New Build Conveyancing Experts
Specialist support for buyers navigating developer contracts, exchange deadlines and everything in between.
Resources
Buying New Build Property
New builds are becoming an increasingly popular means of buying, especially for first time buyers who are making use of the government’s First Homes Scheme or shared ownership/shared equity schemes. New build properties offer an array of advantages over second-hand properties. To ensure that your purchase runs as smoothly as possible, you will need expert solicitors to provide you with a fast, efficient, and friendly service, ensuring you can move into your new property without worry.
Why New Build Conveyancing Is Different
New build purchases are not the same as buying an existing property
You may be required to exchange within 28–42 days. Completion often takes place on notice. Contracts are drafted by developers, not negotiated between individuals. There may be long stop dates, staged payments, warranty documents, estate management arrangements and lender-specific requirements to consider.
This is why specialist expertise matters. Our team handles new build transactions every day. We understand how to protect your position while ensuring you meet strict developer timelines.
Our New Build Expertise
We understand the nuances of new build conveyancing inside out:
Developer Contracts: Comprehensive reviews to ensure terms are fair and protect your interests.
Snagging & Handover Guidance: Expert advice on warranties, defects, and completion arrangements.
Mortgage & Funding Support: Coordinating efficiently with lenders to secure your finance.
Efficient Completion Management: Ensuring you move in on time with no unexpected delays.
First-Time Buyer Support: Specialised guidance for new buyers navigating the property ladder.
With over 15 years’ experience, our dedicated team has helped thousands of clients secure their dream homes, ensuring complex transactions are handled smoothly.
Why choose us?
Top 10 Reasons to Choose PLS Solicitors
Focused on exchanging on time
New build purchases come with tight deadlines. We are experienced in meeting 28 to 42 day exchange requirements, helping you secure your plot without unnecessary stress.
Specialists in new build and shared ownership
We handle new build transactions every day, so we understand completion on notice, developer contracts, snagging, and long stop dates as standard.
On all major lender panels
This helps prevent mortgage related delays and avoids the risk of being asked to change solicitor late in the process.
Clear, proactive communication througout
You are kept informed at every key stage, reducing uncertainty, chasing, and last minute surprises.
Trusted by over 55,000 buyers since 2021
Our experience across tens of thousands of transactions gives buyers confidence that their purchase is in safe hands.
Highly rated by real clients
With over 6,000 Trustpilot reviews and a 4.7 star average, our service quality is consistently recognised.
Trusted by major UK house builders
We work closely with leading developers across England and Wales, helping transactions progress smoothly for all parties.
Award winning conveyancing teams
Recognised at the British Conveyancing Awards, including New Build Team of the Year and Best Law Firm for Conveyancing.
Online access, anytime it suits you
Our secure client portal allows you to track progress, upload documents, and complete forms 24 hours a day.
Accessible, transparent, and competitively priced
Open six days a week with extended hours, clear pricing, and a dedicated quotes team available by phone or online.
What is a new build property?
A new build property is a brand-new home which has never been lived in. Recently, there has been a great emphasis on building more houses to tackle the property shortage, therefore many properties on the market today are New build properties.
Why purchase a new build property?
New build properties are less likely to require works or maintenance at the point of purchase than an older property. Energy and heating bills may also be cheaper since new homes are more efficient and better insulated.
If you are buying your home off-plan (before it has been built) then you will often have some input into some of the design features of the house.
Many fixtures and fittings which you would normally expect to pay for in an older property are already installed in new build properties. For example, double or triple glazed windows, insulation, energy efficient heating and white goods such as dish washers are often already present in new build properties.
Madison Keay
We are so grateful for the time and energy that Catherine at PLS has used to help us through the process of buying our first home. She has made a daunting experience a very pleasant one and we cannot thank her enough. Communication has been brilliant from start to finish, definitely recommend PLS solicitors, especially for a stress free first time buyer experience. Thank you!
Kelsey Kennelly
Catherine was brilliant, always on the ball and easy to speak to. Portal easy to use and always good to see where you are with your purchase.
Tom
We have just completed on our first home together and we couldn’t thank Louis B and the team enough for all of their hard work throughout our 6 month process. We were always kept in the loop with quick responses. We will definitely be recommending PLS to any of our friends/family if they require this service. Thank you, Amy & Tom ☺️
Donna
Miss Gemma was very professional, kind, supportive and helpful. A great team, who I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a professional and reliable service. Thank you Gemma, thank you PLS. Best wishes, Ioana
Sid King
We got the keys to our new build home today and want to say a huge thank you to Clare Hessey and her team. She did a fantastic job helping us through the process. Clare was always at the end of the phone to answer our questions about the documents and guided us clearly through everything on the PLS portal. She made the instructions easy to follow and made the whole experience much smoother for us. Thank you, Clare!
JStraw
We dealt with Keeley Owen who has been absolutely superb. She’s steered us through quite a tricky sale and purchase. Can’t recommend her highly enough. She answered every call I made, and sometimes they were daily calls. She dealt with everything that we needed and more. I can’t rate the service highly enough.
Amanda Mayhew
PLS made our conveyancing journey easy. It was very convenient being able to upload and sign documents online using the portal and Lucy kept us informed along the way.
Alison Norfolk
Just wanted to say how amazing Natalie has been with regarding the purchase of my new home . A few curve balls were thrown in prior to completion and yet Natalie kept me informed and guided me through the issues .
Ben
PLS and in particular Chelsea did a great job. Very helpful and responsive. It was a quick and successful process. I would recommend.
Consumer
I chose PLS solicitors earlier on in the year when purchasing my property. The whole process has been great, we had a couple set backs but Joulia Kassir was always there to speak to, she had great communication skills and always had a positive reply and mindset in figuring things out and getting on track to the earliest possible completion date. Would happily use PLS again, All the best to Joulia in her future endeavours.
Free Guide
Buying a New Build Home – What You Need to Know
Thinking about buying a new build?
Our free guide walks you through the process, the questions you should ask during a site visit and what to expect so you can move forward with confidence.
Thinking about buying a new build?
Our free guide walks you through the process, the questions you should ask during a site visit and what to expect so you can move forward with confidence.
Free Guide
Buying a New Build Home – What You Need to Know
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQs for New Build Conveyancing!
How is new build conveyancing different from buying an existing home?
New build purchases involve additional legal steps, including reviewing the developer’s contract, checking build specifications, and working to the developer’s own timelines for exchange and completion, which can move faster than a typical resale.
How long does new build conveyancing usually take?
Timescales depend on how far along the development is and the developer’s own build schedule, so they can vary more than a standard purchase. We’ll keep you updated on timings throughout via our portal.
What happens if the developer moves the exchange or completion date?
This isn’t unusual with new builds. Our team will let you know as soon as we’re notified, and guide you through anything you need to do to meet the new date.
Can PLS help if I'm buying through the First Homes Scheme or Shared Ownership?
Yes. We regularly act on new build purchases using the First Homes Scheme and Shared Ownership, and our team can talk you through how each scheme affects your purchase.
