Head Office: 020 7870 4870     |    Croydon Office: 020 3773 4870     |    City Office: 020 7100 0333
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New Build Property Solicitors

If you are purchasing a new build property and need a solicitor who will review the developer’s contract critically and protect your position through to completion, our team at Law Lane Solicitors, CQS-accredited and approved on 91 lender panels, is ready to act for you now.

Buying a new build property is fundamentally different from purchasing an existing home. You are often exchanging contracts on a property that has not yet been built, working from a developer’s standard contract drafted to reflect the developer’s priorities, and managing a mortgage offer that may expire before the property is ready. The risks are real: reservation fees are non-refundable, exchange deposits are substantial, and delays to the build programme can carry serious financial consequences if the contract does not give you adequate protection. At Law Lane Solicitors, founded in 2015 with offices in Stratford, High Holborn, and Croydon, we act for new build buyers across London and throughout England and Wales, reviewing developer contracts with your interests in mind.

We hold CQS accreditation and are approved on 91 lender panels. New build mortgage products often carry shorter offer periods, and lenders may require updates or re-valuations if completion is delayed. Being on 91 panels means we are already approved to act for your lender in most cases, which removes an additional layer of cost and delay. Our multilingual team speaks over 28 languages, and we act for buyers across the country and from overseas.

Our New Build Legal Services

We advise and act on new build purchases at every stage of the process, covering:

  • Reviewing and advising on the developer’s draft contract, including reservation agreements, long-stop completion dates, and the developer’s right to vary the specification
  • Negotiating amendments to the developer’s standard terms where the contract does not adequately protect your position
  • Advising on the financial implications of exchanging contracts on a property under construction, including the position if the developer becomes insolvent before completion
  • Reporting on the title to the new build plot, including the estate conveyance, title guarantee, and any restrictions or covenants registered against the development
  • Advising on newly created leasehold titles, including the prohibition on ground rents under the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 and the developer’s management arrangements
  • Dealing with mortgage offer extensions and fresh applications where the build programme is delayed beyond the anticipated completion date
  • Calculating your Stamp Duty Land Tax liability under Part 4 of the Finance Act 2003, including any developer incentives toward SDLT costs
  • Handling shared ownership new build purchases, including lease terms and staircasing provisions
  • Registering your new build title at HM Land Registry on first registration and satisfying post-completion conditions imposed by the developer or management company
  • Providing a fixed fee quote at the outset so you know the full legal cost before you exchange

Why Choose Law Lane for Your New Build Purchase?

Developer contracts are prepared to reflect the developer’s priorities. Clauses permitting delays without penalty, specification changes without consent, or deposit retention in circumstances that may seem disproportionate appear regularly in standard forms. We review contracts with those risks in mind, advise you on what the terms mean in practice, and negotiate amendments before you exchange where that is achievable.

New build lenders impose conditions on the solicitors they instruct, covering warranty types, lease terms on leasehold new builds, and the developer’s background. Our approval on 91 lender panels means we already meet most of those requirements and can address them efficiently, reducing the risk that your mortgage offer lapses due to a legal complication on our side.

Our in-house barristers mean we can advise on and conduct litigation arising from a new build purchase, whether involving a defective title or a misrepresentation claim about the property, without transferring your file to a separate team. For fee information, see our conveyancing pricing page or call us directly for a quote specific to your development.

Get in Touch

Our New Build Solicitors are ready to review your developer’s contract and protect your position. Call or email us as soon as you have agreed a reservation.

Phone: 020 7870 4870

Email: info@lawlanesolicitors.co.uk

Book a consultation with our team and you will receive clear, practical advice on the risks and legal process involved in buying a new build before you exchange contracts.

Accredited Family Law

Law Lane Solicitors is proud to be accredited under The Law Society’s Immigration and Asylum Accreditation.

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I had an excellent experience with the Law Lane Solicitors and their team. From start to finish, the service was professional, efficient, and very well organised. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and were always available to answer any questions I had.
What impressed me most was their attention to detail and the genuine care they showed in handling my case. Everything was explained clearly, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I’m extremely satisfied with the service provided and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and professional legal support. Thank you again for your outstanding work!
” – A on Review Solicitors (March ’26)

Frequently Asked Questions – New Build Property Solicitors

What is exchange on plan, and why does it carry risk?

