New build conveyancing solicitors

What is new build conveyancing and what makes it different?

New build conveyancing follows the same legal process as any other property purchase, but there are a few differences that are worth understanding:

• Buying off-plan: if you’re buying a property that is yet to be built or is currently under construction, the process will start before you step foot inside your new home.
• Tight exchange deadlines: usually, the developers will want to exchange contracts within a 28-day period once you’ve reserved the property. This is different to the standard eight to 12 weeks you could expect in a typical property purchase process. If you miss this deadline, your reservation is at risk. Our solicitors will ensure your deadlines are met.
• Developer contracts: the developer’s solicitor will draft the contract that you’re to sign, with the developer’s interests in mind. Your solicitor’s job is to review this contract completely and ensure your position is protected.
• Warranties and inspections: Typically, new build properties come with a 10-year structural warranty, which is normally provided by the NHBC (National House-Building Council). Your solicitor will make sure warranty documents are securely in place before and after the completion date.
• Snagging: a snagging survey will identify any problems, such as unfinished work or defects, that the developer will be responsible for sorting out.
• No chain: unlike a standard property purchase, there’s no chance of an onward chain being involved, meaning you won’t have to wait for anyone else’s transactions and there’s no risk of transactions falling through.

How our new build conveyancing team can help

When you reserve the property – we’ll assign you a solicitor who will manage your case from beginning to end, making sure you’re kept up to date throughout.

Exchange – we liaise with the developer’s sales and legal team throughout the process, checking in on progress, raising enquiries and negotiating on your behalf. Our solicitors understand what developers expect and we know how important the deadlines are, so we’ll always work with these in mind while still ensuring your interests are a priority.

Completion – towards the end of the process, at the key collection stage, we’ll have ensured that everything is in place and ready for you to finalise the transaction. All searches, documents and legal requirements will be satisfied, and you’ll have confidence that there are no surprises on the day.

Afterwards – even after you’ve successfully moved into your new home, we’ll still be there to help with legal documentation and new build warranty documents, so you can feel confident for the future.

If your purchase involves a related transaction – part exchange, assisted move scheme or independent sale of an existing property, we can handle this at the same time as your new build transaction, so everything is looked after.

Why choose Fisher Jones Greenwood as your new build conveyancing solicitors?

Our dedicated new build conveyancing team understands the deadlines involved with buying a new property and has the specialist expertise needed to help guide you through the process smoothly. We’ve also been shortlisted for the New Build Conveyancing team of the year, further highlighting our care for each case we take on.

• We’re open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday mornings (via phone only). We know life can be busy, so our opening hours try to fit around you to alleviate some of the stress.
• We have a breadth of experience with all aspects of the Help to Buy Scheme, from ISA to the repayment of the loan, so if this is your first time on the property ladder, or you simply need some extra guidance, we can help.
• Our team is experienced in meeting the tight deadlines set by developers when exchanging contracts so you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
• If you choose to work with us, you’ll have a dedicated member of staff to provide regular and comprehensive updates on your case, from reservation to the day you get your keys.
• We regularly liaise with developers and their sales teams, as well as the builder’s legal team, from start to finish.
• We’ll provide all legal documentation and new build warranty documents after completion, so you can focus on moving in with some peace of mind.

We’re able to assist with any related sale (by way of part exchange, independent sale or assisted move scheme by the developers).