What to Know When Buying a New Build Home

For families considering a move, buying a new build can offer an exciting opportunity to settle into a thoughtfully designed space that’s ready for modern living. 

At Shanly Homes, we understand that purchasing a new property, especially your first new build, comes with questions. This guide outlines everything you need to know to feel confident from the moment you begin your search to the day you receive your keys.

Choosing Your New Home

The process begins by finding a development and property that suits your lifestyle and location needs. Shanly Homes builds in sought-after areas across the South East, with communities tailored to families, professionals and downsizers alike.

Our Find Your New Home tool helps you browse available plots and view key information about each property.

Our developments feature a mix of home types, so whether you need space for a growing family or a low-maintenance modern home, there’s something to suit your needs.

Making a Reservation

Once you've chosen your preferred plot, you can formally reserve it. This typically involves a reservation fee and temporarily removes the home from the market while legal and financial arrangements begin.

At this stage, you’ll receive full documentation outlining the key terms, helping ensure transparency throughout the process.

We provide support from our experienced team at every stage of your journey. 

As a member of the New Homes Quality Board, your reservation is covered by the New Homes Quality Code which means you have a 14-day cooling off period for the unlikely event you change your mind. During this time your reservation fee will be fully refundable. 

Understanding the Timeline

New build purchases work to clear timelines, with estimated completion dates shared early in the process. This gives families time to plan school enrolments, removals and work transitions with greater certainty than the open market often allows.

Our homes move through stages of construction, from plot reservation to handover, and you’ll receive updates throughout. Shanly Homes remains committed to communication and support at every step, giving buyers peace of mind.

Financing Your New Build

While the Help to Buy scheme is no longer available in England, many buyers use alternative methods to secure a mortgage, including shared ownership and equity loan options in some regions. Your mortgage advisor will be able to help identify the right route for you.

We also offer access to our Mortgage Calculator to assist you in early planning.

Completion and Handover

As your move-in date approaches, you’ll receive final details about home demonstration, pre-completion inspection, completion, legal handover and your moving timeline. On completion day, your solicitor will transfer funds and you receive the keys to your brand new home.

Before you move in, your property will be professionally inspected, ensuring everything meets our standards of finish and functionality.

Ongoing Support and Warranty

Every Shanly home comes with dedicated post-completion support including an easy-to-use customer portal. Our Customer Care team is on hand to address any queries or concerns following move-in. Each home includes a two-year Shanly Homes warranty and a 10-year structural warranty for long-term peace of mind.

Why Buying a New Build Is a Smart Choice

Buying a new build offers clarity, comfort and confidence. From the chance to personalise your space to knowing exactly when you’ll move in, the process is designed for modern life.

With no upward chain, less likelihood of delays and no need for immediate renovations, families can focus on enjoying their new start.

Start your journey today by exploring our available developments, or get in touch with our team and we can help you make the first steps to a new build home you’ll love.