What is a New Build Snagging Survey?

Like the other RICS survey levels, a snagging survey is designed to give buyers a clear picture of the quality of their new home, protecting them from issues that could go unnoticed without an independent snagging inspection.

A RICS snagging survey is a detailed inspection of a new build home carried out by a RICS-qualified professional. The snagging inspection reviews the building materials used and the standard of work delivered by the builder, covering everything from minor issues like leaky taps and poor finishes to more significant problems such as structural defects, walls out of alignment and ventilation ports not correctly installed.

Whilst you are not legally obligated to commission a snagging survey, it is a sound investment. Any snagging issues found before you move in are the developer's responsibility to fix, saving you both money and the stress of discovering problems after completion.

Ideally before you sign the completion documents. A snagging inspection carried out at that stage is quicker to act on, because the developer is still legally obligated to fix defects before you take ownership.

Book the snagging survey as soon as the build is finished so the builder has time to address any snags before your move-in date. In some cases the developer will not allow access before completion, in which case book it for just after you move in. You have two years from your completion date to submit a snagging list to the developer, and they are still obligated to fix any problems identified within that window.

The price of a snagging inspection depends on the size of the home and the professional you choose. Typically it falls between £300 and £600. You can get an instant quote from Surveyor Local using our online quote generator, with fixed fees so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

Yes. New build homes are not automatically problem-free, and builders are under pressure to complete quickly. Research by the HomeOwners Alliance found that nearly nine in ten new build buyers discovered problems with their home after moving in.

A snagging survey carried out before completion gives you independent evidence of any defects and puts the responsibility for fixing them firmly with the developer. Without a snagging report, those same problems become your cost once you have moved in. The survey fee is modest compared to the potential cost of rectifying structural or workmanship defects out of pocket. For most buyers of new build homes, the peace of mind alone makes a snagging survey worthwhile.

The snagging survey process follows a similar pattern to a standard building survey. The inspector will visit the home and carry out a thorough inspection inside and out, checking doors, walls, brickwork, windows, fittings and finishes. They will also look at insulation, ventilation and any areas where workmanship falls short of building regulation standards.

Once complete, a formal snagging report is prepared and passed directly to the developer, who will be required to rectify the defects within an agreed timeframe. The snagging report also gives you a clear record of every issue raised, which is useful if the builder disputes any items.

You can attempt it, but it is not recommended. Structural issues and defects related to ventilation, insulation or building regulation compliance are difficult to spot without specialist training. A qualified inspector is trained to identify problems that most buyers would simply overlook, and their advice carries weight with developers in a way that a personal list does not.

Even after thorough snagging surveys, some issues only become apparent once you have been living in the home for a while. Keep a running snagging list of any defects that emerge and submit it to the developer within the two-year window.

For major structural problems beyond that period, you can make a claim under the NHBC warranty, which covers new build homes for ten years from completion.

If you are still deciding whether a new build needs a survey at all, our guide on why a building survey is essential for a new build covers that decision in more detail.

Surveyor Local works with RICS chartered surveyors across England and Wales. If you are buying a new-build property and want an independent assessment before you complete, get a no-obligation quote online or call our friendly team on .