Buying a new build can feel overwhelming but with Lyons Bowe’s dedicated New Build team, you will get expert contract reviews, Help to Buy advice, and timeline management, all delivered with clarity and care.
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Buying a property is one of the most significant investments you'll make, and we've designed our conveyancing services so you're supported at every step. Our specialist property solicitors provide clear, structured residential conveyancing across England and Wales, using dedicated teams, smart technology, and transparent fixed-fee pricing.
We ensure you always know what's happening, who's involved, and your next steps. From real-time updates via our conveyancing app, emails, and detailed guides, to personal calls from your team, you'll always have clarity and peace of mind.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or experienced property investor, our unique Abortive Pledge protects you if a purchase falls through, supporting you from your initial quote to collecting your keys.
We provide both tech-driven solutions or traditional client-focused service to fit your preferences. With real-time updates via our app or in-person consultations, every step of your property buying experience is crafted around your needs for a seamless and transparent journey.
New Enquiries are here to welcome you, answer your questions, and guide you through the beginning of your journey.
They’ll help you:
Your new Instructions Team are the first team you’ll work with throughout your conveyancing journey.
They’ll help you:
Your Legal Team will be here to help and support you throughout the next stages of your sale.
They’ll help you:
Your Exchange & Completion Team will be here to support you through the final stages of your purchase.
They will:
We believe that taking a step like buying a property, deserves a personal and bespoke service. Your service can change based on your needs, but what never changes is our dedication to giving our clients a 5 star service.
Buying a new build home is one of the most exciting times in life. Whether you’re making your first step on the property ladder, or expanding your property portfolio, we believe you should be able to decide how you buy your new build.
Opt for a truly innovative experience with everything our app has to offer, or choose a traditional approach and put pen to paper to get buying. However you prefer, the choice is yours.
No matter how you choose to buy your property, your service will be truly personal throughout. Your teams will be by your side every step of the way to answer any questions, keep track of the other parties involved, and help you to cross the t’s and dot the i’s.
Enjoy the benefits of a modern, innovative firm, in partnership with the convenience of a personal, high street experience.
We’ve worked tirelessly to make sure that at every step of your purchase, you know what’s happening, who’s involved, and how it all works. From live app updates and emails, through to in-depth guides and phone calls with your team, you will always know what’s happening and where you stand.
Buying a property is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so we’ll make sure you’re supported from getting a quote, to collecting your keys.
Instruct a solicitor ASAP
The sooner you instruct a solicitor after your offer has been accepted, the sooner we can get to work on the paperwork and stages that need to be completed in order to purchase your new build home!
Sign and return documentation
We’ll be here to help you fill out forms and complete stages, so if you’re not sure what to do, just let us know. The moment you return the signed documentation to us, we can get started on the next steps!
Get involved with your developer
You may only get to see the plot of land after completing on the purchase, so you won’t know what the building will look like unless you get the property specs from the Developer / or visit samples of near identical properties.
Shop around for the best rates
Once contracts have been exchanged, all parties are legally bound to the sale of the property, so it’s safe to start getting quotes for wifi, water bills and electricity set up. It may be some time before you complete on your purchase so use this time to shop around for the best rates!
Make a snag list after moving
As your property is a new build, when you first move in, or before if the developer will allow, take a walk around the property and take pictures of any teething problems that may exist. Send these photos to your developer to make sure that they get fixed in good time.
Decorating grace period
With a regular property purchase, you can start ripping down wallpaper and painting to your heart’s content, however with a new build you may need to wait 3 months before you’re able to paint the property. Always check with your developer before you start to decorate.
At Lyons Bowe, we have reimagined residential property law to deliver a faster, clearer, and more personal legal experience. Here is what makes our service different.
5-Star Client Service
Thousands of five-star reviews reflect our commitment to clear communication, structured support, and personal care throughout your property journey.
Industry-Leading App
Track your case in real-time with our easy-to-use app and receive updates, complete forms, verify your ID, and make secure payments, all in one place.
