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Answer: Besides house-related mitzvot like mezuza and ma’akeh(fence for roof), there are two practices regarding a new house.
The mishna (Berachot 54a) says that one who builds a new house or buys new clothes should recite Shehecheyanu (see also Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 223:3). The same is true for purchasing an existing house (Mishna Berura 223:11). Yet, as we know and as has been reported for centuries, many people do not recite Shehecheyanuon a new house. It is hard to know to which halachic factor(s) to attribute this phenomenon (assuming it is not just lack of awareness), but we will mention a few.
Tosafot (Sukka 46a) cites (and is among many who argue on) Rav Shrira Gaon, who says we do not follow the mishna due to the rule thatShehecheyanu is only for cyclical events. Some suggest that worries about financing take away from the necessary simcha (see opinions in Yalkut Yosef, Sova Semachot I, p. 487). Timing may be an issue, as the mishna talks about reciting at the time of buying, but the house may then be unfit for inhabitance, either for pragmatic reasons or possibly if it is missing mezuzot (see R. Akiva Eiger, on Shulchan Aruch, ibid.). However, one should still be able to recite Shehecheyanu at the time he enters the house. The proper beracha is not clear, as there is amachloket whether Shehecheyanu or Hatov V’hameitiv (a variation, when there are multiple beneficiaries) is appropriate when a family unit acquires the house (see Be’ur Halacha ad loc.). However, when in doubt between the two, Shehecheyanu works (ibid. 4).
There are also significant opinions that Shehecheyanu is a mitzvabut not an obligatory beracha (see Magen Avraham 225:6). Therefore, one should not feel he is sinning if he follows the many who do not recite Shehecheyanu over their new home. Certainly, when several months have passed since moving in, it might even be too late forShehecheyanu (although this is not certain – see Halichot Shlomo I:23:13). However, you can "cover your bases" by using the idea of making Shehecheyanu on a new garment with intention for the house as well (see Be’ur Halacha to OC 22:1).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
175 - Practicing Saying “V’ten Tal U’Matar"
176 - Delayed Chanukat Habayit
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There is a more Kabbalisitically-oriented approach, which is more prevalent for Sephardim. One makes the seuda on the day he moves into the house. While also having an element of thanksgiving, this is more focused on the right spiritual start to enhance the family’s success in the house. Some great rabbis, such as the Chida, composed set orders of things to do, learn, recite (see Chanukat Habayit (Mark)).
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