Do New Builds Come With a TV? What’s Included in Your Home

Quick Summary / Key Takeaways

• New builds rarely come with televisions; they are considered personal electronics, not fixed fixtures.
• Builders typically include essential white goods like fridges and washing machines, but black goods (TVs, sound systems) are excluded.
• If a TV is present during viewings, it is likely a staging prop or belongs to the sales team, not you.
• You can sometimes negotiate for a TV if the builder has leftover stock or specific promotional deals.
• Always check your contract’s 'fixtures and fittings' list before signing to avoid disappointment on move-in day.

The Short Answer: No, Not Usually

It is easy to imagine walking into your brand-new home, kicking off your shoes, and settling onto the sofa with a movie already queued up. The living room looks perfect. The lighting is right. But there is one glaring absence: the screen itself. If you are wondering whether new builds typically include televisions as part of the standard package, the short answer is no. In almost every case, you will need to buy your own television.

This often comes as a shock to first-time buyers who see sleek screens hanging on walls during open days or show flats. It creates a false expectation that these items are part of the handover. Understanding what actually stays with the house versus what you must bring yourself is crucial for budgeting your move correctly.

Why Builders Don’t Include TVs

To understand why televisions are left out, we need to look at how construction companies categorize household items. There is a clear divide between "white goods" and "black goods." White goods refer to large, usually white, appliances that are integral to daily life and often difficult to replace quickly, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Many developers include these to make the property feel complete and functional.

Black goods, on the other hand, include televisions, gaming consoles, and high-end audio systems. These are viewed as personal consumer electronics rather than essential home infrastructure. Several factors drive this distinction:

• Rapid Technological Obsolescence: Technology moves fast. A TV model included today might be outdated by the time the house is sold next year. Builders prefer to avoid being stuck with depreciating inventory.
• Personal Preference: Screen sizes, brands, and features vary wildly from person to person. One buyer wants a 65-inch OLED for gaming; another prefers a smaller LED for news. Providing a standard unit risks dissatisfaction.
• Cost Control: Keeping the base price of the home competitive means excluding expensive discretionary items. Adding a premium TV to every unit would raise the starting price significantly.

From a legal standpoint, televisions are classified as chattels-movable personal property-rather than fixtures. Fixtures are items attached to the building structure, like light fittings or built-in wardrobes. Since a TV is simply plugged in and mounted, it does not legally belong to the property unless explicitly stated otherwise in the contract.

What Actually Comes With Your New Build?

While you won’t get a TV, most new build packages do include a surprising amount of hardware. Knowing exactly what is covered helps you plan your shopping list. Typically, you can expect the following items to be installed and ready for use:

Note that "standard specification" varies by developer. Luxury builds might include premium brands like Miele or Bosch for kitchen appliances, while entry-level homes might have basic budget-friendly units. Always ask for the full specification sheet before exchanging contracts.

The Illusion of the Show Flat

If you have visited a show home, you know how effective staging can be. Designers carefully curate every corner to evoke an emotional response. A large, high-definition TV sitting in the living room anchors the space, suggesting relaxation and entertainment. It makes the room feel lived-in and desirable.

However, these televisions are almost always props. They belong to the staging company or the sales office. When you move in, the wall will be bare. This disconnect is a common source of frustration for buyers. To manage expectations, take photos of the empty spaces in the show flat. Imagine your own furniture and electronics in those spots. Ask the sales representative directly: "Is this TV included in the purchase?" Their answer will invariably be no, but asking confirms their policy.

Some developers offer optional upgrades where you can pre-order certain electronics at a discounted rate through their partnerships. This is different from inclusion; it is a convenience service. You still pay for the TV, but you might save 10-15% compared to retail prices. Check if such schemes exist before finalizing your order.

Can You Negotiate a TV?

Negotiation is possible, though unlikely to yield a free television. Developers operate on thin margins, especially in competitive markets. However, there are scenarios where you might secure a discount or even a complimentary item:

1. End-of-Year Promotions: Sales teams have quarterly targets. In December or March, they might throw in small appliances or electronics to close deals.
2. Leftover Stock: Occasionally, builders have surplus materials or demo units from show flats. They may offer these at reduced prices to clear inventory.
3. Package Deals: Some developers partner with local retailers. You might get a voucher for a local electronics store instead of a physical TV.
4. Defect Resolution: If there are significant issues with the build quality, you might negotiate compensation. While cash is preferred, some buyers accept gift cards or vouchers for home improvements.

Be realistic about your requests. Asking for a $2,000 smart TV as a negotiation tactic is often seen as unreasonable. Instead, focus on value-added items like extended warranties, landscaping extras, or garage upgrades, which hold more long-term value for the property.

Planning Your Entertainment Setup

Since you will be buying your own TV, planning ahead can save you money and hassle. New builds often have specific requirements for mounting and wiring that you should consider before moving in:

• Wall Type: Most new builds use plasterboard or drywall for interior walls. Standard screws won’t hold a heavy TV mount. You will need toggle bolts or specialized drywall anchors. Ensure your installer knows this.
• Cable Management: Modern homes often have pre-drilled holes behind sockets for cable concealment. Check if your media wall has access panels or conduit for running HDMI and power cables neatly.
• Internet Connectivity: Streaming requires robust Wi-Fi. New builds can have dead zones due to thick insulation or metal studs. Consider installing a mesh network system early on.
• Smart Home Integration: If you plan to use voice assistants or smart displays, ensure your chosen TV supports the necessary protocols (like Matter or Thread) for seamless integration.

Buying your TV after moving in allows you to measure the exact space and test the viewing angles. It also ensures you get a warranty start date aligned with your actual usage, not the builder’s installation date.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

While the TV itself isn’t included, related costs can add up. Be aware of these potential expenses when budgeting for your new home:

• Mounting Hardware: Professional installation services charge extra for drilling and leveling mounts, especially on brick or stone feature walls.
• Sound Systems: Built-in speakers in new builds are often minimal. You may need to invest in a soundbar or home theater system for adequate audio.
• Power Outlets: Ensure there are enough accessible outlets near your seating area. Retrofitting additional sockets is expensive once walls are closed up.
• Window Treatments: Glare can ruin the viewing experience. Blackout blinds or curtains might be necessary, and these are rarely included in standard specs.

By anticipating these needs, you can allocate funds appropriately and avoid last-minute financial stress.

Frequently Asked Questions