Experienced New Build Conveyancing Solicitors in Gateshead and Washington
Buying a new build property is exciting, but there can also be a certain amount of pressure involved. Developers often impose tight deadlines for exchange of contracts and the amount of paperwork that accompanies a new build purchase is more voluminous and far more complex than for an older, established property. Contact our expert new build conveyancing solicitors.
At John Donkin Solicitors, we routinely represent clients who purchase newly constructed properties. We understand the importance of moving quickly to secure your purchase and we have the expertise to ensure that the legal aspects of the transaction are dealt with expeditiously.
We know that the volume of documentation can be daunting when buying a new build property, and we will make sure that we explain key issues in plain English. We are always happy to answer questions and we will make sure that we keep you updated on progress throughout the transaction.
To speak to one of our residential property team, call us on 0191 495 2896, complete a Free Online Enquiry
We are a local firm and are proud to have served the families and community in the Tyne and Wear area and beyond for over fifty years. We offer the high standards of service you would expect from a long-established practice combined with the flexibility and efficiency of a modern law firm.
You will have a dedicated, qualified and experienced Solicitor assigned to handle your transaction.
“Victoria & Lisa we’re fantastic throughout. Accessibility, updates & guidance were unbeatable. We would absolutely return to this firm based on this transaction.”
Our new build conveyancing services
We deal with everything involved in a new build transaction, including:
- Reviewing the contract pack and raising enquiries
- Ensuring that any incentives agreed with the developer are included in the contract
- Checking the legal title
- Checking that a new build warranty (such as NHBC or Buildmark) will be in place on completion
- Obtaining searches and reviewing the results
- Obtaining and reviewing planning consents and building regulations approvals relating to the construction of the property
- Obtaining and reviewing planning agreements (such as road and drainage adoption agreements)
- Reporting to you and answering your questions
- Liaising with your Mortgage Lender and ensuring their requirements are complied with
- Dealing with a related sale where necessary
- Exchanging contracts and completing your purchase
- Registering the property with the new build warranty provider
- Dealing with post-completion work, including filing an SDLT return with HMRC, and registering your purchase with HM Land Registry
We also deal with buy to let new build purchases, new build leasehold property, Help to Buy transactions and shared ownership.
For information about our charges, see our residential conveyancing costs page.
Buying a new build home
Once you agree to buy a new build property, you will usually be given a deadline by which to exchange contracts. It is important to speak to a solicitor promptly as the deadline set to exchange contracts is often around four weeks.
If you instruct us to act for you, we will be sent a sizeable contract bundle by the developer’s legal team. This will include a draft contract as well as information relating to the legal title of the whole new build estate, planning consents and replies to standard enquiries.
We will promptly review all of the information and raise any additional enquiries we may have as well as applying for any necessary searches.
Once we have satisfactory replies to our enquiries, we can report to you in full and discuss exchanging contracts with you. You will need to provide a deposit on exchange, which is usually 10% of the purchase price, and we’ll need you to supply us with satisfactory source of funds documentation to comply with strict money laundering regulations.
If your new build is not yet built and ready for occupation, which is sometimes the case, you can expect to be given notice to complete once the plot has been signed off by Building Control/the new build warranty provider and is ready for occupation. We will arrange to request your mortgage advance to be sent to us ahead of the planned completion date where necessary and ensure that any related sale is also lined up and ready to complete.
Following completion, we will deal with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax on your behalf and register your purchase at HM Land Registry.
You can also expect the developer to provide a new build warranty on completion which gives you peace of mind and provides you with insurance against certain defects until the end of the policy.
We would also recommend that you arrange to have a professional snagging survey carried out. A snagging survey is designed to check for problems with a new build home.
Contact our conveyancing solicitor new build experts
Contact Us
If you are considering buying a new build, we will be happy to answer any initial questions you may have. We have extensive experience in dealing promptly and efficiently with new build purchases and meeting the developer’s deadline for exchange of contracts.
To speak to a new build conveyancing expert, call us on 0191 495 2896, complete a Free Online Enquiry.
“Fantastic service throughout the process of my house sale. Very professional, efficient and friendly dealings from all the staff. Would highly recommend to others. Many thanks.”
