New Build Solicitors

Expert solicitors for new builds

Buying a new build property is one of the most exciting purchases you’ll ever make. But it comes with its own legal complexities: reservation agreements, developer contracts weighted in the builder’s favour, tight exchange deadlines, and the nuances of off-plan purchases

We recently used Prosperity for our house purchase. We had to change from a previously instructed solicitor and I’m so glad we did… very responsive, chased the sellers’ solicitors and progressed things quickly and thoroughly, everything you want when going through the process.

Ms D

Prosperity’s New Build Property Solicitors

What do our solicitors help with?

At Prosperity Law, our solicitors for new builds are experienced in navigating the entire home buying process on your behalf, protecting your interests at every stage. Whether you’re purchasing directly from one of the major property developers, buying property off-plan, or exploring part-exchange purchases, we ensure you understand exactly what you’re committing to – and that the legal documentation reflects that.

Our experienced new build conveyancing team can assist with all of the following:

New build purchases (freehold and leasehold)
Off-plan property purchases
Shared ownership schemes
Part-exchange purchases
Review and negotiation of developer contracts
Transfer deed preparation and registration
Advice on developer incentives and their legal implications
Re-mortgaging new build properties

We take the time to understand your specific circumstances and provide clear, constructive advice at every stage of your case whether it’s a trust, estate , a will or probate.

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Why Choose Prosperity?

New Build & Off-Plan Specialists

Extensive experience with major developers and multi-million-pound projects. We understand tight deadlines, developer requirements, and new build warranties inside out.

Proven Track Record With Developers

Trusted legal advisors for bulk buyer instructions. Our established developer relationships ensure smoother transactions and clear communication throughout.

Comprehensive Support From Reservation to Keys

Expert guidance at every stage, from contract examination to Help to Buy schemes, NHBC warranties, and Land Registry. We’re with you from reservation to completion.

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Common New Build Questions

Our team have a breadth of experience in property law, here are some of the questions we get asked most.

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What makes buying a new build different from purchasing an existing property?

New build purchases come with a unique set of legal considerations that set them apart from the standard home buying process. You’ll typically be working to the developer’s timeline, often with a fixed exchange deadline built into the reservation agreement. The developer’s solicitors will have prepared the contract documentation, which is naturally drafted with the developer’s interests in mind. There’s also the question of what happens if the build overruns – or if you’re purchasing property off-plan and the finished product differs from the specification. Our role is to review all documentation thoroughly, raise enquiries on anything that requires clarification, and ensure you are fully advised before you exchange contracts.
I'm buying a property off-plan – what should I be aware of?

Purchasing property off-plan (that is, before the building is complete) carries specific risks that buyers should understand clearly before committing. The finished property may differ from the show home or CGI images you were shown. Completion dates can be delayed. The developer may have the right to make changes to the specification, layout, or materials used. It’s also worth considering what happens to the property market between reservation and completion, particularly if you’re relying on a mortgage offer that may expire or where completion is so far in the future that it may be much harder than you expected to secure mortgage funding when the time comes. We advise clients on all of these factors to make sure you have appropriate protections in place.
What is a transfer deed, and why does it matter?

A transfer deed is the legal document that formally transfers ownership of the property from the developer to you. It is one of the most important documents in any new build transaction and must be carefully reviewed before you complete. The transfer deed will set out the rights and obligations attached to the property – including any restrictive covenants imposed by the developer, rights of way, and obligations to contribute to communal areas or estate management charges. We review all transfer documentation in detail and ensure you understand the full extent of your rights and obligations before you commit.
What is a part-exchange purchase, and how does the process work?

A part-exchange purchase is an arrangement offered by many property developers that allows you to use your existing home as part of the payment for your new build. The developer typically agrees to buy your current property at an agreed valuation, removing the need for you to sell on the open market and breaking any chain. While this can be an attractive proposition, the valuation offered by the developer is often below open market value, and the terms of the part-exchange agreement need to be reviewed carefully. We advise clients on part-exchange arrangements regularly and ensure you understand the financial and legal implications before entering into any agreement.
What happens if the developer goes into administration before my property is completed?

This is a scenario that understandably concerns many new build buyers, particularly those purchasing property off-plan with a lengthy build period. The key protection in most cases is the deposit protection scheme under which your reservation deposit should be held (although such schemes are often lacking for investors purchasing off plan, normally because developers know that investors have a more flexible attitude to risk). Beyond that, the position depends on the specific terms of your contract, the stage the build has reached, and the nature of the insolvency process. We can advise clients on their rights if a developer encounters financial difficulties.
I've been given a fixed deadline to exchange contracts by the developer. Is this normal?

Yes. Fixed exchange deadlines are standard practice in new build transactions, and they are one of the key differences between buying a new build and purchasing an existing property. Developers typically set a deadline of 28 days from the date of reservation, though this can vary. Missing the deadline can result in losing your reservation fee. This makes it essential to instruct solicitors for new builds as soon as you reserve, to ensure there is sufficient time to carry out all the necessary checks, raise and resolve enquiries, and arrange your mortgage before the deadline expires. We work efficiently and proactively in new build matters and will always be transparent with you if we foresee any issues with meeting the timeline.

What Our Clients Say

“We could not be happier with the service we received from Warren. As first-time buyers, we were unsure of the process, but he made everything run as smooth and stress-free as it could possibly be. He was incredibly efficient, fast to respond, and always helpful, going above and beyond for us at every stage. His professionalism and dedication really stood out, and we would highly recommend Warren and Prosperity Law to anyone looking for a solicitor.”

Ms A

“We sold our house and purchased one using prosperity Law for both, and when I say we were over the moon with their performance. We really mean this, not only did they deal with every aspect of the sale and purchase. They did this with such professionalism and expertise, Many thanks to all the team especially Gill Bebbington, for her patience, and also helping to explain all the processes step by step. Making our end easily manageable to say the least. We would have no hesitation in turning to prosperity Law again. We were very nervous when we first decided to sell, but how different and confident we felt after Gill and the team helped us to achieve our goal. Also at a really competitive rate we would like to thank all involved and wish you all the success in the future. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year for 2026.”

Mr J

“I recently purchased a property with the help of Natalie Swift. Natalie was extremely helpful from the very beginning, provided clear and understandable guidance and advice. Her knowledge is extensive, she is professional and she ensured a smooth and easy transaction. As we were approaching to completion, a problem came up due to a misunderstanding and she ensured a solution acceptable for all parties.
I am grateful for her help and support.”

Ms I

“We used Gill to buy our house through modern auction and would 100% recommend!

As first time buyers going through a modern auction we had lots of questions. Gill was very patient and made the entire process simple and easy. In the end we completed in just over a month from putting our offer in leaving plenty of time to spare.

We can’t thank Gill, Jack and the rest of the team who helped us throughout enough”

Mr C

“As a first time buyer in London, I was a bit overwhelmed by everything that comes with purchasing a property, but working with Warren made the whole process so much smoother.
Warren was absolutely incredible: extremely fast, efficient and communicative, always keeping on top of every detail and making sure we knew exactly what was happening at each stage.

I would highly recommend Warren and Prosperity Law to anyone looking for reliable, thorough and genuinely supportive guidance.”

Ms R