New Build Purchases
Conveyancing solicitors for buying new build homes
Buying a new build property can be an exciting step, but it also comes with legal considerations that are different from purchasing an existing home. From reservation agreements and developer contracts to completion deadlines and new build warranties, the process requires careful legal review at every stage.
New build purchases often move quickly, and buyers are usually working to strict timescales set by the developer. This can increase pressure and make it important to ensure that contracts are properly reviewed before you commit. Key issues may include what is included in the purchase price, build specifications, estate management charges, and any conditions attached to the development.
There are also practical matters to consider, such as snagging issues, structural warranties, and the timing of mortgage offers and legal completion. Identifying potential problems early can help avoid delays or unexpected costs later in the process.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, our residential conveyancing team acts for buyers of new build homes across a range of developments. We provide clear, practical guidance throughout the transaction, ensuring you understand each stage and that your interests are protected.
We review all documentation provided by the developer, raise necessary enquiries, and work to ensure that your purchase proceeds as smoothly as possible. Our aim is to reduce stress, keep the process moving, and make sure your new home is legally secure before you move in.
We also liaise with developers, lenders, and other parties involved to help resolve issues quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Our goal is to make buying a new build property straightforward, transparent, and well-managed from reservation through to completion.
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‘I’ve dealt with Rob and the team for conveyancing for around 10 years on several properties. They are professional and deliver on what they promise. I can’t recommend this team enough, they are fantastic in every single way.’
Robert Meredith
Director and Head of Residential Property
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Direct Access to the conveyancer handling your transaction – no call centres.
Longstanding relationships with estate agents and property professionals across the region, helping us to maintain momentum and reduce delays.
Part of a full-service law firm, giving clients access to specialist advice in other areas of law where required or appropriate.
Thousands of residential property transactions completed every year.
Regular updates throughout your matter, so you’re not left wondering what is happening next.
Meet the team
Robert Meredith
Rob is a Director and Head of our Residential Conveyancing Department and has over 12 years’ experience in Residential Conveyancing work. Rob has been working in the area since he qualified and has helped thousands of families and individuals with their property needs. Rob qualified as a Solicitor in September 2006, having originally been born…
01159 725 222
r.meredith@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Robert Meredith is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Giles Tyas
Giles is a Director and Head of the Residential Conveyancing Team at our Belper Office. Giles has over 10 years’ experience in Residential Conveyancing. Giles was born in Kent and attended at St Lawrence College before studying Law at the University of Plymouth and then completing his postgraduate studies at the University of Exeter. Giles…
Emma Mrvik
Moving home can be a stressful time, Emma provides a friendly service to make this time as stress-free as possible. Emma is Head of our Conveyancing Department at our Beeston office.
Claire Ryland
Claire qualified as a Solicitor in September 2015 after studying Law and Criminology LLB and the Legal Practice Course (PgDip) at the University of Sheffield. She completed her Training Contract at this firm and has completed several professional development courses in the areas of Property Law and Client Care. Claire represents a wide range of…
0115 972 5222
claire.ryland@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Claire Ryland is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Sonja Kelly
Sonja qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 after studying Law and undertaking a Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. Since qualification Sonja has worked primarily in Residential Conveyancing, with a short spell mixing this with Wills & Probate during her early career. Sonja has worked as a Residential Conveyancer for almost 20 years…
01773 744 744
sonja.kelly@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Sonja Kelly is based at our Ripley Office.
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Jane Warren
Jane Warren is an experienced Conveyancer with over 30 years experience in the sector. Jane joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in November 2018 to work in our growing Residential Conveyancing department. Jane began working in Residential Conveyancing in Beeston in 1988 and went on to qualify as a Legal Executive in 1998. Over the years, Jane…
01156 977 254
j.warren@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Jane Warren is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Rachel Brooking
Rachel is a Conveyancer currently studying towards the Licensed Conveyancing module accredited by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers. Rachel has 11 years’ experience in the legal sector with 9 years’ particular experience in Conveyancing. Prior to this Rachel has many years of experience working in different areas of Customer Services. Rachel joined the Residential Conveyancing…
01773 744 744
rachel.Brooking@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Rachel Brooking is based at our Ripley Office.
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Kellie Bilbie
Kellie is an experienced Conveyancer in our Residential Conveyancing Department. Kellie qualified as a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2012. After leaving school and originally working for a house builder in the Nottingham area, in 1999 she came to work for a Solicitor in West Bridgford, Nottingham where she began her…
0115 9725 222
kellie.bilbie@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Kellie Bilbie is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Lauren West
Lauren is a Residential Conveyancer with over 10 years’ experience working in both Private Client Services and Residential Conveyancing. She is based in the West Bridgford office having joined the firm in February 2025. Since graduating from the University of Lincoln in 2013, Lauren was originally based in the thriving City of Lincoln initially working…
0115 896 3390
lauren.west@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Lauren West is based at our West Bridgford Office.
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Joanna Merriman
Joanna started working as a paralegal within a large national firm in Nottingham after studying a BA in Economics and Law at Leicester University. She went on to qualify into Commercial Property in 2013 after completing the Legal Practice Course part time whilst working as a Litigation Executive. In 2014 she realised that her heart…
0115 972 5222
joanna.merriman@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Joanna Merriman is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Bethan Duckworth
Bethan Duckworth joined our Belper Residential Property team in July 2023 as a Conveyancer. Bethan has worked in the Residential Property sector for over 5 years and is currently part way through her studies towards the Licensed Conveyancing Module accredited by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers. Bethan hopes to complete her qualification over the next…
01773 821 665
bethan.duckworth@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Bethan Duckworth is based at our Belper Office.
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Reviews, what our clients are saying…
Frequently Asked Questions
A new build purchase is the acquisition of a property directly from a developer or builder, often before completion. Unlike existing homes, these transactions involve:
- Reservation or option agreements
- Extended build periods
- Developers’ standard contracts with specific terms and conditions
- Structural warranties and post-completion defect provisions
Understanding these differences is essential to avoid potential pitfalls.
Step 1: Reserving the Property
Step 2: Reviewing the Contract
Step 3: Mortgage and Finance
Step 4: Pre-Completion Checks
Step 5: Completion
Step 6: Post-Completion
We act primarily for buyers of new build properties, providing:
- Full contract review and negotiation
- Guidance on warranties, snagging, and building regulations
- Support with mortgage and finance arrangements
- Practical advice on rights, obligations, and dispute prevention
Our experience ensures that your investment is secure and your purchase proceeds smoothly.
- Delayed Completion – Developers may face construction delays; legal guidance ensures your rights are protected and potential compensation is considered.
- Snagging Issues – Small defects are common; we advise on managing snagging lists and securing developer obligations.
- Contract Terms – Developers’ standard contracts may include restrictive clauses; careful review prevents future disputes.
- Warranties and Guarantees – Ensuring the property is covered under a recognised warranty scheme protects your long-term investment.
- Additional Costs – Service charges, ground rent, and estate management fees should be clearly understood and documented.
Early legal advice prevents unexpected surprises and protects your rights.
Contact Us
Buying a new build property requires careful legal planning. Our solicitors provide expert guidance, practical advice, and full conveyancing support to ensure your purchase is safe and stress-free.
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us