New Build Conveyancing Solicitors

Buying a new build property requires specialist conveyancing expertise. Our panel solicitors protect your interests during developer negotiations and ensure every deadline is met.

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Why New Build Conveyancing Is Different

Purchasing a new build property — whether buying off-plan before construction is complete or purchasing a newly completed home from a developer — involves unique legal complexities that distinguish it from a standard residential purchase. Legal Merchant's panel solicitors have extensive experience in new build conveyancing and know exactly what to look out for.

Exchange deadline pressure: Developers typically impose tight exchange deadlines — often 28 days from reservation. It is essential to instruct your solicitor immediately after reserving your plot to ensure all legal due diligence is completed in time.

Key Considerations in New Build Conveyancing

Reviewing the Developer's Contract

Developer contracts are drafted by the developer's lawyers to protect the developer's interests. They often contain clauses that significantly favour the developer — including extensive rights to vary the specification, delay completion, and impose onerous conditions. Your solicitor's role is to identify unfair or unreasonable terms and negotiate amendments where possible.

Build Completion and Long Stop Dates

When buying off-plan, you are committing to purchase a property that does not yet exist. The developer will include an estimated completion date in the contract, along with a long stop date — the latest date by which the property must be completed, after which you may have the right to rescind the contract. Your solicitor must review these provisions carefully.

Specification and Incentives

Developers frequently offer incentives such as cashback, free upgrades, or contributions to stamp duty. Your solicitor must disclose these incentives to your mortgage lender, as they can affect the lender's valuation and the amount they are willing to lend.

Warranties and Guarantees

Most new build properties come with a structural warranty — most commonly a 10-year NHBC Buildmark warranty, or equivalent from providers such as LABC Warranty or Premier Guarantee. Your solicitor will review the warranty documentation to ensure it is appropriate and will transfer to future buyers.

Infrastructure and Estate Charges

New build developments often involve shared infrastructure — roads, communal areas, and estate management companies. Your solicitor must investigate who is responsible for maintaining these areas and whether ongoing estate management charges will apply to your property.

The New Build Conveyancing Process

Reservation
You pay a reservation fee to secure your chosen plot. Instruct your solicitor immediately — the exchange deadline clock starts now.
Legal Pack Review
Your solicitor reviews the legal pack issued by the developer's solicitors, including the draft contract, title documents, and planning approvals.
Searches and Enquiries
Standard searches are carried out. Additional enquiries are raised with the developer about the specification, estate charges, and completion timeline.
Mortgage Offer
Your mortgage offer must be obtained and reviewed before exchange. New build properties may have specific lender conditions.
Exchange of Contracts
Contracts are exchanged and a deposit (typically 10%) is paid. Completion is tied to the build programme.
Build Completion Notice
Once the developer notifies you that the property is ready, you typically have 10 working days to complete.
Final Inspection and Completion
You carry out a pre-completion inspection (snagging) and complete the purchase. Your solicitor registers your ownership at HM Land Registry.

New Build FAQs

You can use any qualified conveyancing solicitor, but you should choose one with specific experience in new build transactions. New build conveyancing involves unique issues — developer contracts, off-plan risks, build warranties, and mortgage lender requirements — that require specialist knowledge. All Legal Merchant panel solicitors are experienced in new build conveyancing.
If the developer fails to complete by the long stop date in the contract, you generally have the right to rescind and recover your deposit in full. Between the estimated completion date and the long stop date, the developer has the right to delay. Your solicitor will advise you on the specific provisions in your contract and your options if delays occur.
The NHBC Buildmark warranty is the most common structural warranty for new build properties in the UK. It provides cover for two years against defects in workmanship and materials, followed by eight further years of structural warranty against major defects. Your solicitor will confirm that the warranty is in place and that it will transfer to future purchasers of the property.
Yes — Stamp Duty Land Tax applies to new build properties in the same way as any other purchase. The rates depend on the purchase price, whether you are a first-time buyer, and whether you own any other property. Some developers offer to pay a buyer's stamp duty as an incentive — but this must be disclosed to your mortgage lender.

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