New Build Conveyancing

Buying a new build property is an exciting step in your adult life, but it also comes with unique legal and practical challenges that are new to the traditional way of purchasing homes.

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New Build Conveyancing Solicitors

At BBS Law, our new build conveyancing solicitors are experienced in guiding buyers through the purchasing of newly constructed homes.

We work to ensure that your rights are protected and the process runs smoothly. With our knowledge of the new build conveyancing checklist and timeline, we work proactively to avoid delays and get you or your tenants in your new home as soon as possible.

Buying a New Build? What You Need to Do First

Purchasing a new build often means that the process begins before the property is even completed, meaning buyers are typically committing to a purchase based on plans or a show home.

Once you’ve reserved your plot, the developer will expect you to instruct a conveyancing solicitor promptly to ensure the contract is exchanged within a tight timeframe, usually 28 days.

This is where having a solicitor who understands the intricacies of new build conveyancing becomes critical.

So as it is pretty clear, the first thing you need to check off your list is hiring the right new build conveyancing solicitor. This is because we will carry out all required legal due diligence, advise on the terms of the developer’s contract, and ensure that your interests are protected in the event of construction delays or issues with planning or build quality.

What Is New Build Conveyancing?

While advisors may have prompted you to hire a new build conveyancing solicitor, we understand that these may be completely new terms to a first time buyer. That being said, allow us to explain what it actually consists of.

New build conveyancing is the legal process of buying a newly constructed property, often based on a plan or show home. While this makes it instantly different from traditional house purchases, there are other reasons why it is so unlike traditional conveyancing.

Different to situations wherein the property is already built and occupied, new build transactions involve additional legal checks, strict timelines, and potential risks that must be carefully managed.

The key areas our new build conveyancing solicitors investigate are whether the developer has proper title to the land, ensure planning conditions have been met, confirm that building regulations and warranty protections (such as NHBC or equivalent) are in place, and verify that the property will be constructed in accordance with agreed specifications.

Not only that, but we also check that necessary roads, drainage, and services will be adopted by local authorities, avoiding future liability for private maintenance costs.

What to Do If Your New Build Has Problems

While buying a brand new home offers an array of benefits, issues can still arise from cosmetic defects to more serious structural or regulatory concerns. If your new build property is handed over with snags or does not meet the agreed specification, we will advise you on your legal rights and the steps required to compel the developer to make good on its obligations.

In more serious cases, such as failure to comply with planning permissions or building regulations, we can act quickly to resolve the matter and, where necessary, pursue claims under the new build warranty or courts.

Having an experienced new build conveyancing lawyer on your side ensures you’re well prepared should any of these issues arise.

Why You Need a Solicitor for New Build Conveyancing: What We Look Out for

New build purchases can be very complicated and fast-moving, plus there is often the pressure of developers to exchange contracts sooner rather than later.

However, with this in mind, independent legal advice is more crucial than ever. At BBS Law, we act solely in your interest, ensuring that no critical detail is overlooked.

Our new build conveyancing solicitors carry out extensive checks before you commit to a contract.

We verify that the developer has proper title to sell, confirm planning and building regulation compliance, and review any obligations under section 106 agreements or private management arrangements.

We scrutinise warranty documents, investigate rights of way, easements and covenants, and ensure that the property is fully ready for occupation upon completion.

Our role is not just transactional, it is protective so you can rest assured you’re committing to a home that fits the bill.

The Process of New Build Conveyancing

The process of buying a new build home follows a similar structure to standard conveyancing but with key differences that require specialist legal oversight.

At BBS Law, we guide clients through each step, working to meet the developer’s timelines without compromising on the quality of due diligence. Below is a detailed look at how the new build conveyancing timeline typically unfolds:

Stage 1: Reservation and Instruction

Once you’ve selected your plot or unit, you’ll pay a reservation fee to the developer to secure the property, the price can vary but it is usually between £500 and £2,000. This kicks off the legal process as you’ll then need to instruct a new build conveyancing solicitor promptly, as developers often require exchange of contracts within 28 days of reservation.

Stage 2: Legal Due Diligence

Once your plot is reserved, your appointed solicitor will receive a legal pack from the developer’s solicitors, which includes all important documentation such as the draft contract, title documents, planning permissions, building regulations approvals, and details of any warranties.

We review these carefully, ensuring that the developer has met legal obligations and that legal title to the land and that all permissions and agreements are in place to complete the build and provide access to roads, drainage, and other essential services.

Stage 3: Raising Enquiries and Investigating the Property

We raise specific legal enquiries with the developer’s solicitors to clarify anything that appears inconsistent or incomplete.

This includes checking for restrictive covenants, rights of way, service charge arrangements for communal areas, and future maintenance obligations especially common in new build developments with private roads or shared spaces.

If any issues arise, we’ll advise you on the implications and how they can be resolved before proceeding.

Stage 4: Searches, Mortgage Finalisation & Exchange of Contracts

We carry out the standard property searches (local authority, drainage and water, environmental, etc.), although in some cases developers may provide a search pack or offer indemnity insurance to speed things up. At the same time, you’ll work with your mortgage lender to secure your offer.

