New Build Solicitors

What does buying a new build involve?

Buying a new build involves purchasing a property directly from the developer that built it, sometimes before it is finished or even started. The process moves quickly at the start. Once you reserve a plot and pay a reservation fee, the developer will usually require you to exchange contracts within a short window, which leaves little room for delay on the legal side.

The new build solicitors at BWS Law guide buyers through every part of the process. Some of the main areas our work covers include the following.

Purchasing new build properties

New build purchases involve specific documentation and deadlines, and we deal with all of it on your behalf.

On a new build purchase, our new build solicitors will:

• Review the contract and the developer’s documents and raise enquiries with their solicitors about anything that is unclear or that needs changing in your favour.
• Check the planning permission and building regulation position, and confirm that the roads, drainage, and services serving the property will be properly adopted or maintained.
• Look at any estate or management charges that will apply once you move in, such as service charge, and explain what they will cost you.
• Report to you in plain terms on what we find, so that you can reserve and exchange with a full understanding of the property.

Meeting the developer’s deadlines

The short exchange deadline is the part of a new build purchase that catches buyers out most often, and managing it is central to what we do.

Our work in this regard involves:

• Prioritising the legal work from the moment you reserve, so that searches, enquiries, and the contract review are dealt with inside the developer’s timeframe.
• Explaining the key dates in the contract, including the deadline to exchange, the expected completion date, and any long-stop date by which the home must be ready.
• Advising you on what happens if the build is delayed or if the developer serves notice to complete once the property is finished, so that there are no surprises at either end.

Warranties and protection for your new home

A new build should come with protection against defects, and it is important that this is in place and properly documented.

When we deal with this, we will:

• Check that the property has a recognised new home warranty, such as an NHBC Buildmark policy or equivalent.
• Confirm the cover is in place and pass the documents to you and your lender, who will require it before releasing funds.
• Explain what the warranty does and does not cover, and how the developer’s own period for putting right defects fits alongside it.

Why choose us?

Purchasing a new build property should be exciting, not stressful. Our job is to facilitate a swift, straightforward completion while making sure your interests are protected. Here is what you can expect when you instruct our new build solicitors.

Expertise in new build property transactions

We deal with new build purchases regularly and understand how they differ from buying an established property, from the short exchange deadlines to the lengthy contracts drawn up by developers. We know which points to question and how to keep the legal work on track, so that your purchase is handled properly and completed on time.

Supportive service

Buying off-plan can feel uncertain, particularly if it is your first time. We explain where you stand in plain English, keep you updated as the build progresses, and make sure that we are easy to reach throughout, so that you always know what is happening and are clear on next steps.

Competitive rates

We explain our fees clearly from the outset and stand by them, with no unexpected charges added as your purchase progresses. You receive high quality legal work at a fair and competitive price, supported by a clear quote you can budget around.

If you are buying a new build home and would like the support of an experienced new build solicitor, contact us today to find out how we can help.