A new build is a home sold by a housebuilder before or just after completion. This guide explains how buying one works, what to check before you reserve, and how to compare housebuilders.
What is a new build?
A home sold for the first time, usually by the housebuilder that built it.
A new build is a home that has been built by a housebuilder and is being sold for the first time. It can be a house or a flat, and it is usually part of a larger development. You can buy one off-plan, before it is built, or when it is complete and ready to move into.
Housebuilders range from national companies to regional and local builders. They build to their own designs and timetables, so the buying experience varies from one developer to another. That is why it is worth comparing them before you reserve. How to compare new build developers
How to buy a new build, step by step
The exact order can vary, but most new build purchases follow these seven steps.
Most new builds come with a 10-year warranty from a provider such as NHBC, LABC Warranty or Premier Guarantee. In the first two years the developer is normally responsible for putting right defects. From year three to ten, the warranty is usually insurance for specified structural defects.
Terms vary, so read the policy and check what your mortgage lender accepts. If a complaint with a registered developer is not resolved, you can take it to the independent New Homes Ombudsman Service. New build warranties explained
Snagging and after-sales
Snagging means checking a new build for defects and unfinished work, such as paintwork, doors, sealant and fittings. You can arrange a professional pre-completion inspection, and many buyers hire an independent snagging company to do it.
HBF star ratings come from the Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey. It asks buyers, about eight weeks after they complete, whether they would recommend their builder. A builder where 90% or more say yes earns 5 stars, and 80% to 89.9% earns 4 stars.
We publish HBF ratings and Trustpilot or Google review scores separately and never blend them into one score. How we rank developers
As of 15 September 2026, 3West Group is ranked first in our HBF customer satisfaction table. 100% of the 29 buyers surveyed would recommend them. 9 developers scored 100%, so also check how many buyers were surveyed and which regions each builder covers. Rankings measure customer satisfaction, not the quality of one particular development.
New build buying guides
What to check before you buy, from choosing a developer and viewing a property to warranties, snagging and completion.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and schemes differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check current official guidance and speak to a solicitor before you commit.
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