Exchanging on plan means committing to buy a property that does not yet exist in its completed form. You pay a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price, and are legally bound to complete when the developer certifies the property is ready. The risk is that if the developer does not complete on time, or the finished property differs from what was described, recovering your position can be difficult without clear contractual protections in place from the outset.

Can I negotiate the developer's contract?

Yes, in many cases it is possible to negotiate amendments to a developer’s standard contract, even where developers present their terms as fixed. Amendments we commonly seek include tightening the long-stop completion date, clarifying what constitutes a material change to the specification, and strengthening the conditions under which you can withdraw and recover your deposit. The scope for negotiation depends on demand and the stage of the sales process.

What is a long-stop date in a new build contract?

A long-stop date is the final deadline by which the developer must be ready to complete the sale. If that date passes without completion, you are generally entitled to withdraw and recover your deposit. The length of that deadline determines how much delay you must accept before you have the right to exit. We advise on whether the proposed long-stop date is reasonable given the stage of construction.

What structural warranty is required on a new build?

Most mortgage lenders require a structural warranty covering major defects for a minimum of ten years from completion. The most widely accepted schemes are NHBC Buildmark, Premier Guarantee, and LABC Warranty. Some lenders specify which schemes they will accept. We check that your property has an acceptable warranty as part of our review of the contract documentation.

What if my mortgage offer expires before the new build completes?

A lapsed mortgage offer may require a fresh application at a potentially different rate. Some lenders offer extensions on new build products on request, and others will consider a re-valuation. We alert you as early as possible when a build delay risks your offer expiring, so that steps can be taken with your broker and lender before the deadline passes.

What are the risks of buying a leasehold new build?

Leasehold new builds carry ongoing service charges and management obligations for the duration of your ownership. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 prohibits ground rents on new regulated residential leases granted from 30 June 2022, so you will not face financial demands for ground rent on a post-commencement lease. We review the lease terms and advise on the financial implications before you exchange.

Is Help to Buy still available on new builds?

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme in England closed to new applicants in March 2023. There is no active national successor scheme at present. Some developers offer their own incentive packages. We advise on the legal requirements attached to any such arrangement, specific to your purchase.

What does it cost to use Law Lane for a new build purchase?

We do not charge for an initial conversation. We provide a full, itemised quote before you instruct us. New build transactions involve specific legal work, including reviewing the developer’s contract and managing post-completion registration, and our quote reflects that. Call or email us for a figure specific to your property and purchase price.

How quickly can you review a developer's contract?

Developers sometimes impose short deadlines for exchange, particularly on popular developments. We act promptly on new build instructions and agree on a clear reporting timescale at the outset. If you are facing a developer-imposed deadline, please let us know when you first contact us, and we will assess what is achievable.

New Build Property Team

Saghir Ahmad

Saghir Ahmad

Managing Director, Solicitor
Brian Hoffman

Brian Hoffman

Consultant Solicitor
Amrit Kaur Grewal

Amrit Kaur Grewal

Solicitor
Ata Ur Rahman

Ata Ur Rahman

Solicitor
Ganga Gunatilake

Ganga Gunatilake

Solicitor
Adedamola Adedeji

Adedamola Adedeji

Solicitor
Kainaat Malik

Kainaat Malik

Trainee Solicitor
Rahat Gitu

Rahat Ara Gitu

Solicitor
Amina Aziz

Amina Aziz

Paralegal
Esra Demirtas

Esra Demirtas

Paralegal
Farzana Mohammed

Farzana Mohammed

Trainee Solicitor
Christian O. Nwaorah

Christian O. Nwaorah

Solicitor
Hafza Hassan

Hafza Hassan

Trainee Solicitor
Hina Latif

Hina Latif

Legal Consultant / RFL
Aiziya Khan

Aiziya Khan

Paralegal
Sanushi Sumaya Hemantha

Sanushi Sumaya Hemantha

Paralegal
Syed Umer Ali

Syed Umer Ali

Paralegal
Managing Director, Solicitor

Saghir Ahmad

  • Languages: English, Urdu
  • Practice Areas: Conveyancing
Consultant Solicitor

Brian Hoffman

  • Designation: Consultant Solicitor
  • Languages: English

I qualified as a solicitor in June 1979 and I have been qualified for more than 43 years as a solicitor. For most of that time I was a partner initially at Brian Hoffman & Co and subsequently at Hoffman-Bokaei.

Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing
Career & Expertise

I have expertise in property and, associated with that, corporate law to include the sale and purchase of companies not just in England, but offshore. Over the years, I have been fortunate to deal with matters across the entire property spectrum to include intricate and involved matters.

My experience with Property work, which is extensive, includes:

  • Acquisition of development land for residential and commercial
  • Option Agreements
  • Planning related to development
  • Bridging and buy to let finance
  • Sharia Finance
  • Franchise Agreements
  • Business sale and purchase by way of asset purchase
  • General residential conveyancing.
  • Commercial Conveyancing to include lease renewal and leases of offices of offices, shops, factories, and licence to assign
  • Joint venture Agreements
  • Auction sale and purchases
  • New build property purchase

With my years of experience, I bring a practical and commercial approach to property matters, with the ability to identify issues, propose solutions and when necessary, move swiftly . Empathy with and listening to clients is important to me.

In my spare time, I enjoy country walking along with supporting and following Watford FC.

Notable Cases
  • Sale of 27 convenience stores in neighbourhood shopping centres to T&S Stores, who in due course sold out to Tesco. This matter was referred to in national press and included business sale and the grant of 27 leases.
  • Acting on the purchase of a cemetery and subsequently dealing with the exclusive rights of burial.
  • Purchase of a lake.
  • Purchase of 100 new build flats simultaneously of the former Bolton Fire Station.
  • Company purchase of a transport company with associated bank security.

Solicitor

Amrit Kaur Grewal

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: English
Practice Areas

Conveyancing

Solicitor

Ata Ur Rahman

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi

I assist clients to achieve their immigration objectives and to settle RTA/Personal Injury claims. I guide them through the issues that might arise. I am keen to achieve the best interest of my clients. Throughout my career, I have always believed in providing the highest level of client services.

Career & Expertise

I have a wide range of experience in Immigration Law, Personal Injury, Corporate and Commercial Law. I have successfully dealt with a large number of immigration applications covering entry clearance and in country visa applications including Tier-1 Tribunal and Upper Tribunal appeals.

Education & Qualifications
  • Islamia University of Bahawalpur: LLB
  • Islamia University of Bahawalpur: MA (Political Science)
  • University of Leicester: LLM (International Commercial Law)

Solicitor

Ganga Gunatilake

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: English

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Solicitor

Adedamola Adedeji

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: English, Yoruba

I have 3 years of experience as a paralegal.

Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing
Career & Expertise

Adedamola is a dynamic and dedicated legal professional currently thriving as a Trainee Solicitor at Law Lane Solicitors. She joined the firm in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience as an accomplished Paralegal. Her legal journey began in 2011, and she holds a distinguished 2:1 degree in Nigerian law, nearly achieving a First in her Bachelor of Laws, LLB Law (Hons).

Driven by a deep fascination with the English legal system, Adedamola pursued further studies in the UK, earning her Graduate Diploma in Law and completing the Legal Practice Course at BPP University, London. She also earned a master’s degree in Oil, Gas and Energy Law (LLM) and had the opportunity to work with a King’s Counsel on a project. She is now honing her skills in property law and property litigation, areas where her passion truly shines.

Adedamola is renowned for her strategic approach to resolving client matters swiftly and effectively, understanding the pressures clients face, especially when purchasing their first property. Her clients trust her implicitly, a testament to the strong rapport she has built through her exceptional work.

Her expertise is evident in her handling of high-net-worth property transactions, often involving millions of pounds and multiple parties. She has successfully navigated complex freehold and leasehold transactions and has represented clients in court, securing favourable judgments.

