New properties are often offered for sale before the property has been structurally completed. This means you will legally commit to buy before seeing the finished product. This can bring challenges. So what should you look out for?

1. Have all the correct planning permissions been granted? Are there any onerous planning conditions? Are there any legal planning agreements with the council? Do the terms adversely affect the buyer? Will the developer pay all the contributions?

2. Does the title to the property hold any traps for a buyer of a new build? Are there any restrictive covenants preventing development? Are there sufficient rights of way to and from the development and rights for all services to be laid to the new buildings?

3. Has the Land Registry approved the site layout plans to ensure that the developer owns all the land that it is trying to sell?

4. The new building usually cannot be properly surveyed prior to contracts being exchanged. The contract should therefore have provisions as to what will be built and to what standard.

5. A building regulation completion certificate should be issued prior to legal completion.

6. If it is a residential property, a 10 year warranty from an organisation like the NHBC must be issued. In commercial purchases, warranties will be needed from the builder and associated consultants.

7. A timetable for the construction period should be inserted in the contract. It should allow you to withdraw if there is substantial delay.

8. In some (rare) cases, you may buy the land prior to the building being constructed. Watch out for a substantial saving of Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Many Watford residents buy new properties without any problems arising. However, there is certainly scope for what should be a good experience to become a nightmare. Good legal advice is essential.