Expert guides, market updates, and everything you need to know about buying a new-build home in the UK
First-Time BuyersBeyond the budget spreadsheet — the new build costs that blindside buyers. Escalating estate charges, unadopted roads, restrictive covenants, the new build premium trap, and 9 more surprises.
First-Time BuyersPractical salary-to-property tables showing exactly what first-time buyers can borrow and afford at every income level from £25,000 to £80,000+. Includes worked monthly budget examples, joint income calculations, regional affordability maps, how to stretch your borrowing, and realistic budget scenarios that account for all the costs developers don't mention.
First-Time BuyersEvery cost of buying a new build home itemised — from reservation fee to furniture. Includes a worked £300,000 example showing exactly what first-time buyers need saved and budgeted.
First-Time BuyersShould you buy a new build or an older home? We compare costs, maintenance, energy bills, space, resale value, and lifestyle — honestly covering the pros and cons of each so you can decide what's right for you.
Legal & ConveyancingExchange of contracts is the point of no return when buying a new build. This guide explains exactly what you're signing, how much deposit you need, what the long-stop date means, and the contract clauses your solicitor should flag.
Buying GuidesThe reservation fee is the first money you pay when buying a new build — and the reservation agreement is the first document you sign. This guide explains exactly what you are committing to, how much you should expect to pay, when you can get your money back, and the Consumer Code protections you should know about.
Mortgages & FinanceThe definitive UK guide to new build mortgages — every mortgage type compared, deposit requirements by property, government schemes, developer incentives, lender panels, and how new build mortgages differ from standard home loans.
Mortgages & FinanceComplete UK guide to new build deposits — how much you need by LTV tier, how reservation fees and exchange deposits work differently from resale, saving strategies including Lifetime ISA, gifted deposits, developer contributions, shared ownership deposits, and worked examples for every buyer type.
Buying GuidesDetailed timelines for buying a new build home in the UK. Covers how long every stage takes from first visit to moving day, what causes delays at each step, off-plan vs completed property schedules, parallel workstreams, critical path analysis, and how to speed up the slowest parts of the process.
Buying GuidesA data-driven analysis of new build value retention in the UK. Covers premium deflation timelines, houses vs apartments, regional differences, when to sell, and practical strategies to maximise your resale price.
Costs & BudgetingNew builds cost more upfront, but are they actually more expensive? This analysis breaks down the new build premium, calculates total cost of ownership over 10 and 25 years for three property types, and shows exactly when the premium pays for itself — and when it does not.
Buying GuidesEverything you need to know about buying a new build off-plan in the UK. Covers the step-by-step process from reservation to completion, contract terms, deposit protection, mortgage timing, construction delays, down-valuations, specification changes, and what happens if the developer goes bust.