New Build Properties
Specialist new build conveyancing including Help to Buy, warranties, and developer contract negotiations.
New Build Properties
New build property purchases involve unique considerations including developer contracts, building warranties, and government schemes. We provide expert conveyancing services ensuring your new build purchase proceeds smoothly with proper legal protection.
Key Services
- New build contract review and negotiation
- NHBC and developer warranty arrangements
- Help to Buy equity loan schemes
- Shared ownership new build purchases
- Plot reservation and exchange procedures
- Snagging and defects procedures
Related Conveyancing Services
Comprehensive legal services for buying your home including freehold and leasehold purchases, new builds, and Help to Buy schemes.
Property SalesExpert legal representation for selling your property including chain management, contract preparation, and completion coordination.
Remortgage & Transfer of EquityExpert legal services for remortgaging your property and transfer of equity transactions including adding or removing names from title.
Buy-to-Let & Investment PropertyComprehensive conveyancing services for investment property purchases including buy-to-let mortgages and portfolio building.
Leasehold Property ServicesSpecialist conveyancing for leasehold properties including lease extensions, enfranchisement, and share of freehold purchases.
Commercial Property ConveyancingExpert commercial property legal services including office purchases, retail premises, industrial units, and investment property transactions.
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Experienced property lawyers
- Competitive fixed fees
- Regular progress updates
- Same day exchange capability
- Comprehensive searches and checks
- Panel membership with major lenders
Need expert legal advice?
Contact us for a personalized consultation and quote for your specific legal needs. All our fees exclude VAT.
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Request a free estimateFrequently Asked Questions
Help Guides
First-Time Buyer's Complete Conveyancing Guide
A comprehensive step-by-step guide for first-time property buyers navigating the conveyancing process.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Get a mortgage agreement in principle before viewing properties seriously
- 2Instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted - don't delay
- 3Provide all required ID documents and proof of funds immediately
- 4Arrange a comprehensive property survey to identify any issues
- 5Review all legal documents provided by your solicitor carefully
- 6Respond promptly to any enquiries or requests for additional information
- 7Arrange buildings insurance to start from exchange date
- 8Complete final checks and walkthrough before completion day
Helpful Tips
- Budget for all costs including searches, surveys, and moving expenses
- Don't make major financial changes during the conveyancing process
- Stay in regular contact with your solicitor for updates and guidance
- Keep all property-related documents organized in one place
Important Warnings
- Don't exchange contracts until you're completely satisfied with everything
- Never skip the survey - it could reveal expensive hidden problems
- Don't book removal companies or give notice until after exchange
- Be prepared for the process to take longer than initially estimated
Selling Your Property: Essential Legal Steps
A complete guide to the legal requirements and process when selling your property.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Gather all property documents including title deeds and mortgage information
- 2Complete property information forms honestly and thoroughly
- 3Provide all warranties, guarantees, and building certificates you have
- 4Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate if you don't have a valid one
- 5Respond promptly to buyer enquiries raised by their solicitor
- 6Review and approve the sale contract before it's sent to the buyer
- 7Coordinate completion timing with your onward purchase if applicable
- 8Prepare for completion by arranging key handover and final meter readings
Helpful Tips
- Be completely honest about any known defects or issues with the property
- Keep copies of all correspondence and documents for your records
- Coordinate closely with your estate agent throughout the process
- Plan your move out timeline carefully to avoid last-minute stress
Important Warnings
- Never hide known defects - this could lead to costly legal action later
- Don't make any structural changes during the sale process without agreement
- Ensure you can prove ownership of items you're taking with you
- Don't assume completion will happen exactly when originally planned
Understanding Property Chains and Managing Delays
Expert guidance on navigating property chains and minimizing risks of transaction breakdown.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Find out early who else is in your property chain and their circumstances
- 2Ensure everyone in the chain has mortgage offers and legal representation
- 3Coordinate survey timing across the chain to avoid unnecessary delays
- 4Maintain regular communication with all parties through solicitors
- 5Be flexible with completion dates while protecting your interests
- 6Have backup plans ready in case any part of the chain fails
