New build conveyancing process and checklist

Purchasing a brand new property is an exciting step. However, the conveyancing process and timeline for new builds work differently from existing properties – and understanding these differences upfront will help ensure a smooth journey to your new front door.

Unlike traditional property purchases where you’re buying from previous owners, new build conveyancing involves working directly with developers.

This brings unique opportunities like warranties, potential incentives, and the excitement of being a property’s first owner. It also means navigating different timelines, documentation requirements, and legal processes.

Whether you're exploring show homes or ready to reserve your plot, this guide breaks down new build conveyancing and the timeline for you, covering everything from legal fees to completion deadlines.

Before Reservation:

• Find a conveyancer with new build experience
• Get mortgage pre-approval if needed
• Set aside £500-£2,000 for reservation fee

Days 1-7 (Reservation Week):

• Reserve your property and pay the reservation fee
• Instruct your conveyancer immediately (within 24-48 hours)
• Submit your formal mortgage application

Days 8-21 (Legal Work Phase):

• Your conveyancer conducts searches and reviews contracts
• Respond quickly to any conveyancer requests for information
• Arrange mortgage valuation and review contract terms

Days 22-28 (Exchange Preparation):

• Finalize contract terms and resolve any legal queries
• Exchange contracts and pay your deposit (usually 10%)
• Arrange buildings insurance from exchange date

Completion Day:

• Final funds transferred by your conveyancer
• Collect keys from developer or sales office
• Move in and conduct snagging inspection for any defects

Download our printable new build conveyancing checklist to tick things off as you go:

The new build conveyancing process is more complex than purchasing an existing property, but it’s nothing to worry about when you’re prepared. The main difference is that you may be buying a property that’s still being built or hasn’t even started construction yet.

Here are the key ways new build conveyancing differs from traditional property purchases:

Reservation fees

You’ll typically need to pay a reservation fee of £500-£2,000 to secure your plot. This is separate from the deposit and is often non-refundable, depending on your terms. The good news is that this amount typically gets deducted from either your deposit or the final purchase price, depending on what your agreement states.

With new build purchases, everything moves fast. It's important to be ready. Have your conveyancer lined up quickly so they can start work right away. Stay communicative, this helps ensure everything goes smoothly.

Developer negotiations

Because you’re not purchasing from an individual, your developer holds a lot of bargaining power. This might mean less wiggle room for negotiations.

Handling developer sales is different from handling individual sales. You’ll need to make sure that your conveyancer has the skills and experience to handle your new build conveyancing.

How do I choose a conveyancer?

Warranties

Like many new products you buy, your new build home will come with a warranty. The most common warranty provider is the National House-Building Council (NHBC).

Your conveyancer will need to review warranty terms, explain coverage to you, advise on filing for warranty, and may need to retain certain funds until warranty obligations are fulfilled by the developer.

Developer incentives and packages

Developers often include incentives for new build buyers. This could include paying your stamp duty, covering legal fees, or including custom fittings. Incentives are not limited to this, and often many of the incentives won’t impact your conveyancer too much, but they will need to be disclosed to your lender.

You’re purchasing off plan

Buying off-plan means your property might change from the original plans or show home you viewed. Developers may alter layouts, materials, or specifications during construction. Your conveyancer must manage any resulting impacts on your mortgage valuation and keep you informed of significant changes that could affect your purchase decision.

Complex title deeds and planning documentation

This is where new build conveyancing gets particularly intricate. Rather than reviewing documents for just one property, your conveyancer must investigate planning permissions, building regulations, and title deeds for the entire development. They need to determine exactly what restrictions, rights, and obligations apply specifically to your plot - a process that's far more complex than existing property purchases.

While cash buyers aren't legally required to use a conveyancer, the complexity of new build purchases makes professional help highly recommended. Mortgage buyers must appoint legal representation.

Important: Not all conveyancers handle new builds. When choosing your legal representation, confirm they have specific new build experience to avoid delays or complications.

1. Reserve the property

Make your offer and pay the reservation fee (£500-£2,000). In competitive markets, you may need to pay this upfront. Once reserved, you typically have 28 days to exchange contracts.

2. Instruct a conveyancer immediately

Don't wait - contact a new build conveyancer within 24-48 hours of reserving. They need maximum time to complete the complex legal work within your deadline.

3. Conveyancing searches and checks begin

Your conveyancer reviews contracts, arranges property searches, and checks planning permissions, building regulations, and development-wide documentation. This is more complex than existing properties as they must review the entire development.

4. Secure your mortgage (parallel process)

Apply for your mortgage immediately after your offer is accepted. Ensure your mortgage offer remains valid until completion - most last 6 months, so factor in construction delays.

