Whether buying your new build home in the traditional way or off-plan, here are the essential steps.

1. Agree to a mortgage in principle 

You'll need a mortgage in principle before reserving your home. Mortgage offers usually last three to six months, so ensure your completion date is within this timeframe. If not, your mortgage offer may become invalid.

You can get a New Homes Mortgage Adviser to discuss your options.

2. Reserving your home

Ready to reserve your new build home? You can contact our Sales Advisers, who will ask a few questions before taking it off the market. You’ll pay a reservation fee between £500 and £1,000.

After paying the fee, you’ll receive a written agreement outlining the following: 

• The price of the property 
• What you're buying in detail (e.g. if the property has parking) 
• When the reservation agreement ends 
• Any additional costs
• Terms and conditions, which outline what you'll need to do if the purchase falls through 

3. Appoint a conveyancing solicitor 

You'll now need a conveyancing solicitor to deal with the legal side of your purchase and guide you through the buying process.

4. Secure your mortgage 

At this stage, you should already have an agreed mortgage in principle. The mortgage lender will arrange for a surveyor to evaluate the property and assemble a formal offer.

If you’re buying off-plan, the evaluation is based on the plan the developer has provided.

5. Pay the deposit 

The deposit for buying a new build home is usually 10% but can range between 5% and 30%.

6. Exchange contracts 

You have 42 days to exchange contracts. Your conveyancing solicitor will check the following:

• The terms of the contract 
• The title of the property 
• The planning documents 
• Any additional paperwork 

If everything is fine, you’ll sign the relevant paperwork.