We’ll review the mortgage terms to ensure they align with the developer’s requirements and your own interests.

Once all legal matters are satisfied, your mortgage is in place, and you’re happy to proceed, contracts are exchanged. You’ll pay a deposit at this stage, typically 10% of the purchase price.

Stage 5: Final Completion and Registration

As construction progresses, the developer will eventually serve notice to complete, typically giving you 10 working days to complete the purchase.

On the agreed completion date, the remaining funds are transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.

Your solicitor then deals with post-completion matters, including paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and registering your ownership with HM Land Registry.

We also ensure that any warranties, service charge accounts, and management company memberships are properly documented for your protection.

Throughout the entire process, BBS Law provides timely action so you can rest assured that your purchase is legally secure and as stress free as possible, even when working within tight deadlines.

Choose BBS Law for New Build Conveyancing

At BBS Law, we understand the specific demands of buying a new build property, that’s why our team helps avoid delays and protects your investment. Whether you’re buying your first home, adding to a portfolio, or moving house we can help you get there.

Our experience with the entire new build conveying timeline from the exciting first step of reserving your plot, to post-completion matters, allows us to anticipate risks and address them before they become legal disputes.

With offices in London and Manchester and clients across the UK, we are well placed to support your new build purchase, so get in touch to get the ball rolling today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does new build conveyancing differ when buying a home?

New build conveyancing can involve more complex legal checks than standard property purchases. The property may be off-plan, requiring careful scrutiny of planning permissions, warranties, and construction commitments. Timelines are often tighter, and developers usually demand exchange within a set period, adding time pressure to the process.

Is conveyancing more expensive on a new build?

Yes, new build conveyancing can be more expensive than standard purchases due to the increased legal work involved. Your solicitor will need to examine detailed planning documentation and deal with complex contracts and warranties. At BBS Law, we offer transparent pricing and will explain all fees at the outset.

How long do solicitor searches take for a new build?

Searches for new build properties generally take 2 to 4 weeks, though timescales can vary depending on the local authority. We often work with developers to access search indemnity insurance or pre-prepared packs to help meet tight exchange deadlines where appropriate.

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Avi BarrPartner

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Daniel Berger Partner

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Robert RosenbergPartner

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Eoin Murphy Partner

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Safiyah Bhaiyat Partner

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Jeremy Manuel O.B.E. Partner

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For proactive, bespoke, commercial solutions, contact us to discuss your needs.

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I just want to thank you Tanaaz and Robert for enduring with our property travails for so many years with such professionalism and good sense.

Alan and Samanthi

We had a great experience working with Wale and Robert. Buying our flat went super smoothly and dealt with in courteous and professional way.

Yotam

After appointing BBS I was introduced to Kelly and Safiyah who would be looking after my property sale. I was impressed with them every step of the way, they kept me informed, avoided some potential issues and were thoroughly professional. What I like the most was the personable way they dealt with the matter, very attentive and always on hand to move things forward. A real pleasure to deal with thank you both.

Sean

Avi, Safiyah & Kelly have dealt with a number of transactions for me over the past few years. Their attention to detail is incredible. They are a hard working team who will ensure you get the deal done without any fuss. Emails get replied to, matters get dealt with swiftly and i was kept in the loop the whole time. If you would like to get the deal done in good time and with professionalism then look no further! I would highly recommend them and look forward to doing more business with them all in the near future.

Josh

We are delighted to be working with BBS Law on our Bridging Loans. Avi Barr and his team provide a highly efficient service which is appreciated by us and our borrowers. Whether we are working on single buy to let properties or more complex loan scenarios we are always confident of the BBS team's ability to deliver a result focussed on our requirements and objectives.

Anthony Bodenstein, Founder & Managing Partner of Whitehall Capital

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New Build Conveyancing

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New Build Conveyancing Solicitors

Buying a New Build? What You Need to Do First

What Is New Build Conveyancing?

What to Do If Your New Build Has Problems

Why You Need a Solicitor for New Build Conveyancing: What We Look Out for

The Process of New Build Conveyancing

Stage 1: Reservation and Instruction

Stage 2: Legal Due Diligence

Stage 3: Raising Enquiries and Investigating the Property

Stage 4: Searches, Mortgage Finalisation & Exchange of Contracts

Stage 5: Final Completion and Registration

Choose BBS Law for New Build Conveyancing

Property Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

How does new build conveyancing differ when buying a home?

Is conveyancing more expensive on a new build?

How long do solicitor searches take for a new build?

Our Property Partners

For proactive, bespoke, commercial solutions, contact us to discuss your needs.

Request a call back

Alan and Samanthi

Yotam

Sean

Josh

Anthony Bodenstein, Founder & Managing Partner of Whitehall Capital

Property Case Studies

Strategic Freehold Purchase of Multi-Unit Residential Property

BBS Law Advises Work Avenue on New Manchester Workspace

The Hoo: A Complex £11m Refinance for a Grade II Listed Property Development

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