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.
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.
New build costs ownershipDo You Pay Stamp Duty on a New Build? UK Buyer Guide
New builds do not get a general stamp duty exemption. See how SDLT works in England and Northern Ireland and the different property taxes used in Wales and Scotland.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesPre-Completion vs Post-Completion Snagging: When Should You Get a New Build Snagging Survey?
Should you snag a new build before or after completion? Compare pre-completion inspections and post-completion snagging, including the advantages of each and when buyers should book.
Buying guideNew Build Warranty Providers UK: NHBC, LABC Warranty and Premier Guarantee Explained
Not every new build comes with an NHBC warranty. Compare common UK structural warranty providers, how their cover is structured and what buyers should check before reserving.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Cracks: Settlement or Something to Worry About?
Fine cracks can appear as a new home dries, but some patterns deserve closer attention. Learn the difference between common shrinkage cracking and signs that may need professional assessment.
New build costs ownershipNew Build Council Tax Explained: When You Pay and How Your Band Is Set
Buying a new build? Learn how council tax bands are assigned to new homes, what to do if your property has no band yet and how the system differs across the UK.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Garden Drainage Problems Explained
Standing water, boggy turf and poor falls can make a new build garden difficult to use. Learn what may cause drainage problems, what evidence to collect and when to report the issue.
Buying guideNew Build Exchange of Contracts: What Happens and What Buyers Should Check
Exchanging contracts on a new build can happen long before the home is finished. Understand the exchange deadline, deposit, mortgage, completion notice and checks to make before you commit.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Defects: What Is Normal and What Is Serious?
Some new build issues are part of normal drying and adjustment; others need prompt investigation. Learn how to distinguish routine snags from signs that deserve professional attention.
Developer insightPersimmon vs Redrow: Which New Build Developer Is Better?
Persimmon vs Redrow: compare current HBF recommendation data, Trustpilot scores, development choice and the practical checks buyers should make before choosing a new build.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Heating Problems: What to Check If Your Home Is Not Warming Properly
Cold rooms, radiators not heating or confusing controls in a new build? Learn the safe checks to make, what to record and when to report a heating defect to the developer.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Soundproofing Problems: What Buyers Should Know
Hearing noise in a new build does not automatically mean the home fails acoustic standards. Learn how sound insulation works, what to document and when specialist testing may be appropriate.
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Buying guideNew Build Completion Delays: What Happens If Your Home Is Late?
A delayed new build can affect your mortgage, rental plans, removals and moving date. Understand completion estimates, long-stop dates and the practical steps to take if construction runs late.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesNew Build Condensation and Mould: Causes and What to Do
Some moisture is common while a new home dries, but persistent condensation and mould should not be ignored. Learn the likely causes, ventilation checks and when to report a defect.
Snagging & Build Quality GuidesMost Common New Build Snags: What Buyers Should Look For
From paintwork and doors to drainage, ventilation and external finishes, here are the common new build snagging areas buyers should check before and after completion.
New build costs ownershipNew Build Reservation Fee & Reservation Agreement Explained
Before paying a new build reservation fee, understand what the reservation agreement should tell you, when money may be refundable and which costs, dates and property details to check.
New build costs ownershipNew Build Mortgages UK: What Buyers Need to Know
Buying a new build with a mortgage can involve tighter timescales, incentives, valuations and delays. Understand the key checks before you reserve, exchange and complete.
Buying guideBuying a New Build Off Plan: What to Check Before You Reserve
Buying a new build off plan can give you more choice, but you are committing before the finished home exists. Use this checklist to research the developer, plot, specification, costs and completion timetable.
New build costs ownershipNew Build Incentives: What Can Buyers Ask For?
From upgraded flooring to financial contributions, new build incentives can change the overall deal. Learn what buyers may be offered and what to check before accepting.
New build costs ownershipCan You Negotiate the Price of a New Build?
New build prices are not always completely fixed. Learn where buyers may have room to negotiate, when incentives can be more realistic than a discount and what to check before agreeing a deal.
New build costs ownershipAre New Builds More Expensive? The New Build Premium Explained
New build homes often have a higher average selling price than existing properties, but the headline gap is not a simple like-for-like premium. Here is what buyers should compare.
New build costs ownershipNew Build Service Charges & Estate Management Fees Explained
Understand new build service charges and estate management fees, what they may cover, what to ask before reserving and why the details matter for long-term ownership.
Buying guideWhat Happens When a New Build Warranty Expires?
Approaching the end of a new build warranty? Find out what happens after 10 years, what cover ends and what homeowners should check beforehand.