Buyer guide
New Homes Buyer Guide
A practical guide for buyers who want to understand the new-build journey before reserving. It is especially useful for first-time buyers who want to know what needs to happen, when, and why speed matters.
Buyer Guide
New-build buyer guide
Buying a new home can move quickly once the right plot is found. The smoother buyers are with finance, paperwork and solicitor instructions, the easier it is to keep the reservation, exchange and completion journey on track.
Step 1
Know your budget
Before viewing seriously, understand your deposit, affordability, likely mortgage route and whether you have an Agreement in Principle. If you are selling, know where your own sale stands.
Step 2
Choose the right plot
Look beyond the floorplan. Check aspect, floor level, outlook, service charge, parking, incentives, specification, completion timing and how the wider development will feel.
Step 3
Reserve clearly
At reservation, make sure the price, reservation fee, incentives, timescales and key documents are clear. This is when the clock usually starts on the legal process.
Step 4
Instruct a solicitor quickly
A new homes solicitor is important. They should understand developer contracts, leasehold packs, reservation deadlines, searches, enquiries, exchange deadlines and completion notices.
Step 5
Mortgage and exchange
Once reserved, your mortgage application and legal work need to move quickly. Exchange is the point where the contract becomes legally binding and the deposit is normally paid.
Step 6
Completion and handover
For off-plan homes, completion dates can depend on build stage. When notice is served, funds, lender drawdown and solicitor work need to be ready for completion and key handover.