Buying a new build home

Expert guidance for your new build home. Our award-winning team takes the stress out of conveyancing, leaving you free to focus on your new home.

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Buying a new build home is exciting. You’re the first to turn the key, the first to make it your own, and you get to skip the long property chain.

two people stand over a desk shaking hands

With tight developer deadlines, complex contracts and a mountain of paperwork, it’s easy for things to feel overwhelming.

At Talbots Law, our specialist New Build Team make the process smooth, stress-free and clear from start to finish. We understand the unique challenges that come with buying a new build property, and we’ll make sure no detail is missed and no deadline slips by.

New build properties can be a dream come true — but when things go wrong, they can quickly become a nightmare. Our experts know how to keep your move on track, protect your investment and make the process as straightforward as possible.

With developers often setting strict completion dates and contracts exchanged before the build is finished, timing is everything. Our team stays one step ahead, handling every detail efficiently so you can focus on planning your move, not chasing paperwork.

If you’re ready to get moving, simply fill out the enquiry form below or call us on 0800 118 1500 and let our team help you get the keys to your new home.

Why choose Talbots’ new build lawyers?

Our New Build Team aren’t just specialists… they’re award-winning.
We were crowned New Build Conveyancing Team of the Year at the National Conveyancing Awards in 2022 and have been finalists and highly commended in years since, reflecting the quality, expertise and client care we bring to every transaction.

We know that property matters, it’s about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people and their homes. That’s why we’ve spent years building a team of property experts who handle every transaction with confidence and care.

When it comes to new homes, specialist knowledge is essential. From planning permissions to plot purchases and property searches, our team has the expertise to guide you every step of the way. Our experience ensures you move forward smoothly, with tailored advice on your contract terms and every other detail of the process.

We may be experts, but we speak plain English. No jargon, no assumptions, just clear explanations so you understand exactly what’s happening at each stage. We encourage our clients to ask questions, as many as they like, because at the end of the day, it’s your new home, and you deserve to feel confident every step of the way.

What’s the difference between new build and regular conveyancing?

Well, for a start, it’s a new property. That means the sale is between the housing association and the buyer, rather than a previous owner. The difference here is that when you purchase the property, it’s likely that you’ll have only seen the show home. It’s a leap of faith, which is why we recommend the assistance of a solicitor.

New build conveyancing works on a tight timescale. In the space of roughly 4 weeks from reservation, the developers expect the exchange of contracts to take place. For that reason, it’s advisable to have a mortgage offer as early as possible.

Soon after making a reservation on your new build property, the developer will send you – the buyer – a package of information regarding the property. This should include the planning permission, the Highways Act Agreement and the Water Industry Act Agreement and Bond. That’s when our new build solicitors will step in and ensure all the documents are correct and all necessary information has been provided. It will also give us a chance to raise enquiries with the developers, if need be, as well as a few essential property searches.

Completion is also quite different. Though the contract exchange usually happens in this short period of time, completion date is subject to change due to various factors, e.g. the weather. When the building is complete, you’ll be given written notice and completion will happen in the following 10 working days.

Do I need insurance when buying a new build property?

New build properties are likely to be offered structural defects insurance. Without it, it’s not guaranteed you’ll receive compensation from the developer if you find defects in the property after the purchase. Most developers will subscribe to the National House Building Council (NHBC) scheme which offers a 10 year “Buildmark” warranty, or a similar scheme. That means that any defects or issues that arise in the first 10 years of ownership will be rectified. However, please note that the insurance does not cover decorative costs.