Beyond her professional achievements, Adedamola is committed to giving back to the community. She volunteers with charitable organisations, ensuring they meet their objectives, and is particularly passionate about supporting BAME groups in entering the legal profession, offering her services pro bono.

Adedamola’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and heartfelt commitment to both her clients and the community.

Memberships
  • Chartered Governance Institute (CGI)
  • Professional Consultancy and Strategy Management (CMI)
Education & Qualifications
  • LLB
  • LLM in Oil, Gas and Energy Law
  • GDL
  • LPC
  • CGI
  • CMI
Awards
  • Excellence Award on Professional Development
  • Certified Legal Tech Writer
Trainee Solicitor

Kainaat Malik

  • Designation: Trainee Solicitor
  • Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi

I started my career here at Law Lane Solicitors as a conveyancing assistant to one of the firm’s directors. I then became a conveyancing paralegal in 2020 and has been handling my own caseload since. In September 2021, I was made a trainee solicitor and am now part of the conveyancing team.

Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing – Residential

Solicitor

Rahat Ara Gitu

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: Bangla, English
Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing
Career & Expertise
  • Residential and commercial.
Education & Qualifications
  • LLM and LPC (University of Law), LLB (University of London)
Client Feedback

“Miss Rahat is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is not only incredibly friendly and approachable but also highly supportive and efficient. I always received clear, detailed answers to my queries, and her timely responses made the entire process seamless. Her professionalism, combined with a warm, positive attitude, stands out, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of her assistance.”

Paralegal

Amina Aziz

  • Designation: Paralegal
  • Languages: English, Urdu, Pothwari, Punjabi
Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing – Residential
Education & Qualifications
  • LLB Law
  • Currently completing SQE

Paralegal

Esra Demirtas

  • Designation: Paralegal
  • Languages: English
Trainee Solicitor

Farzana Mohammed

  • Designation: Trainee Solicitor
  • Languages: English, Bengali
Practice Areas
  • Residential & Commercial Conveyancing
Education & Qualifications
  • GRADUATED WITH FIRST CLASS HONOURS IN LAW LLB HONOURS IN 2020
  • COMPLETED THE LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE (LPC) IN 2022
Awards
  • BEST LEGAL SUPPORT AT LAW LANE SOLICITORS (2023)

Solicitor

Christian O. Nwaorah

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: English,fluent German, Igbo (Nigerian), basic Japanese
Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing
  • Private client (wills and probate)
  • Litigation
  • Immigration
Memberships
  • LAW SOCIETY OF ENGLAND AND WALES
  • ROTARY CLUB INTERNATIONAL
  • BRITISH-GERMAN JURISTS ASSOCIATION (BGJA), UK
  • IGBO UNION, LONDON
Education & Qualifications
  • CERTIFIED BUSINESS MANAGER (GERMANY), LL.B (HONS) LL.M LEGAL PRACTICE SOLICITORS
Trainee Solicitor

Hafza Hassan

  • Designation: Trainee Solicitor
  • Languages: English and Somali

Hafza Hassan is a Trainee Solicitor in the firm’s Conveyancing Department, bringing two years of dedicated experience to the team. Hafza has developed a strong practice in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold purchases, sales, remortgages, leases and transfers of equity. She has also gained valuable experience working within the firm’s compliance and post-completion departments, ensuring that all transactions are conducted efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Hafza is committed to delivering a high standard of client care and providing clear, practical advice throughout every stage of the conveyancing process.

Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing
Education & Qualifications
  • LLB Law Degree
  • Legal Practice Course
  • LLM

Legal Consultant / RFL

Hina Latif

  • Designation: Legal Consultant / RFL
  • Languages: English
Practice Areas
  • Conveyancing

Paralegal

Aiziya Khan

  • Designation: Paralegal
  • Languages: English
Paralegal

Sanushi Sumaya Hemantha

  • Designation: Paralegal
  • Languages: English
Paralegal

Syed Umer Ali

  • Designation: Paralegal
  • Languages: English & Urdu

Accreditations & Memberships