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.
Kadijatou Bah
Sophie and Team at PLS are awesome. Very knowledgeable, they supported us through this big adventure with so much care. We’d recommend them for any new buyers to a new development they are the team for you.
Holly Weller
I had an excellent experience with Lisa Cullen. As a first-time buyer, I initially felt overwhelmed by everything involved in purchasing a house, but Lisa made the whole process so much easier. From introducing herself at the very beginning right through to completion, Lisa was there every step of the way and kept everything on track. Above all, she was incredibly friendly and approachable, which really put me at ease throughout what can otherwise be a very stressful process. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lisa and PLS to anyone looking for support with their house purchase. Thank you, Lisa!
Laura Abrook
Great experience from start to finish. Joulia was attentive and helpful throughout. When she wasn’t available someone else would always be available to update me and answer questions. Processed as quickly as possible with as little stress as possible.
Mr Walia
Absolutely first-class service from PLS Solicitors from start to finish. I have had 5 star service from the moment engaged PLS, right through to completion. To say I have been impressed would be an understatement. The whole process was incredibly smooth, professional and, unbelievably, completed in just 4 weeks! Sarah Evans has been on top of the whole process all the way through. Having sold property in the past, I know only too well how stressful and frustrating the process can be. I have had previous property sales take as long as 7 months, only for them to fall through at the very last minute. So to experience such a quick, efficient and hassle free sale this time has been an absolute pleasure. Sarah has been fantastic throughout. She has been professional, responsive and always kept me updated, making me feel that the sale was genuinely being looked after. Selling property can be stressful enough without having to chase solicitors for updates or wonder what is happening behind the scenes. I never felt like that with Sarah. She made the whole experience straightforward and, dare I say it, enjoyable!
Rich Marsh
I used PLS for a new build development purchase. The developer pushed for a 6 week turnaround to completion, which I expected would be hard to meet. However, Billy and his team were immediately on top of the workload, and we've flown through to exchange ahead of schedule. Communications have been clear and questions have been answered within hours by email on most occasions.
DEBBIE NEWEY
We have recently used PLS on the sale and purchase of our new home, there were 6 of us in the chain and the whole process was faultless, we even managed to complete within 12 weeks! Sarah Evans kept us well informed throughout the whole process and made what could have been a stressful experience go through like clockwork, thank you to both you and your team for all your support and hardwork 👍
St H
We went thru 2 mortgages in a year and PLS solicitor helped us. The staffs, especially our case handlers were very helpful,knowledgeable and patient to us, from the start to completion. Highly recommended.
Harvey
Terrific help from many of the staff at PLS throughout the sale of my property, very attentive in making sure everything was done in a timely manner. The online portal is also a great feature I found. Thanks again!
Tonia chirnside
Cannot fault the services of PLS. Great communication, quick response and a very easy to navigate portal. There was a change in teams during the process for me however the transition was quick, seamless and super efficient. Staff has been excellent all through the process including Keira, Jessica and all the team. They come highly recommended
Richard Jackson
We have never moved in thirty six years and had been told how stressful it is but Amy and the whole PLS team have been brilliant. They kept us updated on each stage and when we did phone with a query everyone was so courteous and friendly. We really can't thank you enough kind regards Richard and Linda
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.
