Solicitors for new builds

AndyG30

Hi, I am a first time buyer looking to buy a new build, I was wondering if there was a particular solicitor I should be using as I am on a low budget with no clue about buying.

Thanks Andy

neilio

When buying any property, new build or not, whoever is managing the sale, whether it's an estate agent or a housebuilder, they generally always have a few solicitors on file who they would recommend. In my experience, it's easier to go with who they suggest, usually because they will have experience in conveying the purchase of such properties.

A cynic may tell you that they suggest specific law firms because they get a good deal out of it. That may or may not be the case, I don't know, but regardless, you need a solicitor, so it would be sensible to follow their advice, in my opinion.

Sometimes, depending on the housebuilder and law firm, there may be a special deal where the housebuilder contributes a small amount towards your legal costs. The housebuilder would tell you this at the time of securing the property as part of their spiel as to why they suggest a certain law firm.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Totally disagree with the advice above. Good solicitors tend not to prostitute themselves to developers panels - they don't need the work that much. I would rather pay a few hundred quid more for someone decent that has been recommended by local word of mouth than some spiv that relies on kickbacks.

neilio

In that case, good luck to you in your search for a "good" solicitor. I've had to use several in my time and they've all been rubbish! I don't think I've ever met anyone who said to me, use this solicitor because they are very good. So, what does one do?

I know that Berkeley Homes, for example, contributes £1000 towards legal costs when you buy. If that means you get someone for a bit less money during a very expensive life event, then why would you say no?

richard2511

After a failed purchase of a new build because of incompetent "recommended" solicitors and now having difficulties with a purchase of a house which is only a year old, again because of failings by the original "recommended" solicitors. I would stay clear of them and find your own.

david1951

Any recommendation from someone with a vested interest (estate agent, builder, etc.) is not going to be reliable and you should approach with caution. They will still be regulated and will try to act in your best interests, but remember that they make money from referrals and so their main source of income is the estate agent, builder, etc, and not you.

I advocate obtaining quotes from a couple of medium-sized local firms and go with the one that you feel most comfortable with. Remember that solicitors work by the hour, so you most definitely get what you pay for.

A cheap out-of-town firm (or the recommended firms) might save you money on fees, and everything could go swimmingly. But if things go wrong, and they frequently do, then having a local solicitor that you know and trust is invaluable.

hazyjo

Another saying don't touch the developer's solicitor with a bargepole. Reasons above. There have been some shockers on here where they've been allowed to exchange early with no completion date and their mortgages have expired. Seems most are too scared to defy whatever the developer wants. Would rather upset the customer as they're getting a shedload of work from the developer.


Jx