Settling in to your new home

About one week after completion, our Sales Support team will give you a call to check in. They’ll make sure you’re settling into your new home comfortably

As much as you need time to settle into your home the home needs time to settle around you too. New home needs time to settle and dry out naturally. During this period, you may notice:

Minor cracks in walls
Gaps in joinery
White deposits on walls

These are completely normal and expected as your home adjusts, even if you take every precaution.

Typically, it takes around nine months to one year for a new build home to dry out fully. Minor cracks and gaps are usually caused by shrinkage – when building materials contract as they dry. These cracks are very unlikely to be structurally significant.

Condensation in your home

Condensation happens when steam or water vapour meets cold surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and windows. This is common in new homes due to moisture evaporating from building materials.

If condensation is not managed, it can lead to mould growth on walls and even on furniture. To reduce condensation and keep your home fresh:

Open windows regularly to improve ventilation
Avoid drying clothes indoors on radiators
Put lids on pans when cooking
Use extractor fans

Taking these simple steps will help prevent mould and keep your new home comfortable and healthy. Southern Housing provides lots of great support on controlling damp, condensation and moisture in your home. And their hepful video gives you a few more top tips.

Efflorescence - White deposits on walls

You might notice a white, powdery deposit on your walls known as efflorescence. This is a natural part of the drying-out process in new build homes. Efflorescence is caused by salts coming to the surface of wall materials and is completely normal. These salts are harmless and usually fade away over time.

If efflorescence appears on internal walls, you can gently brush or wipe it away. However, if white deposits keep reappearing inside your home, it could indicate a more serious issue. In that case, we recommend contacting our Aftercare team for advice and support.

Tips to minimise shrinkage and maintain your new home

Maintain an even temperature throughout your home
Avoid turning your central heating to the highest setting, especially during winter months
Keep windows or vents open to encourage natural ventilation and help moisture evaporate

Following these simple steps will help your home settle in comfortably and reduce any shrinkage-related issues.

If you need more information or support with defects, our Aftercare team is here to help every step of the way.

Guidance for you

Learn more about the Sales Support Team

If you need anything during your first few weeks in your new home, your Sales Support Team are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Phone: 0330 173 2391

Email: sales@southernhousing.org.uk

What else can they do?