New Build Conveyancing: The Complete UK Guide (2025)
By Homey
•
22 Oct 2025
Hello! Are you dreaming of that brand-new home smell, a flawless finish, and being the very first person to live in your property? Buying a new build is an incredibly exciting prospect! Or perhaps you're on the other side, selling your current home to make that dream of a new build a reality? You've got the pressure of your buyer and the developer's timelines to think about. Whichever camp you're in, the legal side of things, known as conveyancing, is a little different for new builds. It's not more difficult, just... unique. This guide will walk you through the process in simple, everyday language, so you can feel confident and inspired on your journey.
What's the difference in New Build Conveyancing?
First up, what makes buying a new build so different from buying an older property?
What is new build conveyancing? It's the legal process of buying a property directly from a developer or builder, rather than from another individual.
Why does it feel so different from buying a 'second-hand' home? With a new build, your conveyancer has a lot of extra checks to do. They need to look at:
Planning Permissions: Has the developer built the house in line with the plans the council agreed to?
Building Regulations: Does the property meet all the modern safety and construction standards? You can see the requirements on GOV.UK.
Roads and Sewers: Are the new roads and drains on the estate going to be adopted (taken over) by the local council and water company? If not, you could be liable for their upkeep! Ofwat explains the process for new water and sewer connections.
The Paperwork is New: Your solicitor will be the first person to review the brand-new lease (for a flat) or the transfer documents (for a house).
For the Buyer: The New Build Journey Explained
If you're buying, your journey has some unique steps.
Why is there such a rush? Understanding the 28-day exchange deadline, Most developers will ask you to pay a reservation fee. This 'reserves' your plot, but it often comes with a catch: you must exchange contracts within a tight deadline, usually just 28 days! This is so the developer can secure the sale and manage their finances for the build.
What's the difference between "exchange" and "completion"?
Exchange: This is when you pay your 10% deposit and sign the contract, making the deal legally binding.
Completion: This is the day you pay the rest of the money and get the keys.
What does "completion on notice" mean? This is the most common and perhaps strangest part of buying a new build! Because the house might not be finished when you exchange, you can't set a fixed moving date. "Completion on notice" means that when the house is ready, the developer's solicitor will send your solicitor a formal "notice." From that day, you usually have 10 working days to get your mortgage money ready and move in. This can make booking removal vans a bit tricky, but your solicitor will keep you posted.
What is a "long-stop" date? This is a final, back-stop date in your contract. It's a safety net for you. It says that if the developer hasn't finished your home by this date (perhaps due to long delays), you have the right to pull out and get your deposit back.
What is a "snagging list"? This is the fun part! A snagging list is a list of any small defects you find in your new home. This could be anything from a scuff on the paintwork, a squeaky door, or a misaligned tile. You do this just before or just after you move in, and the developer is obliged to come and fix these "snags" for you.
What warranties should I get? Your new home will come with a 10-year structural warranty, giving you great peace of mind. The most common one is from the NHBC (National House Building Council), but you might also see LABC, Premier Guarantee, or others. Your solicitor will check that this is all in place.
The Big Question: Should I Use the Developer's Recommended Solicitor?
You'll almost certainly be offered an incentive (like a discount or free carpets) to use the solicitor the developer recommends. Here's how to decide.
What are the pros? They will be very familiar with the development's paperwork, which can speed things up and help meet that 28-day deadline.
What are the cons? The golden rule is that the solicitor must act in your best interests. However, you might feel more comfortable using an independent solicitor who has absolutely no connection to the developer, just for your own peace of mind. A good independent solicitor who has experience with new builds can work just as quickly.
Deciding on a solicitor is one of the biggest choices you'll make, especially with the developer's tight 28-day deadline. You need a legal expert who is fast, independent, and a specialist in new build contracts. At Homey, we can connect you with trusted conveyancers who tick all those boxes. Visit our page atwww.homey.co.uk/conveyancing to get a free consultation and compare quotes from independent new build specialists who will act 100% in your best interests.
For the Seller: Juggling Your Sale with Your New Build Purchase
If you're selling your current home to buy a new build, you're in a special situation. You have to keep your buyer happy while also meeting the developer's strict timelines.
How do I manage the property chain? This is the biggest challenge. The developer won't want to wait for your buyer's conveyancing to be ready. This puts you under pressure to get your own sale sorted out fast.
What if my new build is delayed? This is a real risk. You might have your buyer all ready to move, but your new home isn't finished. You must have a very open conversation with your solicitor and your estate agent to manage everyone's expectations.
What is "part-exchange"? Some developers offer a "part-exchange" scheme. This is where they will buy your current home from you directly in return for you buying one of their new builds.
The Pro: It's brilliant! It removes the chain completely. No estate agent fees, no viewings, no uncertainty.
The Con: The developer will usually offer you a price that is slightly below the full market value, as they need to be able to sell it quickly. The HomeOwners Alliance has a great guide on how these schemes work.
And Finally, What About the Cost?
Are new build conveyancing fees more expensive? Sometimes, yes. The legal fees can be slightly higher than for a standard purchase. This is simply because of the extra, more complex checks your solicitor has to do (like checking all those planning permissions and new road agreements) to make sure your brand-new home is perfect.
Buying a new build is a fantastic adventure, and with the right legal team on your side, you'll be hanging up pictures and enjoying that new-home smell before you know it. Happy moving!
How Homey Can Help You
At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.
We offer:
Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.
Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.
Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.
Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.
With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.
