Purchasing any property is a significant investment but the process for buying a new build home is unique.
With stricter deadlines and detailed documentation to consider, it’s important to get the right legal support from the outset. Our dedicated New Homes solicitors specialises in all aspects of buying and selling new build properties. They understand the complexities of the conveyancing process for new build houses, helping you reach completion as quickly and easily as possible, and if buying ‘off plan’ this begins before a brick has even been laid.
How we help if you’re buying a new build home
You often need to move quickly to secure your dream new build home but it’s crucial to make sure all the documentation is in order, especially if you’re buying ‘off plan’.
Our friendly and approachable team will:
- Provide a personal service, with a dedicated team member - We explain each step in plain English, answering any questions promptly and keeping you fully informed throughout the process.
- Work closely with everyone involved to complete your purchase - We regularly visit development sites and meet the sales teams and other people you deal with throughout your transaction.
- Explain your options clearly - We talk you through the different purchase options that may be applicable to you when buying a new build house. These include part exchange (when offered by developers); Help to Buy and Forces Help to Buy; Shared Equity; Help to Buy ISAs; and Lifetime ISAs.
- Carry out the necessary paperwork with care and attention - Alongside the essential searches, we go through all documentation from the developers carefully to make sure all the relevant information has been provided, raising enquiries with them if needed.
What is the process for buying a new build house?
The timescales for buying a new build house are generally much quicker than those for older properties, so you need to get started with the conveyancing process promptly.
You should notify us as soon as you've found the new build house you'd like to buy. The site office will send us a reservation form, which sets out details such as the address, price, and any incentives or deals that have been agreed between yourself and the developer.
Most developers impose a 28-day exchange deadline. This means that, if contracts haven't been exchanged within this time, the developer reserves the right to remove or reconsider any incentives they're offering.
During this time, we carry out searches of the property, raise any necessary enquiries with the developer and review your mortgage offer. We take a proactive approach to keep to the tight timescales. Where there are factors outside our control, such as how long it takes to receive the information from your mortgage lender, we do everything we can to ensure a response so you’re ready to exchange by the deadline.
Once everything is in order, we meet with you to go through the contract and check you’re happy to sign this.
With new build homes, the completion date is generally 'on notice', to allow the developer time to finish building the property. The site office should provide you with an anticipated completion date and keep you updated. When we’ve had evidence the property is structurally complete and signed off by building control, we can arrange for completion, which is generally 7 to 10 working days after this.
The process for buying a new build house can seem daunting, but we make sure you’re clear about what will happen at each stage. We also provide a guide to buying your new build home when you first instruct us, which details the steps involved and includes FAQs and other useful information.
Working closely with developers
We advise both buyers who are looking to purchase a new build house and developers who want to acquire sites or sell individual units. In both situations, our experienced solicitors provide straightforward advice and an efficient service that is focused on getting your transaction over the line.
Why choose Tozers?
Our specialist New Homes conveyancing team has developed a strong reputation, because of their fast, efficient and high-quality service, and as a result both national and regional house builders recommend us to new home buyers across the South West.
We do not pay commission or referral fees for such recommendations and remain entirely independent of the developers.
We’re accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme and take pride in delivering an excellent service. This is competitively priced and, as each client and transaction are different, tailored to your individual purchase.
"I highly recommend Tozers."
"They dealt with the purchase of my new property and at all times the service I received was excellent."
"They were able to guide me through the buying process in a calm and confident manner so I always felt they were looking after my interests."
Find out how we can help you buy a new build house
Contact our New Homes solicitors to get a quote for our conveyancing services – complete our online enquiry form below or call us at one of our Devon offices.