Buying a new build comes with tight 28-day deadlines and developer-written contracts. Our specialist new build solicitors handle everything from NHBC warranty checks to long-stop completion dates, keeping your purchase on track.
Whether you're a first-time buyer using Help to Buy or purchasing off-plan, we connect you with experienced solicitors who complete hundreds of new build transactions each year. Fixed fees, no completion no fee protection and dedicated support throughout.
Get your instant quote online or call us on .
What makes new build conveyancing different?
New build conveyancing handles buying newly constructed homes directly from developers. Unlike standard purchases, you're often committing before the property is finished and working to a strict 28-day exchange deadline.
These transactions need extra legal checks: confirming planning permissions, verifying that roads and sewers will be adopted by the local authority and reviewing NHBC or equivalent warranty details.
Developer contracts are written to protect the builder and can include restrictive covenants, management charges or clauses that limit buyer rights. A specialist new build conveyancing solicitor understands these risks and can negotiate fairer terms where possible.
When you reserve a new build, you'll usually pay a £500-£2,000 reservation fee to hold the property for about 28 days. If you miss the exchange deadline, that fee is often non-refundable and the developer may re-list the home.
With tight timelines and complex contracts, choosing an experienced new build solicitor helps keep your purchase on track and protects your investment.
Common new build conveyancing problems
New build transactions come with challenges that don't usually arise in standard property purchases.
Tight developer deadlines
Developers often require exchange within 28 days. Our panel solicitors are used to working to these schedules without cutting corners.
Construction delays
Your solicitor includes a 'long-stop' completion date in your contract, protecting you if the developer misses deadlines.
Hidden costs or unfair terms
Our solicitors review contracts for restrictive covenants, service charges or clauses that may disadvantage you.
Build quality concerns
Proper snagging provisions are built into your contract, so defects must be fixed before completion.
Choosing a solicitor who specialises in new build conveyancing means these issues are identified and managed before they become costly problems.
Our new build specialist panel
Not every conveyancer is equipped to handle the complexities of new build conveyancing.
Our panel includes solicitors who:
- Specialise exclusively in new build conveyancing
- Are vetted and regulated by the SRA or CLC
- Work to 28-day deadlines without compromising on due diligence
- Provide fixed-fee quotes with no hidden extras
When you get an instant quote through Homeward Legal, you're connecting with trusted new build solicitors who handle these transactions daily.
New build conveyancing costs and fees
New build conveyancing fees typically range between £850 and £1,500 depending on the property value and complexity. Costs are slightly higher than standard conveyancing due to the additional checks required like warranty verification, adoption agreements, and contract reviews.
At Homeward Legal, we offer fixed-fee new build conveyancing with:
- No hidden charges
- No extra costs for new build properties
- A no-completion, no-fee guarantee, so you won't lose money if your purchase falls through
Because new builds often require first registration with HM Land Registry, the registration fee can be slightly higher than for existing homes and this will be clearly itemised in your quote.
How we support your new build purchase
Connect you with specialists - We match you with experienced new build conveyancing solicitors from our vetted panel.
Handle complex checks - Your solicitor verifies warranties, planning permissions, adoption agreements and developer contracts within the 28-day deadline.
Meet tight deadlines - We're experienced with 28-day exchange requirements and work efficiently without cutting corners on due diligence.
Protect your investment - Long-stop dates, snagging provisions and completion guarantees are built into your contract.
First-time buyer support - Help with Help to Buy schemes, stamp duty relief applications and government incentive paperwork.
First-time buyer purchasing a new build?
Our panel solicitors specialise in first-time buyer new build purchases and are familiar with the schemes currently available, including shared ownership and First Homes scheme.
As a first-time buyer you may also benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax relief on purchases up to £300,000. Your solicitor will ensure any developer incentives are properly documented and do not affect your mortgage offer.
Why choose Homeward Legal for new build conveyancing?
We've established an excellent reputation you can trust and helped over 34,000 customers in the past 15 years.
Fixed Legal Fee policy
No hidden costs - the legal fee you get quoted is definitive.
No-Completion, No-Fee policy
You won't pay any legal fees if your move falls through for any reason.
Search & survey protection
You won't pay for your next search and survey if your transaction falls through.
Complete support
Dedicated customer service from start to finish. We are open 6 days a week.
Local knowledge
Solicitors with offices across England and Wales.
Simple & straightforward
No confusion with legal jargon - just plain and simple English.
Our conveyancing solicitors are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
I couldnt be happier with the service
I couldn't be happier with the service Joshua Thomas provided. From start to finish, he was absolutely brilliant. He was professional, approachable, and made the entire process feel straightforward and stress-free.
Ready to secure your new build?
With 28-day exchange deadlines, starting early matters. Our specialist solicitors understand the urgency and complexity of new build purchases.
Get your instant quote or call to speak with a conveyancing specialist today.
Frequently asked questions about new build conveyancing
How long does new build conveyancing take?
From reservation to exchange usually takes around 28 days, though this can sometimes be extended. Completion depends on the stage of construction. It could be a few weeks if the property is finished, or several months if building work is still underway.
Do I need a specialist new build solicitor?
Yes. Buying a new build home involves extra legal checks that standard conveyancers may not deal with, such as verifying warranties, reviewing adoption agreements and managing strict developer deadlines. A specialist solicitor ensures everything is handled within the short timeframe developers set.
What are typical new build conveyancing fees?
Fees generally range from £850 to £1,500, depending on property value and complexity. This covers all the required legal checks, contract reviews and registration costs. Your new build conveyancing quote will include a full breakdown with no hidden charges.
Do you charge extra for new builds?
No. While some firms add premiums for new build purchases, Homeward Legal offers fixed legal fees with no additional costs for new build transactions.
What is snagging?
Snagging is the process of identifying defects or unfinished work before completion including anything from minor cosmetic issues to structural faults. Snagging rights should be included in your contract so you can have problems corrected before or soon after moving in.
What happens if the developer delays completion?
A long-stop completion date is included in most new build contracts. If the developer misses that date, you can usually withdraw and recover your deposit. This protects buyers from open-ended delays while waiting for construction to finish.
