out for, how and when to report issues and what is covered under the warranty helps homeowners act promptly and appropriately, reducing the risk of problems escalating and avoiding unnecessary costs.  Just as importantly, it gives buyers peace of mind and confidence, reinforcing transparency and trust while ensuring they understand their rights and the processes in place to protect them.

Our Home User Guides, whether in print or digital formats, clearly explain what constitutes a snag or a defect, providing examples and guidance to help new homeowners feel informed and confident.

5. Support Ongoing Empowerment with Digital Access and Engagement

When you support homebuyers with ongoing access to home user information and residential engagement tools, it helps create a more transparent and confident homebuying experience.  When homebuyers can easily find clear, upfront information about their property, it reduces uncertainty and helps set realistic expectations, which builds trust and confidence from the outset.

Digital solutions like our residential portal Spaciable allow homebuyers easy access to information, which reduces the stress associated with moving to a new home and improves the speed and efficiency of the buying and moving-in processes.  By streamlining how guidance, documents and updates are shared, buyers can focus on enjoying their new home rather than navigating complex processes.  This is particularly valuable for first-time buyers, who often need additional reassurance and clarity.  Ultimately, providing ongoing access to clear, well-structured information empowers homeowners, supports informed decision-making and contributes to a more positive, professional housing experience for everyone involved.

Offering a digital hub of information and support is also a great way to empower homebuyers long after handover, encourage ongoing engagement with your brand and make life easier for both homeowners and aftercare teams.

Empowerment = Confidence = Better Experience

At the heart of New Homes Week is the idea that buying a new home should feel empowering at every stage.  By providing clarity, support and easy‑to‑use resources, you help your homebuyers feel confident, valued and in control, which helps everyone involved in the process.

If you’d like support creating these materials for your developments (from Reservation Manuals to How‑To Videos, digital solutions and more), we’d love to help – just get in touch.

Empowering Your Homebuyers: Key Takeaways

Buying a new home should feel empowering at every stage.  Here’s a quick guide to practical steps that help buyers feel informed, confident and supported.

1. What is a Reservation Manual?

It’s a clear roadmap from reservation to move-in.  Outlining timelines, deposits and key steps helps buyers feel confident and in control from day one.

2. How do Home User Guides help?

They give practical advice on using and maintaining a home, reduce routine queries and reinforce your brand’s care and professionalism.

3. Why create How To Videos?

On-demand videos show homeowners how to operate appliances, systems and features.  They make settling in easier and reduce aftercare calls.

4. What’s the difference between a snag and a defect?

A snag is a minor cosmetic issue; a defect affects safety or functionality.  Educating buyers sets realistic expectations and smooths handovers.

5. How can digital tools enhance empowerment?

Platforms like Spaciable provide ongoing access to guidance and updates, reducing stress and supporting confident decision-making.

6. Why focus on empowerment throughout the process?

Informed, supported buyers are happier, more confident and more likely to advocate for your brand long-term.