New Build Conveyancing Solicitors in Reading
Buying a new build home is different from buying an existing property: you’re often working to the developer’s timetable, reviewing a contract drawn up in their favour, and relying on a warranty rather than years of the building’s own history. Our new build conveyancing solicitors in Reading, led by our Head of New Homes, know exactly what to look for.
What’s different about buying a new build?
Buying a new build usually means agreeing a price off-plan or from a show home, working to a fixed exchange deadline set by the developer, often 28 days from receiving the contract, and relying on a structural warranty rather than the property’s own track record. The contract itself is drafted by the developer’s solicitors, so it needs careful, experienced review.
Developer exchange deadlines
Developers typically require exchange of contracts within a set window, commonly 28 days of the contract being issued, to secure your plot and reserve your build slot. Missing this deadline can mean losing your reservation fee and the property altogether, so it’s worth instructing a solicitor experienced with new build timelines from the outset, and having your mortgage application well underway before the clock starts.
Warranties and structural cover
Most new build homes come with a 10-year structural warranty, commonly from the NHBC or another approved provider, covering major structural defects after completion. This is separate from your legal contract with the developer and doesn’t remove the need to review the contract terms carefully.
We check which warranty provider is being used, what exactly is covered, and for how long, since terms and claims processes vary between providers. This matters particularly for the early years, when the builder typically remains responsible for defects directly, before the warranty’s main structural cover takes over.
Buying off-plan
Buying off-plan, before the property is built or completed, means committing based on plans and specifications rather than a finished home. We check the contract addresses what happens if the specification changes, if completion is delayed beyond the estimated date, and what deposit protection is in place while you wait, since these terms vary significantly between developers.
The new build purchase process
The stages themselves are familiar, but the pace is faster than a typical chain transaction.
- Reservation: You pay a reservation fee to secure the plot, starting the clock on the developer’s exchange deadline.
- Contract review: We review the developer’s contract, the warranty provider’s terms, and any estate management or service charge obligations for shared areas.
- Mortgage and searches: We progress your mortgage offer and searches in parallel, working to the developer’s deadline rather than a more relaxed standard timeline.
- Exchange and completion: You exchange within the developer’s window, then completion follows once the property is built and ready, sometimes with limited notice.
Help to Buy and current schemes
The original Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme closed to new applications in England in 2022 and no longer applies to new purchases. If you already hold a Help to Buy equity loan from before then, it continues under its existing terms, and we can advise on redeeming it if you’re selling or remortgaging.
New build conveyancing solicitors in Reading and the Thames Valley
We act for buyers of new build homes across Reading, Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley, as well as clients further afield across England and Wales, from our office at 1 London Street in central Reading. Our team deals with developer contracts as a matter of routine, on developments both large and small. We also advise developers directly, see our New Homes sector page for that side of our new homes practice.
Why choose FSP for new build purchases
Our residential conveyancing team is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), and the wider firm is top ranked in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. That combination of sector accreditation and firm-wide recognition means you get specialist knowledge backed by real depth.
- CQS accredited: Our conveyancing team holds the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation, a recognised mark of technical competence and best practice in residential property work.
- Led by genuine specialists: Kate Parry-Jones, Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing, has over 20 years’ experience across residential and commercial property, and acts for clients ranging from first-time buyers to high-net-worth individuals and companies. Kate also leads our New Homes team, so new build purchases are handled by someone who deals with developers and their contracts every day.
- Quality assured: Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for excellence in legal practice management and client care, and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- Clear, upfront pricing: See our conveyancing pricing information and try conveyancing calculator to get a clear indication of costs before you instruct us.
- A full-service firm: Our conveyancing team works closely with our Wills, Tax and Trusts team, our family law team and our Real Estate team, so related matters are handled under one roof.
Bought off-plan or reserved a new build?
Get in touch as soon as you’ve reserved, since developer deadlines move quickly. Call 0118 951 6200, get in touch via our online enquiry form, or try our conveyancing calculator.
How long do I have to exchange contracts on a new build?
Developers commonly require exchange within 28 days of issuing the contract, though this varies. Missing the deadline can mean losing your reservation fee and the plot, so it’s worth having your mortgage application well underway before you reserve.
What warranty do new build homes come with?
Most come with a 10-year structural warranty, commonly from the NHBC or another approved provider, covering major defects. The builder is usually directly responsible for other issues during the first two years, before the warranty’s main cover applies.
Can I still use Help to Buy?
No, not for a new purchase. The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme closed to new applications in England in 2022. If you already have one from before then, it continues under its existing terms, but new buyers need to look at current alternatives instead.
What happens if my new build isn’t finished on time?
This is common with off-plan purchases, and a good contract should address what happens if the estimated completion date slips. We check this, and what deposit protection applies, before you exchange.
Do I need a survey on a new build?
It’s still worth considering, even though the property is new. A snagging inspection, checking for defects and unfinished work, is commonly carried out around or shortly after completion, separate from the legal conveyancing process.
Will I have to pay an estate management charge?
Often, yes, on developments with shared roads, landscaping or amenities not yet adopted by the local council. We check what this covers and how it’s calculated, since it’s a separate, ongoing cost alongside any leasehold service charge.
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