Resources

Buying New Build Property

New builds are becoming an increasingly popular means of buying, especially for first time buyers who are making use of the government’s First Homes Scheme or shared ownership/shared equity schemes. New build properties offer an array of advantages over second-hand properties. To ensure that your purchase runs as smoothly as possible, you will need expert solicitors to provide you with a fast, efficient, and friendly service, ensuring you can move into your new property without worry. 

Why New Build Conveyancing Is Different

New build purchases are not the same as buying an existing property

You may be required to exchange within 28–42 days. Completion often takes place on notice. Contracts are drafted by developers, not negotiated between individuals. There may be long stop dates, staged payments, warranty documents, estate management arrangements and lender-specific requirements to consider.

This is why specialist expertise matters. Our team handles new build transactions every day. We understand how to protect your position while ensuring you meet strict developer timelines.

Our New Build Expertise

We understand the nuances of new build conveyancing inside out:

Developer Contracts: Comprehensive reviews to ensure terms are fair and protect your interests.

Snagging & Handover Guidance: Expert advice on warranties, defects, and completion arrangements.

Mortgage & Funding Support: Coordinating efficiently with lenders to secure your finance.

Efficient Completion Management: Ensuring you move in on time with no unexpected delays.

First-Time Buyer Support: Specialised guidance for new buyers navigating the property ladder.

With over 15 years’ experience, our dedicated team has helped thousands of clients secure their dream homes, ensuring complex transactions are handled smoothly.

Why choose us?

Top 10 Reasons to Choose PLS Solicitors

Focused on exchanging on time

New build purchases come with tight deadlines. We are experienced in meeting 28 to 42 day exchange requirements, helping you secure your plot without unnecessary stress.

Specialists in new build and shared ownership

We handle new build transactions every day, so we understand completion on notice, developer contracts, snagging, and long stop dates as standard.

On all major lender panels

This helps prevent mortgage related delays and avoids the risk of being asked to change solicitor late in the process.

Clear, proactive communication througout

You are kept informed at every key stage, reducing uncertainty, chasing, and last minute surprises.

Trusted by over 55,000 buyers since 2021

Our experience across tens of thousands of transactions gives buyers confidence that their purchase is in safe hands.

Highly rated by real clients

With over 6,000 Trustpilot reviews and a 4.7 star average, our service quality is consistently recognised.

Trusted by major UK house builders

We work closely with leading developers across England and Wales, helping transactions progress smoothly for all parties.

Award winning conveyancing teams

Recognised at the British Conveyancing Awards, including New Build Team of the Year and Best Law Firm for Conveyancing.

Online access, anytime it suits you

Our secure client portal allows you to track progress, upload documents, and complete forms 24 hours a day.

Accessible, transparent, and competitively priced

Open six days a week with extended hours, clear pricing, and a dedicated quotes team available by phone or online.

What is a new build property?

A new build property is a brand-new home which has never been lived in. Recently, there has been a great emphasis on building more houses to tackle the property shortage, therefore many properties on the market today are New build properties.

Why purchase a new build property?

New build properties are less likely to require works or maintenance at the point of purchase than an older property. Energy and heating bills may also be cheaper since new homes are more efficient and better insulated.
If you are buying your home off-plan (before it has been built) then you will often have some input into some of the design features of the house.
Many fixtures and fittings which you would normally expect to pay for in an older property are already installed in new build properties. For example, double or triple glazed windows, insulation, energy efficient heating and white goods such as dish washers are often already present in new build properties.

New Build Property two storey in UK

Testimonials

Customer feedback

See What Our Customers Are Saying

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Alexandru Mastacan

The transaction was smooth, support was good and would use them again.

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Rebekah Bowyer

As first time buyers, this is all so new to us and Rubina Rob has been superb in making such a daunting experience easy and smooth. She’s super friendly and gets things done very quick! Nothing has been too much for her and she has been so patient regarding anything I’ve needed clarification on. Honestly, I could not recommend her more and will definitely come back to hopefully work with her in the future. We’ve exchanged contracts today and will complete on Thursday and none of this would have been possible without Rubina. We are buying a shared ownership property that is move in ready and in all the process has taken us around 2 months for anyone wondering. Thank you so very much!

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Lucy M

I previously wrote a bad review but since a new solicitor took over my case, she has been absolutely fantastic. I can’t thank Rubina Rob enough for her hard work for getting me to complete within 9 weeks. She was extremely professional, proactive and constantly kept me up to date. She responded quickly to any queries I raised and always gave me a phonecall to explain further. I can’t thank Rubina enough, I would definitely use her in the future. Thank you so much! Rubina is a credit to PLS.

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Zainab Hassan

I would say it was not straight forward but Will from PLS Contact made things clear and helped me. They were prompt in replying and making me understand the whole process.

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Joy Brown

Fantastic service would definitely use again

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Adam Tyrer

Good solicitors for us as first time buyers

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Sean Fox

This feedback is specifically for Rubina Rob at PLS Solicitors. After a very poor start to my conveyancing experience, where much of my time and efforts were wasted by Matthew Howard and Sam Burton, Rubina took over my case. Once she did, things rapidly improved. Rubina kept me in the loop and was very responsive to emails and phone messages. She understood my frustrations with the previous handlers and dealt with my case in an efficient and professional manner. I will be leaving a separate review for PLS as a company when I have time to put everything in writing.

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Consumer

We had Sean help us with our house buying experience and he was brilliant from start to finish. Emails were replied to quickly and searches were also completed in good time - we didn’t have to chase once. Would definitely use in the future. Thank you!

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Kyle Van Dyk

We had a very pleasant and extremely quick process with Shah from PLS solicitors. He was always quick to respond to our queries and guided us through the whole process. I will highly recommend them!!!

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Elaria Ibrahim

Thank you so much for making the process smoother and faster than we expected. We particularly appreciate Amy’s support in handling our case and all the effort they have put into helping us.

New Build - Shared Ownership Guide by PLS

Free Guide

Buying a New Build Home – What You Need to Know

Thinking about buying a new build?

Our free guide walks you through the process, the questions you should ask during a site visit and what to expect so you can move forward with confidence.

Thinking about buying a new build?

Our free guide walks you through the process, the questions you should ask during a site visit and what to expect so you can move forward with confidence.

New Build - Shared Ownership Guide by PLS

Free Guide

Buying a New Build Home – What You Need to Know

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQs for New Build Conveyancing!

How is new build conveyancing different from buying an existing home?

New build purchases involve additional legal steps, including reviewing the developer’s contract, checking build specifications, and working to the developer’s own timelines for exchange and completion, which can move faster than a typical resale.

Timescales depend on how far along the development is and the developer’s own build schedule, so they can vary more than a standard purchase. We’ll keep you updated on timings throughout via our portal.

This isn’t unusual with new builds. Our team will let you know as soon as we’re notified, and guide you through anything you need to do to meet the new date.

Yes. We regularly act on new build purchases using the First Homes Scheme and Shared Ownership, and our team can talk you through how each scheme affects your purchase.

Need more Information?

For more information, please contact our Advisory Team.