5. Exchange of contracts

Once legal work is complete, you'll exchange contracts and pay your deposit. The purchase becomes legally binding at this point. Your deposit may be released to the developer or held by your conveyancer.

6. Completion day

This happens when the property is ready - either on a fixed date or when construction finishes. Final funds transfer, and you receive your keys.

7. Property registration

Your conveyancer registers you as the legal owner. This can take several months but doesn't prevent you from moving in.

8. Snagging inspection

Identify any defects or issues with your new property. This can happen before or after completion and won't delay your move-in date.

New build conveyancing costs more than existing property purchases due to the additional complexity involved.

Legal fees for a new build purchase are typically between £1,300-£2,200.

You’ll also need to consider disbursements, which are costs your conveyancer pays on your behalf or incurs during the conveyancing process.

Beyond legal fees, you'll also pay:

• Searches and checks: £300-£500
• ID verification and bank transfers: £50-£100
• Stamp Duty/Land Transaction Tax: Varies by property value
• Reservation fee: £500-£2,000 (paid to developer)

Additional legal complexity: New builds require extensive documentation reviews, planning permission checks, and title deed investigations for entire developments - not just individual properties.

Intensive timelines: The 28-day exchange deadline means conveyancers must prioritise your case and work more intensively to meet tight deadlines.

Specialist expertise required: New build conveyancers need specific knowledge of developer contracts, warranty agreements, and construction law that general conveyancers may lack.

Extended involvement: Your conveyancer's involvement often starts earlier and lasts longer, especially with off-plan purchases where construction delays can extend the process.

Risk management: Managing construction changes, developer negotiations, and warranty obligations requires additional legal safeguards and documentation.

Many developers will recommend their preferred conveyancer and may even offer to cover your legal fees as an incentive. While this can save time and money, remember that independent conveyancers work solely in your interests without any developer relationships to consider.

For guidance on choosing the right conveyancer for your new build purchase, see our detailed guide on how to choose a conveyancer here.

Phase 1: Before You Reserve (Pre-Day 1)

Research & Preparation

• Research the developer's reputation and previous developments
• Get pre-approved for your mortgage (if needed)
• Find a conveyancer with new build experience
• Set aside £500-£2,000 for reservation fee
• Understand the development timeline and completion estimates
• Review the show home vs. actual specification differences

Phase 2: Reservation Day (Day 1)

Securing Your Property

• Make your offer on the property
• Pay the reservation fee (£500-£2,000) - confirm if refundable
• Get written confirmation of price, plot number, and specifications
• Confirm completion timeline with developer
• Instruct your conveyancer ASAP (within 24-48 hours).
• Request all development documentation from sales office

Phase 3: Legal Work Phase (Days 1-21)

Your Conveyancer's Tasks

• ID verification and address confirmation completed
• Mortgage application submitted (if applicable)
• Review draft contract from developer
• Conduct property searches (local authority, environmental, etc.)
• Check planning permissions for entire development
• Verify building regulations compliance
• Review development-wide restrictions and covenants
• Examine NHBC or other warranty documentation
• Check title deeds for the whole development
• Raise enquiries about any unclear terms

Your Tasks

• Respond quickly to any conveyancer requests
• Provide all requested documentation
• Review and approve contract terms
• Understand what's included in sale price (fixtures, fittings)
• Understand any developer incentives and their conditions

Phase 4: Pre-Exchange (Days 14-28)

Final Preparations

• Mortgage offer received and valid until completion
• All legal queries resolved
• Contract approved by both parties
• Exchange date agreed (aim for day 28 from reservation)
• Completion timeframe confirmed
• Deposit funds ready (typically 10% of purchase price)
• Buildings insurance arranged (from exchange date)

Phase 5: Exchange of Contracts (Around Day 28)

Making It Legal

• Final contract review completed
• Deposit transferred to conveyancer
• Contracts signed and officially exchanged
• Purchase now legally binding

Phase 5: Exchange of Contracts (Around Day 28)

Making It Legal

• Stay in touch with developer about construction progress
• Monitor mortgage offer expiry date
• Arrange removal company
• Set up utilities for new property
• Arrange final inspection (snagging survey)
• Confirm completion funds are ready
• Prepare for potential delays and have contingency plans

Phase 5: Exchange of Contracts (Around Day 28)

Making It Legal

• Final funds transferred by conveyancer
• Keys collected from developer/sales office
• Property handed over
• Move in and conduct snagging inspection
• Report any defects to developer within warranty period
• Keep all warranty documentation safe

Phase 5: Exchange of Contracts (Around Day 28)

Making It Legal

• All completion statements and receipts filed
• NHBC/warranty certificates received
• Council tax and utilities transferred to your name
• Electoral roll updated
• Property registered in your name at Land Registry