Guide to buying a new build
If you’re looking for a new home but don’t want to renovate, a new build could be the way to go. New-build homes are energy-efficient and equipped with modern features and décor.
Our guide features everything you need to know about buying a new build, from the benefits to schemes you could be eligible for.
Why choose a new-build home?
Key benefits of buying a new build
Purchasing a new-build home comes with several benefits:
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They are usually chain-free and more flexible
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They can have improved energy efficiency
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They may be under warranty
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You may be able to personalise them to suit your style
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They are often low maintenance
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You may be able to buy off-plan, before they’re built
Chain-free and flexible purchasing
First time buyers and those selling another property are not part of a chain when buying a new-build house. This means you can often buy your home at your own pace and move in once it’s ready.Modern designs and improved energy efficiency
New-build homes tend to have more thoughtful modern designs and layouts, as well as improved energy efficiency. Double and triple-glazed windows and modern insulation can help lower utility bills by preventing excessive heat loss.
NHBC warranties and new home protections
If your new-build home is registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC), it will come with an NHBC warranty and insurance policy, known as Buildmark, which includes a two year builder warranty period, followed by an eight year insurance cover.
Personalisation options
Some developers let home buyers choose design aspects of their new build. This could be everything from doors and plug sockets to garden landscaping and tiling.At Barratt Homes, we always keep home buyers’ needs in mind. We design modern, spacious homes with multi-purpose rooms that flow between indoors and outdoors. When buying your home with us, you can style it as you like. Pick from a wide range of flooring, appliances, furnishings and fittings.
Buying off-plan
Many developers offer off-plan properties, meaning you can buy them before they’re built or before construction has started. It’s a great way to move to an area you like or one with high demand.Low maintenance living
One of the main benefits of buying a new-build home is that the initial maintenance and upkeep costs can be lower. It is unlikely that you will need to do repairs or redecorate when you move in. This also means that you can enjoy your new home straight away.
Schemes available when buying a new build
Many developers offer schemes to encourage people to buy a new-build home. At Barratt Homes, we have a range of offers you can explore if you’ve set your sights on one of our homes, such as:
Deposit Boost
Got a 5% deposit? With our Deposit Boost scheme, we can increase it with an additional 5% of the purchase price. It’s a simple way to strengthen your buying power and help you secure the brand‑new home.
Part Exchange
Looking to sell your current home? With our Part Exchange scheme, we can be your guaranteed buyer. Forget about estate agent fees and chains and focus on your brand-new home.
First Homes scheme
The First Homes scheme is designed to help first time buyers get on the property ladder. Selected brand-new homes are eligible for this scheme, with a 30% discount on market value.
Own New - Rate Reducer
The Own New - Rate Reducer is a scheme available on new-build homes. It could mean lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments. Whether you're a first time buyer or an existing homeowner, this can help when buying a new-build house.
Help to Buy – Wales
If you’re buying a new build in Wales, you may be eligible for Help to Buy. With only a 5% deposit, you could buy a brand-new home. This scheme is available on homes up to £300,000.
What are the stages of buying a new build?
Getting a Decision in Principle (DIP)
Before reserving your home, you’ll need a Decision in Principle (DIP), also known as a Mortgage in Principle (MIP). A DIP is a written statement provided by a mortgage lender or broker outlining how much money you could potentially borrow. A DIP is not a mortgage offer and is just an estimate of how much you could potentially borrow. It can help you understand how much you can afford for a new home.
Reserving your home
Once you’ve set your eyes on a property, it’s time to reserve it. You’ll usually pay a reservation fee between £500 and £1,000 to take the property off the market.
After you pay the fee, you’ll usually receive a written agreement outlining the following:
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The price of the property
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What you're buying in detail (e.g., if the property has parking)
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When the reservation agreement ends
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Any additional costs
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Terms and conditions, which outline what you'll need to do if the purchase falls through
Contact our Sales Advisers to reserve your property today.
Choosing a conveyancer and legal support
The next step is to appoint a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal aspects of your purchase. They will check the contracts and guide you through the buying a new build process.
Securing your mortgage
At this stage, you should already have an MIP. Now it’s time to get a formal offer. Your mortgage lender will arrange for a surveyor to value the property. If you’re buying off-plan, the valuation is based on the developer's plan.
Mortgage offers usually last 3 to 6 months, so ensure your completion date is within this timeframe. If not, it may become invalid. It’s worth hiring a mortgage adviser to discuss your options. They know the market better and can advise on the best options for your circumstances.
Paying your deposit and contract exchange
The deposit for buying a new build home is usually 10% but can range from 5% to 30%, depending on your circumstances. When it’s time to exchange contracts, you have around 28 days. Your conveyancing solicitor will often check the following:
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The terms of the contract
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The title of the property
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The planning documents
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Any additional paperwork
If everything is fine, you’ll need to sign the relevant paperwork. Learn more about the home buying process in our guide.
What to do before moving in
Before moving in, we recommend checking for any issues, known as ‘snags’. You can make a list of things that are damaged or not up to the expected standard, so you can notify the developer in time. Here are some key areas to check:
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Plumbing
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Electrics
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Brickwork
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Walls, floors and ceilings
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Windows
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Tiling
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Paintwork
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Fitted furniture
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Carpentry
Do you have to pay Stamp Duty when buying a new build?
Stamp Duty is paid on property or land bought in England, and like any other home purchase, you’ll need to pay Stamp Duty on new-build homes. If you’re a first time buyer, you pay nothing on properties up to £300,000; after this, standard rates apply.
Standard Stamp Duty rates as of April 2025:
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Purchase Price |
Stamp Duty Rate |
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Up to £125,000 |
0% |
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£125,001 to £250,000 |
2% |
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£250,001 to £925,000 |
5% |
|
£925,001 to £1,500,000 |
10% |
|
Over £1,500,000 |
12% |
Explore our brand-new homes across the UK. Whether you’re a first time buyer or existing homeowner, we have a wide range of offers to help you make your next move.
FAQs
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A survey is typically completed when you secure your mortgage. If you are buying off-plan, the evaluation is based on the plan the developer has provided.
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Yes, stamp duty is payable on new builds in the UK. The amount of stamp duty depends on the purchase price of the property.
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The process of buying a new build has many factors that can affect the process, but typically depending on your financial situation and the build stage of the property it can take up to several months.
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It is not necessarily harder to get a mortgage on a new build, but there may be different requirements or restrictions in place. A New Homes Mortgage Adviser will be best placed to ensure you get the best mortgage available for your situation.
Our Offers to Help Get You Moving
Help to Sell
If you’re looking to start your next adventure, but are worried about the hassle of moving, we have a range of schemes available to help you sell your existing home.
Part Exchange
We could be your guaranteed buyer, so no stress or fuss, just an easy move for you and your family.
Own New - Rate Reducer
Own New - Rate Reducer is a scheme available on new build homes that could mean lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments.
Low Deposit Offers
If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes available to help make moving more affordable. Learn more here.
Movemaker
We could help you arrange to sell your existing home, so you'll have no estate agent fees to pay.
Bank of Family
If you’re getting financial support from your family or friends to help you get on the property ladder, we could match it, up to a maximum of 5% of the purchase price.
