*Based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
Follow these four simple steps to find a new build solicitor to handle your purchase:
You may think that contacting a solicitor directly will be cheaper, but new build purchases have additional steps that require a specialist professional. By comparing through us, you’ll find solicitors with new build experience who anticipate the fast turnaround.
When you compare through us, new build solicitors will compete for your business, potentially leading to lower prices. You can benefit from financial savings without compromising on quality services.
All our partners managing new build purchases are verified and regulated by leading bodies such as the SRA or CLC.
Avoid the hassle of reaching out to multiple companies. We'll match you with experts who regularly work with new build developers and understand the strict deadlines.
We collect feedback from all our users, helping you compare companies, and allowing you to make the best choice.
Really great service from premium property lawyers through my home conveyancing.Sian Peek
Muve were standout professionals, offering clear guidance, invaluable help, and consistent support.Mark Ryan
The service was great and on time.Feyisanmi Adeshina
Good value and communication throughout the process.Frank Roberts
Very good and efficient. Good value.Basat Hussain
Natalie has been very helpful throughout the process. Quick to respond and no lawyer speak.Rhiannon Wheeler
Efficient and reasonably priced.Tessa Sheridan
You’ll almost always need a conveyancer or solicitor, especially if you’re using a mortgage, because lenders insist on it and the legal work is complex
Not every conveyancer offers services for new homes, so make sure you state that the property is a new build.
Solicitors who deal with new builds tend to have a dedicated team to accommodate the complexities. Therefore, we recommend comparing multiple conveyancing quotes before choosing a conveyancing solicitor.
Your solicitor will be responsible for handling all legal aspects of your home purchase. This includes checking that all planning permissions are approved.
They'll also verify that the NHBC (or other) new-home warranty paperwork is in place and the builder is properly registered.
Compare nowThe new build conveyancing process is different from existing properties, as they are still in development. Your conveyancer will have to conduct additional conveyancing searches. They will also need to arrange an NHBC inspection and deal with the planning permissions.
The conveyancing process may differ depending on how far along the property development is. Here is the buying process timeline:
You have to pay a reservation fee before making an offer. This is often non-refundable but is deducted from the final price. The property will then usually be reserved for 28 days.
A specialist new build solicitor can submit the appropriate documents quickly due to the strict deadlines. They will read through the contract draft papers to ensure all information is correct. We offer a guide to help you find the best conveyancing solicitors.
Your solicitor will arrange the relevant conveyancing searches. These property searches highlight any potential issues that could negatively impact the value. They will also review planning regulations and permissions, as well as new home warranty schemes.
Your mortgage lender will request a surveyor to conduct a mortgage valuation to determine the property’s market value. If the house is unfinished, then the valuation will be based on the plans and specifications provided.
A snagging list is a property survey for new builds. It's more thorough than a mortgage valuation, as it identifies issues with the ‘finish’ of the property and items of repair. This includes structural defects. You should hire a reliable snagging surveyor to conduct a thorough inspection.
The exchange of contracts will make the transaction legally binding. At this point, the buyer will pay the deposit and sign the necessary documents.
Completion dates are usually arranged 10 days after the exchange of contracts. However, a concrete completion date might not always be given. On the confirmed completion date, you will receive the keys, building logs, and owner’s manuals. You can then move into the property.
Compare nowThe average solicitor fee when buying a house for new builds is £1,743. Based on the UK average house price of £292,000, you can expect to pay around £7,558 for your conveyancing and disbursements in total.
Here is a breakdown of these average costs:
If you are part of schemes such as Help to Buy or Shared Ownership, overall costs will likely increase. You can use our useful Conveyancing Fees Calculator for an estimate of what you can expect to pay.
Compare nowDevelopers will reserve your property for 28 days after you have paid your reservation fee to the exchange of contracts.
During this time, your conveyancer will prepare for the exchange of contracts. When the building work has finished and the property is complete, the developer will issue a notice to complete.
Completion will typically take around 10 working days from this time.
Compare nowAs the first resident of a property, there are certain things to be aware of when purchasing a new build. Knowing what to look for will minimise the chance of issues further down the line.
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has raised standard lease extensions to 990 years and introduced peppercorn rent, providing extra security for buyers. In January 2025, the two-year qualifying period before being able to buy the freehold or apply for a lease extension was removed, making the process simpler.
Compare nowExplore our expertly-reviewed guides on conveyancing and more.
Learn more in the advice centreFind answers to common questions about comparing and choosing the best conveyancing solicitors.
Compare nowYour developer may recommend that their solicitor act on your behalf. Despite the legal process having a short turnaround with new builds, there is a lot that needs to be done.
This can help save you time finding your own conveyancer. Using a developer’s solicitor can be helpful for those undergoing a last-minute move. In some instances, your developer may offer you incentives if you use their recommended solicitor. However, this is not always guaranteed.
The solicitor will know about the property construction because they have worked with the developer. In addition, if they are building buy to let properties, they might have buy to let solicitors they can connect you with.
There is a chance that something may be missed due to the restricted number of people who have inspected the property. Using your own solicitor will ensure that you receive a new and unbiased opinion of the property.
Another advantage that comes with using your own solicitor is that they won’t feel any pressure from the developer.
In some cases, your developer may receive a referral fee or commission if you use their recommended solicitor.
Asking your solicitor and developer questions will ensure that you are organised and able to make a fully informed decision. It will give you a better understanding of the property’s development, especially those that are in the early stages. Here are some questions to consider:
Your solicitor will be able to communicate with the developer on your behalf and give you legal advice on how to proceed.
At the start of the conveyancing process, your conveyancer will request certain documentation to get the ball rolling. Some of these documents are identical to those purchasing existing properties, including:
However, those purchasing a new build will also need a Section 38 Agreement (also known as the Highways Act 1980, Section 38). This confirms that the developer has received the relevant planning permission to construct a new estate.
The conveyancing process for new builds is 28 days. This is from the day the property is reserved to completion. However, depending on the search and survey results, the conveyancing process may be delayed.
Some of the jobs your conveyancer will carry out during this time include:
The main difference between buying a property in Scotland and the rest of the UK is that your conveyancer will submit missives to the developer. Missives are an exchange of letters of negotiation between your conveyancer and the developer. Once an agreement has been made, this is known as a “conclusion of missives”.
Read more on Conveyancing in Scotland