Local, Friendly Offices
We are proud to offer friendly, expert support across our offices in Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Bridgwater, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Exeter, Frome, Keynsham, and Shepton Mallet. With national reach through secure digital services.
Structured Legal Journey
Our unique team model means you always have the right expert at every stage, from onboarding to completion, keeping your transaction moving quickly and smoothly.
Smart, Secure Legal Technology
From secure digital onboarding to online payments and e-signatures, our tech makes legal services simpler, safer, and more convenient, without losing the human touch.
Clear, Fair Fees
We offer transparent, fixed-fee conveyancing wherever possible, with clear guidance upfront so you stay in control. You can also take advantage of our Abortive Pledge, so are protected if your transaction falls through for reasons outside your control.
It is critical you update your Will after a change like this. We offer customised solutions from £250.
ExploreAt Lyons Bowe, we understand that not every property transaction goes to plan. That is why we offer the Lyons Bowe Abortive Pledge, giving you peace of mind that if your purchase falls through due to no fault of your own, you will not lose the legal fees you have paid. You will only be responsible for any third-party disbursements incurred, such as search fees.
What is Covered:
Buying Homes
Remortgaging
Selling Homes
New Builds
Forget the confusing lingo and overly wordy explanations. Our app makes sense of it all - seamless, convenient and designed with you in mind.
Thousands of five-star reviews from clients just like you. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, clear communication, and innovative technology to make your legal journey seamless.
We have ten offices across the South West & South Wales, but our reach is national.
Whether you visit us in person or prefer to work with us remotely, our team is ready to support. Clear communication, dedicated teams, and real-time updates mean the same high standard of service - no matter how you choose to work with us.
Got a burning legal question not in these FAQs? Or, you know, just a regular one? Ask us below! We'll get back to you within one business day.
Contact usWith a new build, you're the first person to live there, and everything is brand new! Sometimes, the completion date isn't fixed until the building is finished. Existing properties have usually been lived in before and you can often move in sooner. New builds might come with a warranty but could have snagging issues (minor problems needing fixing).
The costs of buying a new build include your mortgage fees, legal fees paid to a solicitor like Lyons Bowe, and Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable). You might also have costs for any extras or upgrades you choose with the developer. Lyons Bowe will give you a clear quote for our legal fees.
Buying a new build starts with reserving your plot and paying a reservation fee. You'll then instruct a solicitor, like Lyons Bowe, who will review the contract from the developer. You'll get a chance to order property searches. Once everything is in order, you'll exchange contracts. Often with new builds, you'll get a "Notice to Complete" once the property is finished. Finally, completion happens, and you get the keys! Lyons Bowe will guide you through each of these steps.
Definitely! However, when buying a new built you need to be aware that the buyers of your current property may not be comfortable with a completion on notice. You may want to consider “breaking the chain” i.e. selling your property before you complete on your new build. This may mean temporarily moving into rented accommodation.
You can do this but it is not advisable if there is a long time between exchange and completion. This is because the LISA monies have to be used within 90 days of them being drawn down. Your conveyancer will advise but if the completion date is likely to be longer than two months, it is advisable not to use as a deposit.
No, we do not act for the developer. We act for you and your lender (if you have one). Our duty is to you and we will report to you on our findings on the site. Once you have received our reports, you can decide whether or not you wish to proceed with the purchase.
Some new builds are built and ready by the time you instruct us, in these cases a fixed completion date can be offered. Most new builds are subject to completion on notice, meaning that the developer provides you with a “Notice to Complete” once the property is finished. This means that in most cases, you will be contractually bound to buy the property at the time contracts are exchanged, but you won’t have a fixed completion/move-in date until the property is built. Once the property is built, you are usually given a fixed notice period prior to your completion date.
We will begin work on your transaction with the aim to meet the exchange date set by your developer. Exchange dates vary between four to eight weeks with the average being six weeks.
Ensure your family structure is just as future-proof. While our New-Build specialists review contracts and warranties, our Family team can set up co-habitation or prenup agreements that protect everyone from ground floor to penthouse.