New build conveyancing

What's different about buying a new build

Buying a new home from a developer follows the same basic route as any purchase, but there are extra things to check. The property may not be finished when you exchange, the title is often part of a larger development, and the contract is drafted to suit the developer. A conveyancer experienced in new builds will check these points for you.

We are a quote and introduction service. The firm we introduce you to is a regulated conveyancer (SRA or CLC) who acts for you, not for the developer.

The new build process step by step

1. Reservation. You pay a reservation fee and the developer sets a deadline for exchange, often a matter of weeks.
2. Instruction and ID. You instruct your conveyancer and complete ID and source-of-funds checks.
3. Contract pack. The developer's solicitor sends the contract, transfer, plot plan, planning and building control information, and warranty details.
4. Searches and enquiries. Searches are ordered and your conveyancer raises enquiries, including about roads, sewers and management arrangements.
5. Mortgage offer. Lenders sometimes issue shorter offers for new builds, so timing matters.
6. Exchange. Contracts are exchanged, often before the home is finished, with completion linked to a "notice to complete".
7. Notice to complete. Once the home is built and signed off, the developer serves notice, typically giving a short period to complete.
8. Completion and registration. You collect the keys; your conveyancer pays SDLT or LTT and registers you, often with a new title split from the developer's land.

What's included in a fixed-fee quote

• Legal fee, often with a new build supplement because of the extra checks.
• Disbursements, such as searches, HM Land Registry fees and bank transfer charges, plus any leasehold or management company fees.
• VAT on the legal fee and applicable disbursements.

Read our guide to how conveyancing costs are worked out. Many firms offer no-completion-no-fee terms; your quote will say whether it applies.

We may receive a fee from the conveyancer we introduce you to. If so, it will be disclosed to you in writing before you instruct them, and it does not change the quote you're given.

Key checks on a new build

Structural warranty and building control

Most lenders require a recognised structural warranty, such as those offered by NHBC, Premier Guarantee or LABC Warranty, and confirmation of building control sign-off before completion.

Estate charges and management companies

Many new estates have privately managed open spaces, with homeowners paying an annual estate charge. Your conveyancer will check how these charges are calculated and what you're committing to.

Roads, sewers and adoption

Roads and sewers may not yet be adopted by the council or water company. Your conveyancer checks for adoption agreements and bonds.

Long-stop dates

The contract should include a long-stop date, after which you can withdraw if the home still isn't finished.

Complaints about defects

Many developers have signed up to the New Homes Quality Code, which gives access to the New Homes Ombudsman Service. Before completion it's worth arranging a snagging inspection so that defects are reported to the developer promptly, usually within the period set out in the warranty or the developer's customer care policy. You can check the scheme on the New Homes Quality Board's homebuyer pages.

How long does a new build purchase take?

Developers often ask you to exchange within a few weeks of reserving. Completion then depends on the build programme: it may be days after exchange for a finished home, or several months for an off-plan one. Build delays are common, so the long-stop date matters.

Documents you'll need

• Your reservation agreement and the developer's sales particulars.
• Photo ID, proof of address and evidence of your deposit and funds.
• Your mortgage offer, including its expiry date.
• Details of any incentive, such as a deposit contribution or part-exchange.

Common issues

• Tight deadlines that leave little time for searches – read why some transactions run slowly.
• Mortgage offers expiring because the build overruns.
• Leasehold new builds, especially flats, where you'll also want to understand how leasehold purchases work.
• Estate rentcharges on some freehold estates – see estate rentcharges on freehold homes.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

How we can help

Share the development, plot and reservation deadline and we'll arrange a fixed-fee quote from a regulated conveyancer. Get a new build conveyancing quote with no obligation.