Pre-Purchase Snagging Tips: What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know

Buying a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. Whether it’s your first step on the property ladder or part of a larger life upgrade, finding your future home should feel like a dream come true.

But for many homebuyers, especially those purchasing new builds, there’s a lurking issue that needs to be addressed before you move in: snagging.

Snagging inspections are not as exciting as picking out paint colours or planning how to arrange your furniture, but they’re absolutely vital. Done correctly, snagging can save you from unexpected surprises, costly repairs, and endless frustration.

In this guide, the experts from Surrey Snagging will dive into everything you need to know about pre-purchase snagging – what it is, why it matters, and how it can make sure that your new home meets your expectations.

What Is Pre-Purchase Snagging?

Let’s start with the basics. Snagging is the process of identifying defects, unfinished work, or issues in a newly built property. These issues, commonly referred to as “snags,” can range from minor cosmetic problems (like paint splashes or uneven grouting) to more serious structural concerns (such as poorly fitted windows or faulty plumbing).

Pre-purchase snagging is exactly what it sounds like: conducting this inspection before you fully commit to purchasing the property. It’s your chance to make sure the home is in top condition before signing on the dotted line or finalising the deal.

When you’re buying a new build, it’s easy to assume that “new” means “perfect.” Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. As noted in HomeOwners Alliance’s guide, new homes often come with a surprising number of defects.

According to their 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, 95% of new build buyers reported problems to their builder after moving in and a third reported more than 15 snags.

Why Is Pre-Purchase Snagging Critical for Homebuyers?

The pressure on new build developers to complete projects quickly means quality control sometimes takes a backseat, but a thorough pre-purchase snagging inspection allows any issues to be addressed before you officially own the home. There are several reasons why this is so important.

It Protects Your Investment

Your home is likely the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make. Confirming that it meets quality standards isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting its long-term value. Missed snags (particularly more serious issues such as structural or electrical problems) can worsen over time, leading to costly repairs or even affecting your property’s resale value.

It Gives You Negotiating Power

Developers are legally obligated to deliver a property that meets agreed standards, so a detailed snagging report can serve as leverage and save you money in the long run. Whether it’s asking for repairs to be completed in a certain timeframe, delaying completion until all snags are addressed, or reducing the price to account for the cost of fixing the issues yourself, a professional pre-purchase snagging survey can strengthen your negotiating position.

It Clarifies Responsibility

If you wait until you have moved in to complete a snagging inspection, developers may claim that certain snags were caused by your wear and tear, rather than their fault. If you cannot prove otherwise, they can argue that these defects fall outside of your warranty to avoid the expense of fixing them. However, pre-purchase snagging leaves no doubt as to whose responsibility it is to rectify any issues.

It Prevents Future Headaches

Imagine moving into your dream home only to discover a leaking pipe or a poorly sealed window after several months. Snagging helps you catch any unwelcome surprises early, before they turn into major issues, allowing for a smoother transition into your new property.

When and How to Conduct a Snagging Survey

Timing is everything when it comes to snagging. Ideally, you’ll want to conduct a pre-purchase snagging inspection before contracts are signed, so that you can raise any issues before committing fully.

However, some developers won’t allow snagging inspections before completion. In this case, you should prioritise getting a snagging survey as soon as possible.

At the latest, you should do so within 2 years of moving in, as this is the length of the developer’s defect liability period, which is covered by your warranty (from providers such as NHBC or LABC).

DIY Snagging vs. Professional Snagging Surveys

How should you go about snagging? You have two main options: DIY snagging or professional snagging surveys.

If you’re confident in your eye for detail and have experience in the building industry, you can try to tackle snagging yourself. You will need to make a comprehensive checklist and go through the property room by room, taking photos of any issues and documenting them thoroughly.

However, there are substantial limitations with DIY snagging, so hiring a professional snagging company is the best option for most buyers. Experts like Surrey Snagging have the experience and tools to identify issues you might miss. We also provide detailed reports that often carry more weight with developers than DIY versions.

Key Areas of Inspection During Pre-Purchase Snagging

It can be useful to have an idea of the sorts of things that a pre-purchase snagging inspection will cover. While every home is unique, there are some common areas of focus, including:

Structure and Exteriors. Start with the basics – are the walls, roof, and foundations in good condition? There shouldn’t be cracks or signs of poor workmanship. Windows and doors should also open and close smoothly, with no gaps or draughts.
Internal Finishes. From wall and ceiling plasterwork to paintwork, internal details matter. Are there any imperfections, chips, cracks, or uneven surfaces? Flooring should be level and free from damage, and tiles should be correctly aligned with no loose grout.
Systems and Utilities. It’s important to test everything: lights, sockets, plumbing, boiler, radiators, insulation quality, and appliances. Does the heating system work as expected? Are there any leaks under sinks or around toilets, or drips from taps? Are all fixtures and fittings secure? Functional utilities are non-negotiable.
Gardens and Communal Areas. If your property has outdoor space, fences and gates should be secure, the landscaping should be complete, and pathways should be even with no trip hazards. For flats, communal areas like entranceways must be finished to agreed-upon standards.

Common Challenges in Pre-Purchase Snagging (and How to Overcome Them)

Unfortunately, snagging isn’t always straightforward. Here are some common challenges buyers face – and tips for overcoming them:

1. Resistance from Developers

Some developers may downplay the importance of snagging issues or try to brush off what they consider to be minor defects. Be firm but polite when insisting on your right to a high-quality property, or enlist a professional snagging company to act as your intermediary. HomeOwners Alliance offers further advice on what to do if a builder refuses to fix snags in your new build home.

2. Tight Timelines

You may want to rush the pre-purchase snagging process, especially if you’re eager to move in. While you should absolutely try to schedule the inspection as early as possible, allocating enough time for a thorough inspection is also vital.

3. Trying to DIY with Lack of Expertise

If you’re unfamiliar with construction or building standards, it’s easy to miss issues during pre-purchase snagging. This is why professional snagging surveys are usually preferable – we are able to offer peace of mind and expertise that DIY inspections can’t match.

Take Control of Your Homebuying Journey with Help from Surrey Snagging

Pre-purchase snagging might not be the most glamorous part of buying a home, but it’s certainly one of the most important. By addressing snags early, you can make sure that your new property lives up to your expectations – without any nasty surprises in the future.

Whether you’re buying your first home or adding to your property portfolio, professional new build snagging surveys are an investment in peace of mind.

Don’t leave it to chance – contact Surrey Snagging today to book a professional snagging inspection and make your dream home a reality.