- 7Consider chain-free alternatives if you're in a problematic chain
- 8Exchange contracts simultaneously across the chain for security
Helpful Tips
- Longer chains are more likely to experience delays or break down
- First-time buyers and cash buyers often provide more chain stability
- Good communication between all parties' solicitors is essential
- Be patient but stay informed about progress and potential issues
Important Warnings
- Don't rely entirely on estate agents for chain coordination
- Be wary of very long chains with multiple interdependent transactions
- Don't book removal services or give notice until contracts are exchanged
- Consider the implications of your chain position - first, middle, or last
Remortgaging: Legal Process and Requirements
A straightforward guide to the legal aspects of remortgaging your property.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Shop around for the best mortgage deals and get offers from lenders
- 2Instruct a solicitor who specializes in remortgage transactions
- 3Provide proof of identity, address, and income as required
- 4Allow your solicitor to conduct title checks and resolve any issues
- 5Review and sign the new mortgage documents carefully
- 6Coordinate completion timing with your existing lender's redemption
- 7Ensure buildings insurance continues without interruption
- 8Complete the transaction and receive confirmation of new arrangements
Helpful Tips
- Remortgaging is usually faster than purchase conveyancing (4-8 weeks)
- Consider whether you want to borrow additional funds while remortgaging
- Check if your current lender will match or beat competitor offers
- Factor in legal fees and arrangement fees when calculating savings
Important Warnings
- Don't assume remortgaging will automatically reduce your payments
- Consider the total cost including fees, not just the interest rate
- Ensure you understand any early repayment charges on your current mortgage
- Don't make major financial commitments during the remortgage process
Ready to get started?
Let our expert team handle your legal needs with confidence and care.
Additional Information
Our Process
New build conveyancing begins with contract review and reservation agreement analysis. We liaise with developers, handle scheme applications, coordinate build progress monitoring, and ensure proper completion with all warranties and certifications.
Timeline
New build transactions vary significantly based on build progress. Off-plan purchases may take 6-18 months from reservation to completion. Completed properties typically complete within 8-12 weeks like standard purchases.
Costs & Fees
New build conveyancing fees typically range from £1,000-£1,500 (exclusive of VAT) plus scheme fees where applicable. Help to Buy involves additional legal work but provides significant financial benefits for eligible purchasers. All our legal fees exclude VAT.
What You'll Need
- Reservation agreement and developer contract
- Help to Buy or shared ownership application details
- Mortgage offer for new build properties
- Developer's warranty and insurance information
- Build progress updates and completion estimates
- Specification documents and any agreed variations
Pricing & Service Information
Our Legal Fees
£800 - £1,500+ VAT
Depending on property value and transaction complexity
VAT at 20% will be added to all our legal fees
Additional Costs (Disbursements)
These are costs paid to third parties on your behalf:
Property searches(Required)
Local authority, drainage, environmental searches
Land Registry fees(Required)
Varies by property value
Bank transfer fee(Required)
Electronic funds transfer (inc VAT)
Leasehold management pack
For leasehold properties only
What's Included
- All legal work from instruction to completion
- Property searches and reviewing results
- Contract review and legal advice
- Liaising with lenders, estate agents, and other solicitors
- Exchange of contracts and completion
- Land Registry registration
- Stamp Duty Land Tax advice and submission
- Regular progress updates
What's Not Included
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (government tax)
- Property surveys
- Mortgage arrangement fees
- Buildings insurance
- Removal costs
- Estate agent fees
Typical Timescales
8-12 weeks for most transactions
May vary depending on chain length, searches, mortgage processing, and any issues arising
Key Stages of Your Matter
Instruction & ID Checks
We take your instructions, verify your identity, and begin initial checks
Searches & Enquiries
Property searches ordered and reviewed, enquiries raised with seller's solicitor
Contract Review & Mortgage
Contract reviewed, mortgage arranged, comprehensive legal advice provided
Exchange of Contracts
Contracts exchanged making the transaction legally binding, deposit paid
Completion
Funds transferred, legal ownership passes to you, keys released
Post-Completion
Ownership registered at Land Registry, documents provided to you
Example Pricing Scenarios
Freehold house purchase £200,000
First-time buyer, straightforward freehold property with mortgage
£1,493-£1,593 (inc VAT)
Leasehold flat purchase £350,000
Leasehold property with management company and mortgage
£2,497-£2,897 (inc VAT)
Property sale £225,000
Straightforward freehold house sale
£695-£745 (inc VAT)
Get Expert Legal Advice
Contact our new build properties specialists for a consultation.