Buying a
new build
property

Learn about the process of buying one of our new build properties

The process of buying a new build property is a little different to that of buying a resale property.

This 3 minute video explains the process of buying a new build property:

Step 1: Complete our application form

Create a SO Resi account and fill out our application form. This confirms that you are eligible for Shared Ownership.

Step 2: Find a home

Use our property search to find a new build home. When you’ve found a property you like, use the “Enquire now” or “Arrange a viewing” buttons to register your interest.

Find a home

Step 3: Speak to a SO Resi consultant

A SO Resi sales consultant will get in touch to talk everything through, and put you in touch with an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA).

Our recommended Financial Advisers

Step 4: Affordability assessment

Your IFA takes you through an affordability assessment, to help you understand what’s affordable for you. They can also help you find and arrange the right mortgage for you.

Step 5: View some homes

It’s time to look around some beautiful homes, with your sales consultant, and apply for those that suit your needs and meet our conditions.

Step 6: Reserve your home

Depending on demand, we will offer your a home by letter. If you're happy to go ahead, you pay a reservation fee to reserve your home. A SO Resi progression consultant now takes over as your main contact.

Step 7: Appoint a solicitor

Next, you need to appoint a solicitor to handle the purchase. This may be one we recommend, or one you know, but ideally they should have Shared Ownership experience. They’ll set a date for exchanging contracts in around four weeks. You must meet that deadline to protect your sale and reservation fee.

Our recommended solicitors

Step 8: Countdown to exchange

You work with your solicitor and mortgage provider to make sure they have everything they need to exchange by your deadline.

Around this time you'll also receive an invitation to your SO Resi welcome meeting. Be sure to come along to learn more about your new home!

Step 9: Exchanging contracts

You meet the exchange deadline and your solicitor has all they need. You pay your non-refundable deposit and are now legally committed to buying your SO Resi home.

The time from exchange to moving-in varies and can take up to a month, if your home is ready. We'll keep you informed.

Step 10: Setting a completion date

Your home passes the building checks, then you and your solicitor set a completion date up to 10 working days later, though it may be much sooner. At this point, you make sure your funds are ready.

Step 11: Your home demonstration

One of our team walks you through your new home and shows you how everything works. You can choose to do this before you complete, or on the same day.

Step 12: Completion day and moving in!

It’s the day you become a homeowner! Your SO Resi sales consultant calls as soon as your funds are transferred. They will then welcome you to your new home and give you your keys.

After you move in

Our new homes services team will be on hand to look after you as you settle into your new Shared Ownership home. To give you even more peace of mind, you are covered by the MTVH Warranty for one year after the builder handed your new home over to Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing - usually around ten days before your legal completion date.