• 'Special' mortgage deals o relatively low value payment of survey costs (they will pay next to nothing for a basic valuation through an affiliate)
  
  
• Simple discounts (again, there is often little real value here as prices can be higher than the genuine market value to begin with)
  
  
• Arranging solicitors or removal services and meeting the costs
  
  
• Cashback deals of anything up to 5% of purchase price can be used to finish off kitting out the place once you've bought it
  
  
• Paid deposits - these can mean that first time buyers sometimes get better rates for not having to borrow such a high percentage of the property value
  
  
• Payment of stamp duty - this can remove another large chunk of money that must otherwise be saved to purchase a home

Even the most basic packages usually involve the property having a professional interior designer give the place a once over. This usually involves a good standard of paintwork, co-ordinated colour schemes and sometimes high specification flooring throughout. The most exclusive properties will even allow you to get involved in the layout design of the property and commission an interior designer to work with you to decorate the property in accordance with your taste.

Kitchens and bathrooms are another area that often comes in for special treatment from the developers in an effort to lure you in. Most kitchens come fitted and inclusive of white goods, whilst granite worktops, luxury branded goods, giant American-style fridges and power showers can also be used as a bonus.

Lucky buyers can find themselves on the receiving end of furniture packages that can include 3 piece suites or beds, sometimes from well-known names. Other homes come equipped as high technology Internet-enabled residences.

One final thing to bear in mind is that developers may react to specific requests - if you don't ask, you won't get. If you do ask, you probably won't get either, but you don't know until you try.

If you have been offered something amazing, something dodgy or something downright ridiculous we want to hear about it. Please E-mail us with the details.