New Build Conveyancing Solicitors
Home – new build
Conveyancing
what is new build conveyancing?
New build conveyancing is the legal process of buying a brand‑new property directly from a developer. This can be a completed home ready to move into, or an off‑plan purchase, where construction is still in progress.
It differs from a standard conveyancing purchase in several key ways:
- Tight exchange deadlines — developers often require contracts to be exchanged within 28 days of reservation.
- More complex contracts — including detailed plans, specifications, and sometimes restrictions on alterations.
- Developer‑specific obligations — such as service charge arrangements, maintenance responsibilities, and estate management rules.
- Unfinished property considerations — when buying off‑plan, you commit to the purchase before seeing the finished home.
At TBI Conveyancing we specialise in guiding buyers through these unique challenges, ensuring contracts are watertight, deadlines are met, and you move in with confidence.
Buying a new build home is exciting — but the legal process is very different from a standard purchase. With tight developer deadlines and complex contracts, you need a solicitor who specialises in new build conveyancing. At TBI Conveyancing we guide you from reservation to completion, keeping your purchase on track and your interests fully protected.
Certified Expertise,
Trusted Service
Tilly, Bailey & Irvine
the new build
conveyancing process
Buying a new build home follows a strict timeline. At TBI Conveyancing, we make sure everything runs smoothly, protecting your position and meeting developer deadlines.
1. Reservation & Instruction
Once you’ve chosen your new build home, the developer will ask you to:
- Sign a reservation agreement confirming the property you are buying.
- Pay a reservation fee (deducted from the purchase price on completion).
Most developers require exchange of contracts within 28 days. This means you should instruct us immediately so we can start work and meet the deadline.
2. Reviewing the Contract Pack
We review the full legal pack from the developer’s solicitor, checking:
- Development plans and property boundaries match what you expect.
- Planning permissions and building regulations compliance are in place.
- NHBC warranty or equivalent new-build guarantee.
- Service charges and management company terms if you will be paying for shared facilities.
We flag any issues early so they can be resolved before exchange.
3. Off-Plan Considerations
If your home isn't built yet, we:
- Confirm the longstop completion date — the final date the developer must finish your home.
- Advise on mortgage offer timing so your offer doesn't expire before completion.
- Make sure contract terms protect you against excessive delays.
4. Exchange of Contracts
Exchange makes your purchase legally binding.
- Developers usually require this within 28 days of reservation.
- We make sure all legal and financial checks are completed before you commit.
- Once exchanged, you are legally obliged to complete the purchase.
5. Pre-Completion Checks
Before you complete, we will:
- Recommend a snagging survey to check for defects.
- Confirm the property is finished to the agreed specification.
- Ensure utilities are connected and working.
6. Completion
On completion day:
- We send the balance of the purchase price to the developer's solicitor.
- You collect your keys and can move in.
- If the developer delays completion, we make sure your rights under the contract are protected.
7. Post Completion
After you've moved in, we:
- Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) due.
- Register your ownership at HM Land Registry.
- Provide copies of the title deeds to you and your mortgage lender.
How Long Does New Build Conveyancing Take?
When buying a new build, speed is essential. Most developers require exchange of contracts within 28 days of reservation. Completion can happen quickly if the property is ready — or several months later if you’re buying off‑plan.
Typical Timelines
- Exchange: Within 28 days of paying your reservation fee.
- Completion - Ready‑built home — often 2–4 weeks after exchange. Off‑plan — can be several months, depending on the build stage.
Factors That Can Delay the Process
- Mortgage offer expiry — if your mortgage expires before the property is ready, you may need to re‑apply
- Developer delays — weather, supply issues, or construction setbacks can push completion back
- Snagging issues — if defects are found, you may choose to delay completion until they are resolved
How TBI Keeps Your Purchase on Track
At TBI Conveyancing we know how to meet developer deadlines without compromising on checks. We start work immediately when you instruct us. Our team liaises daily with developers, lenders, and you to keep everyone aligned. We anticipate issues early, from mortgage expiry risks to possible build delays, giving you time to act. This proactive approach means you can focus on your move while we make sure the legal process stays firmly on schedule.
How TBI Keeps Your Purchase on Track
At TBI Conveyancing we know how to meet developer deadlines without compromising on checks. We start work immediately when you instruct us. Our team liaises daily with developers, lenders, and you to keep everyone aligned. We anticipate issues early, from mortgage expiry risks to possible build delays, giving you time to act. This proactive approach means you can focus on your move while we make sure the legal process stays firmly on schedule.
Get Your Free New Build Conveyancing Quote Today
Don’t risk missing your developer’s deadline. New build purchases move quickly — and you need a solicitor who knows exactly how to keep things on track.
At TBI Conveyancing, we work to your timescales, protect your interests, and keep you informed from start to finish. Our fixed fee pricing means you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden costs.
Fixed Fee, Specialist New Build Expertise
When you buy a new build, you need a solicitor who understands the urgency, the detail, and the developer’s requirements. At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we combine specialist new build conveyancing expertise with clear, fixed fee pricing so you can budget confidently from day one.
What’s Included in Our Fixed Fee
Our fixed fee covers all the legal work needed for your new build purchase, including:
- Reviewing the developer’s contract pack — checking boundaries, plans, planning permissions, and compliance with building regulations.
- Assessing warranties such as NHBC or equivalent schemes.
- Conducting all standard property searches to protect your investment.
- Advising on any special conditions linked to new developments.
- Handling SDLT submission and Land Registry registration.
Disbursements and Extra Costs
- Land Registry fees — set by HM Land Registry.
- Bank transfer fees for safely moving your funds.
- Specialist searches — for example, new development drainage or environmental reports, if required.
We explain these at the start so you know exactly what to expect.
Disbursements and Extra Costs
Disbursements are third‑party costs we pay on your behalf, such as:
- Land Registry fees — set by HM Land Registry.
- Bank transfer fees for safely moving your funds.
- Specialist searches — for example, new development drainage or environmental reports, if required.
We explain these at the start so you know exactly what to expect.
Our No Hidden Cost Promise – The price we quote is the price you pay for the agreed work. No surprise invoices. Clear written breakdown before you instruct us.
Why Choose Tilly Bailey & Irvine for Your Purchase?
Specialist New Build Knowledge
Years of experience working with both national and local developers, meeting tight 28‑day exchange deadlines.
Personal Service
A named solicitor will handle your case from start to finish, keeping you informed every step.
Fixed Fees for Certainty
Transparent costs so you can plan your budget with confidence.
Nationwide Service
While based in the North East, we help buyers all over England & Wales.
FAQs
Expert Answers to Your Conveyancing Queries
Yes — you must use a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to legally complete a new build purchase. New builds involve tight exchange deadlines, complex contracts, and checks on warranties, planning permissions, and developer compliance.
Our conveyancing solicitors will ensure your purchase is secure, your interests are protected, and your transaction meets the developer’s strict requirements.
Developers usually require buyers to exchange contracts within 28 days because:
- They have funding commitments tied to sales progress
- Fast exchanges help them meet lender and investor deadlines
- It reduces the risk of buyers changing their mind
This short timeline means instructing a new build solicitor immediately is essential to avoid losing your reservation.
An NHBC Warranty is a 10‑year guarantee against major structural defects in new homes.
- First 2 years: developer must fix most defects.
- Remaining 8 years: covers serious structural issues.
If the developer fails to meet standards, NHBC may arrange repairs or pay costs. We check warranty details so you understand your cover.
If your new build is delayed, the contract should include a longstop date — the latest date the developer must complete. If the build isn’t finished by this date, you can usually withdraw and get your deposit back.