How long does it take to buy a New Build Home?

Buying a new build is an exciting milestone — you’re the very first owner, everything’s brand new, and there’s no chain to worry about. But the big question most buyers ask is: how long does it actually take to buy one?

At Strive, we specialise in new build mortgages, helping buyers across the UK navigate everything from off-plan purchases to fast completions. Timelines can vary a lot, depending on the property, developer, and how prepared you are. Here’s what really affects how long it takes — and how to keep things moving smoothly.

What affects how long it takes to buy a new build?

There’s no single timeline that fits every new build purchase. The speed depends on several key factors:

• Is the property already built or still under construction?
  If your new build is complete, things can move fairly quickly once your mortgage and legal work are in order. But if you’re buying off-plan, you’ll usually exchange contracts before it’s finished — and completion might not happen for many months, sometimes even close to a year later.

• House or flat?
  Buying a house (typically freehold) tends to be more straightforward. Flats are often leasehold, which means your solicitor must review the lease, management company information, and service charge details. This adds time, especially if it’s a brand-new development.

• Has the legal work already been done on similar plots?
  If several sales have already gone through in the same development, your solicitor (or the site’s recommended solicitor) can often reuse or reference existing documents, saving weeks. They’ll already have access to searches, management packs, and lease details.

On brand-new sites or phases, there’s more groundwork to do — new leases, new titles, and new management setups all need checking from scratch.

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Case Study: Securing a £1.8m Mortgage in London Using RSUs and Bonus Income

Exchanging contracts — the 28-day target

When you reserve a new build, developers usually expect you to exchange contracts within 28 days. That means getting your mortgage offer, valuation, and solicitor’s checks completed within that window.

In reality, it often takes longer — around six to ten weeks is more typical once everything is in motion. But if the property isn’t yet built, you’ll exchange now and wait until the home is finished before completion takes place. That can be months down the line, depending on build progress and weather conditions.

Some buyers exchange early to secure their plot, then wait for completion once construction is signed off — known as build completion. Your lender’s mortgage offer needs to stay valid during that time, which is where careful planning becomes essential.

New build mortgage offer validity

Mortgage offers don’t last forever. Most lenders issue offers valid for six months, though some provide extended validity for new builds — up to nine or twelve months in certain cases.

This longer window helps if your property isn’t ready right away. At Strive, we always match you with lenders who understand new build timescales and are flexible with extensions if your completion date moves.

You can explore the lenders known for offering extended validity in our guide to the best new build mortgage lenders.

What happens if your mortgage offer expires before completion?

If your offer expires before the home is ready, you’ll need to request an extension or reapply. Lenders usually allow short extensions if your circumstances and the property value haven’t changed — but if the market has shifted or your finances are different, they might need to reassess your case.

That’s why it’s crucial to plan your mortgage timing around the expected build completion date. As new build experts, we help our clients anticipate these timelines and choose lenders who are understanding of construction delays.

Freehold or leasehold — why it changes the pace

The ownership type has a big impact on how long your purchase takes:

• Freehold homes (mostly houses) are quicker. You own the land and the property outright, so the legal process is simpler.
• Leasehold properties (usually flats) take longer because your solicitor must examine the lease terms, management company structure, ground rent clauses, and service charges. This back-and-forth can easily add a few extra weeks.

If your solicitor has handled other sales in the same block or development, it can be worth using them — they’ll already have much of the legal work and lease documents on file, which can significantly speed things up.

Build completion and final inspection

Once construction is finished, your developer will provide the CML form (Council of Mortgage Lenders certificate), confirming the property is ready for mortgage release. Your lender needs this before funds can be drawn down.

Before you complete, you’ll also be invited to carry out a snagging inspection — a final walkthrough to check for any defects or unfinished details. Common snags include minor paintwork issues, loose fittings, or scratches. The developer is responsible for fixing these, often before you move in.

You’ll also benefit from a structural warranty, typically lasting 10 years, which protects you against major defects. You can read more about these protections in our new build warranty requirements guide.

How to speed up your new build purchase

While some factors are out of your control, there’s plenty you can do to keep things on track:

• Get mortgage-ready early – Have your documents, deposit, and ID checks ready before reserving your plot.
• Apply for your mortgage immediately after reservation – Lenders can take time to process valuations, especially on new developments.
• Use a solicitor experienced with your site or developer – They’ll know what to expect and can often reuse documentation from earlier sales.
• Ask the developer for the CML form and warranty info early – Having these ready helps your lender issue funds faster.
• Be responsive – Stay in regular contact with your broker, solicitor, and developer to avoid delays.
• Get searches underway quickly – These can take several weeks, so the sooner they’re ordered, the better.

At Strive, we coordinate all parties — from the developer to your solicitor and lender — to make sure everyone’s aligned and your purchase moves forward smoothly.

Strive, Specialist New Build Mortgage Brokers

How long it takes to buy a new build depends on the details — whether it’s built or still under construction, house or flat, freehold or leasehold, and how experienced your solicitor is with the site.

Some buyers move in within a few weeks, while others wait months for the build to complete. The key is being prepared, using the right professionals, and working with a broker who understands how new build timelines work.

At Strive, we specialise in new build mortgages. We know the developers, the lenders, and the process — from offer validity to completion and snagging. Whether you’re buying off-plan or ready-to-move, we’ll help you secure the right mortgage and keep everything on track.

Explore more of our new build mortgage guides or speak to our team today to get started.