New Build Home Conveyancing

New Build Home Conveyancing Solicitors

House builders on sites across the South of England recommend us for our experience and knowledge in this very specialist area.

Our new build conveyancing team thoroughly understands the ‘Help to Buy‘ and other government-backed schemes. See also: Government help for first time buyers: a guide

We also offer advice on how the process involved in buying from a house builder is different to a traditional purchase. If you have not been through it before, you will certainly have questions to ask when buying a new build property.

In addition to the usual considerations, our legal team can advise you on:

New Build exchange of contracts deadline

Most house builders will set a deadline for exchange of Contracts, usually 28 days from the date that you reserve the plot. By this date, you will need to have your mortgage offer. If you have a property to sell, your purchaser (and the rest of the chain below) will also need to be ready to exchange by the date specified.

When do you pay a deposit on a New Build House?

Check at an early stage the minimum deposit the builder will require on exchange. Many will insist on a 10% deposit. Others will accept 5%, particularly where the property is some way from physical completion.

What does the purchase price include?

In particular, ask what equipment is included in the kitchen. Are carpets included? Will the garden be turfed and boundary fences erected?

New Build restrictive covenants

Restrictions (restrictive covenants) are usually imposed on each plot on new developments. They usually include:

• restrictions against extending or altering the external appearance of the property;
• carrying on a business from the property; and
• parking commercial vehicles and caravans outside.

Find out more about restrictive covenants.

New Build completion process

Unless the property is close to physical completion, few builders will agree a fixed completion date, although you will receive an estimated date. This is mainly because adverse weather may prevent them from finishing the property on time. The usual arrangement is for completion on two weeks’ notice.

How to deal with defects in a New Build House

Before completion, carry out an inspection of the property and prepare a written list of any defects of unfinished items. Hand this list to the site office. Although you will not be able to delay completion if the defects are minor, the contract should require the builder to remedy the defects as soon as possible after completion.