New Build Properties

Buying a brand-new home is a unique process; whether a newly built house, apartment, or off-the-plan development, it is different in several important respects from purchasing a previously lived in property. The process often involves staged contracts, construction timeframes, developer documentation, and additional due diligence.


Our friendly and professional team will guide you through each stage, protect your interests, and ensure your investment proceeds smoothly and securely.

Reservation and Initial Deposit

You may be asked to pay a reservation fee to secure the property. This temporarily removes it from the market while contracts are prepared.

We will ensure the fee is credited toward the purchase price.

Contract Review

With a new-build purchase, the contract documentation is typically more detailed than for an existing property. It may include:

• The sale agreement
• Development plans and specifications
• Building warranties
• Planning permissions and approvals
• Estate regulations (if applicable)
• Management company arrangements

We will carefully review the contract terms, including:

• Completion timelines
• Long stop dates
• Developer rights to amend plans
• Deposit protection provisions
• Warranty coverage
• Cancellation and penalty clauses

Finance and Mortgage Arrangements

If you require mortgage finance, the lender will issue a formal loan offer once the property details are confirmed.

For off-the-plan purchases, there may be a significant gap between exchange of contracts and completion. We ensure your mortgage offer remains valid and that all lender conditions are satisfied.

Exchange of Contracts

Once due diligence is complete and your mortgage is approved, contracts are formally exchanged.

At this stage:

• The deposit (typically 10%) is paid
• The agreement becomes legally binding
• A completion timeframe is confirmed

Construction Period (For Off-Plan Purchases)

If the property is not yet built, construction will proceed in accordance with the development schedule. We monitor contractual deadlines and advise on any proposed variations.

Pre-Completion and Snagging

Before completion, you may inspect the property to identify minor defects (often referred to as snagging). We advise on your rights to require remedial works and ensure issues are addressed appropriately.

Completion

On completion day, the balance of funds is transferred and you receive the keys to your new home.

We also ensure Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid (where applicable) and registration formalities are completed.

Additional Considerations

New-build purchases may involve service charges, shared amenities, estate covenants, new home warranty schemes, and adoption of roads and utilities. Each of these matters requires careful legal review to avoid unexpected future liabilities.

Our Commitment to You

As accredited members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), you can trust that you will receive clear, practical guidance. We will ensure your transaction is handled with the highest standards of professionalism and care, giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout your purchase.