The buying process
Buying a house can be time consuming and stressful. But once you know exactly what is involved, you can plan and anticipate what is next more easily.
1 Find your home
Browse our current developments and explore what works for you. Each home is displayed with clear floorplans, honest descriptions and transparent pricing. You can visit in person, you may be able to take a virtual tour, or you can speak to our sales team who'll answer your questions without pressure. We're here to help you find the right fit, not push you into a decision.
2 Reserve your home
Once you've found a home you'd like to move forward with, you'll pay a reservation fee to take it off the market. This fee is typically £500 and goes towards your deposit. It gives you time to arrange your mortgage and legal work while we hold the property for you. If the sale doesn't go ahead for certain reasons, this fee may be refundable – we'll explain the terms clearly upfront.
3 Arrange your mortgage
Whether you're a first-time buyer or moving up the ladder, we can connect you with independent mortgage advisors who'll help you find the right deal. They'll explain your options in plain language and guide you through affordability checks. There's no obligation to use our contacts – you're free to arrange your own finance too.
4 Instruct your solicitor
You'll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side of your purchase. They'll carry out searches, review contracts and make sure everything is in order. We work with conveyancers who understand new build purchases, but again, you can choose your own. We'll stay in touch with them throughout to keep things moving.
5 Exchange contracts
This is when things become legally binding. You'll pay your deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) and agree on a completion date with your solicitor. Once contracts are exchanged, both sides are committed to the sale. We'll keep you informed at every stage and make sure you know exactly what's happening and when.
6 Keep updated on your build
If your home is still being built, we'll keep you in the loop with regular progress updates. You're welcome to arrange site visits at agreed times to see how things are taking shape. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions and walk you through what's happening on site.
7 Complete your purchase
On completion day, the remaining balance is transferred to us and the property officially becomes yours. Your solicitor will confirm when everything's done, and we'll arrange a time to hand over your keys. This is an exciting moment – and we want to make sure it feels as straightforward as it should.
8 Your new home demonstration
Before you move in, we'll give you a full demonstration of your new home. We'll walk you through how everything works – from heating controls to appliances – and answer any questions you have. You'll also receive a homeowner's manual with all the details you need for ongoing maintenance and care.
9 Move in with confidence
Every Fairview home comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty for your peace of mind. This covers the structure of your home and protects you against major defects. We'll explain what's covered and how to make a claim if you ever need to. You'll also have our aftercare support for any questions in those early weeks.
10 Ongoing support
We're still here after you've moved in. Our customer care team can help with any issues or questions about your home. We carry out quality checks and will resolve any snags quickly and fairly. Your home is built to last, and we stand by that commitment long after you've picked up the keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the process of purchasing a new build differ from buying an existing home?
With a new build home, you can often reserve the property before it is completed. After paying a reservation fee, you'll arrange your mortgage and appoint a solicitor to begin the legal process. Once contracts have been exchanged and the home is ready, you'll complete the purchase and receive the keys to your new property.
What should I consider before buying a new build house?
Buying a home is a big commitment. At Fairview New Homes, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible. When buying a new build home, it's worth considering the developer's track record, including reviews, build quality and the warranties provided. We have been building quality new homes since 1961, and we're proud of the positive feedback we receive from our homeowners. You can also read our residents' testimonials to learn more about their experiences.
How long can I reserve a new build property and what are the steps involved?
At Fairview New Homes, you can typically reserve a new build property for 28 days. This may be extended if you're using our FairMove scheme to help sell your existing home. We also offer a 14-day cooling-off period, giving you time to reconsider before committing to your purchase.
Once you have reserved your home, you'll need to arrange your mortgage, appoint a solicitor and progress through the legal process before exchanging contracts and completing your purchase.
Do you pay a deposit on a new build?
Yes, you'll usually pay a deposit when buying a new build home, typically between 5% and 10% of the property's purchase price when contracts are exchanged. This is separate from the reservation fee used to secure your chosen home.
Depending on the incentives available on selected properties, you may also qualify for our 5% Deposit Contribution scheme, which could help towards your deposit and make it easier to get onto the property ladder.
How long does it take to buy a new build?
We understand there can be a range of factors that influence how long it takes to buy a new build home, especially if you're purchasing for the first time. Because new build homes can often be reserved before construction is complete, the timeframe can sometimes be longer than buying an existing property.
If you're interested in one of our ready-to-move-into homes, the purchase process can often be completed within a matter of weeks, subject to the legal process and mortgage approval. Our friendly sales team and your solicitor will be able to guide you through the expected timescales and support you throughout the journey.