New Build Guides & Buyer Advice
Practical new build buyer advice, from viewing and warranties to snagging, completion and comparing UK housebuilders. Use these guides alongside developer profiles and HBF-backed rankings.
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Developer insightWhich New Build Developers Offer the Best Specification and Personalisation?
Specification can make a big difference to the true value of a new build. See what buyers should compare across developers, from flooring and kitchens to wardrobes, EV charging, solar panels and upgrade choices.
Buying guideNew Build Parking: What Buyers Should Check Before Reserving
Parking can look simple on a site plan and feel very different once an estate is occupied. Check ownership, space, visitor parking and restrictions before reserving.
Buying guideNew Build Address Not Recognised? What to Do About Your Postcode
A new home can exist before every company recognises its address. Here is what to check if your postcode is missing from broadband, insurance or delivery systems.
Buying guideNew Build EV Chargers: What Buyers Should Check
Does your new build include an EV charger? Check the charging point, parking space, activation and handover information before you move in.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Driveway and Paving Problems: Sinking, Cracks and Drainage
Sinking blocks, cracked paving, puddles and poor falls can all appear around a new build home. Learn what to check, what may be a defect and when to report driveway or paving problems.
Buying guideHow to Choose the Best Plot on a New Build Development
Two identical house types can feel completely different depending on the plot. Compare privacy, garden direction, parking, roads and future phases before reserving.
Buying guideBuying the Last Plot on a New Build Development: Pros, Cons and What to Check
The final plot on a new build development can mean less construction disruption and more negotiating room, but buyers should ask why it is still available and what remains unfinished around the estate.
New build costs & ownershipNew Build Part Exchange Explained: How It Works and Is It Worth It?
Part exchange can remove the property chain by letting a developer buy your existing home, but convenience can come at a price. Learn how valuations work, what to compare and which questions to ask before agreeing a deal.
Buying guideNew Build Conveyancing Explained: What Your Solicitor Should Check Before Exchange
New build conveyancing can involve short exchange deadlines, complex estate documents and a home that is not finished yet. Learn what your conveyancer should check before you become legally committed.
Buying guideNew Build Solar Panels: What Buyers Should Check Before Completion
Buying a new build with solar panels? Check the ownership, system details, monitoring, paperwork and warranty before you get the keys.
Buying guideAre Roads on New Build Estates Adopted by the Council?
A finished-looking road on a new development may still be privately maintained. Learn what road adoption means and what buyers should check.
Buying guideNew Build Down Valuation: What Happens If the Mortgage Valuation Is Lower?
If a lender values your new build below the agreed price, your mortgage and deposit calculations can change. Here is what a down valuation means for buyers.
Buying guideNew Build Leasehold vs Freehold: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026
Freehold and leasehold ownership can create very different costs and responsibilities. Learn what new build buyers should check in 2026, including service charges, ground rent, estate fees and current reform proposals.
Buying guideNew Build Conveyancing Solicitor: What Buyers Need to Know
Buying a new build can mean tighter legal deadlines and extra development paperwork. Here is what to check when choosing a conveyancing solicitor.
New build costs & ownershipNew Build Roads and Sewers: What Does Adoption Mean and Who Pays?
Not every road, sewer, drain or open space on a new build estate is automatically adopted by a public authority. Learn what adoption means, what Section 38 and Section 104 agreements are and what buyers should check before reserving.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Electrical Problems: Sockets, Lights, Tripping and EV Chargers
Sockets that do not work, tripping circuits, faulty lights and EV charger issues can all need investigation in a new home. Learn what homeowners can check safely and when to contact the developer or a qualified electrician.
Buying guideShow Home vs Actual New Build: What Is Included and What Can Be Different?
A show home is designed to present a development at its best. Learn which features may be upgrades, what can differ on your actual plot and how buyers should compare the written specification before reserving.
Buying guideNew Build Broadband: Full Fibre, Provider Choice and What to Check Before You Move In
A brand-new home does not always mean a simple broadband setup. Learn what gigabit-ready means, why provider choice can be limited, what to do if your address is missing and what buyers should check before moving in.
New build costs & ownershipNew Build Deposit Explained: How Much Do You Need and When Do You Pay It?
Mortgage deposit, reservation fee and exchange deposit are not the same thing. Learn how deposits work when buying a new build, when money is paid and what buyers should budget for.
Buying guideNew Build Handover Checklist: What to Check Before You Get the Keys
Getting the keys to a new build is exciting, but handover should be more than a quick tour. Use this checklist to understand meters, heating, warranties, keys, documents and defects before you move in.
Developer insightTaylor Wimpey vs Persimmon: Which New Build Developer Is Better?
Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon are two of Britain's biggest housebuilders. Compare current HBF recommendation data, public review scores and the practical checks buyers should make before choosing a development.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Plumbing Problems: Low Water Pressure, Leaks and Toilets
Low water pressure, leaking fittings and toilets that do not work properly can all appear after moving into a new build. Learn what to check safely and when to report a plumbing defect.
Developer insightOrbit Homes vs Orbit Housing: What New Build Buyers Should Know
Orbit Homes, Orbit Housing Association and Orbit Group are related but have different roles. Understand the difference before researching an Orbit new build or shared ownership home.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Roof Problems: Leaks, Tiles and What Buyers Should Check
Water stains, slipped tiles and poor roof detailing can need investigation in a new home. Learn what to check safely, what evidence to collect and when to report a roof defect.