New-build buyers are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) when making purchasing decisions, a conveyancing firm has warned.
Buyers are increasingly using AI tools to review legal reports, generate additional enquiries and seek reassurance before exchanging contracts, according to RG Law.
Holly Meek, auditing manager and new-build supervisor at RG Law, said: “We are seeing a significant shift in buyer behaviour. New-build purchasers are asking more questions than ever before and are carrying out far more research before they commit.
“Many clients are now taking legal reports away and putting them through AI platforms to identify additional questions or highlight areas they may not fully understand. Buyers want reassurance that they are making the right decision and that every aspect of the purchase has been properly considered.”
The reported rise in AI use comes at a time when industry commentators are suggesting buyers are taking longer to commit to purchase.
Mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 9% year-on-year in 2026, indicating strong buyer demand.
Housebuilders continue to report affordability pressures and longer decision-making periods, with developers increasingly relying on incentives to secure sales.
Meek claims “one of the biggest challenges for off-plan buyers is uncertainty,” often because buyers exchange contracts before they have secured a final mortgage offer.
“At the same time, deposits can often exceed 10%, which naturally makes buyers more cautious and more likely to seek additional reassurance before committing,” she adds.
RG Law warns that unrealistic exchange targets can sometimes create unnecessary anxiety for purchasers, particularly where related sales, mortgage approvals or housing association requirements are outside their control.
Meek said “One issue we see regularly is buyers becoming concerned that they could lose their reservation if certain milestones are not met within very tight timescales. In reality, we rarely see reservations withdrawn, but the concern itself creates unnecessary stress throughout the transaction.
“Everyone involved is working towards targets and deadlines, which is understandable. However, there can sometimes be a gap between the timescales being communicated to buyers and the realities of what can actually be achieved, particularly where related sales, mortgage approvals or shared ownership requirements are involved.”
