Buyer guides
Buying a new-build in London, explained.
Straight answers to the questions buyers actually ask — written by OpenHouse advisors who do this every day. Free, independent, and kept up to date.
How to buy a new-build home in London: the step-by-step process
Every stage of buying a new-build in London — from reservation and deposit to exchange, snagging and completion — and how long each takes.
Read guideBuying off-plan in London: how it works, the benefits and the risks
What off-plan means, how payments are staged, why buyers do it, and the risks to check before you exchange.
Read guideStamp duty on new-build homes in London: 2026 rates explained
Current Stamp Duty Land Tax bands for England, first-time buyer relief, the surcharges for additional and overseas buyers, and worked London examples.
Read guideBest areas in London for buy-to-let new-builds: how to choose
The factors that drive rental demand and yield in London new-builds, the areas investors focus on, and how to compare developments properly.
Read guideService charges on London new-build apartments: what they cover and what's typical
How service charges are calculated, what they pay for, typical London ranges per square foot, and the questions to ask before you buy.
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