Summary
A new build snagging survey costs £377 on average, with most buyers paying between £363 and £500, depending on the property's size and location. By hiring a snagging surveyor, you can uncover issues such as poor plumbing before they potentially turn into repairs costing thousands.
Buying a new-build home does not guarantee it is free from defects. Even properties that pass warranty checks and meet building regulations can hide issues like poor brickwork, faulty plumbing or missing insulation. These problems can cost thousands to fix later.
A snagging survey is the simplest way to avoid this. It provides a professional inspection and a clear list of faults for your builder to correct before you move in.
In this guide, we explain how much a snagging survey costs, what affects the price, and when to book one so you can protect your new home from costly surprises. Read our guide on house survey costs in the UK for all other types of house surveys.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
Snagging Survey Costs by House Size
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the costs associated with snagging surveys based on the size of your home:
| Property Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Bed Apartment | £320 |
| 1 Bedroom House | £350 |
| 2 Bedroom House | £369 |
| 3 Bedroom House | £417 |
| 4 Bedroom House | £458 |
| 5 Bedroom House | £518 |
| 6 Bedroom House | £573 |
This data shows that the cost of your snagging survey will increase if you have a larger home. These figures display a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay, and costs may change based on the area the home is based in and individual surveyor costs.
If you want to compare surveyors, you can use our general House Survey Cost Calculator to receive an estimated cost dependent on the type of house survey you need.
What Factors Influence Snagging Survey Costs?
Several things can affect how much you’ll pay for a snagging survey on a new-build home. Knowing these will help you plan your budget:
- Size of the home: Larger homes take longer to inspect and cost more than smaller properties.
- Property type: Detached houses cost more to survey than flats or terraces due to extra exterior checks.
- Location: Rates are higher in expensive areas like London and the South East.
- Inspection level: Advanced checks such as thermal imaging, moisture testing or drone surveys add to the price but can reveal hidden issues.
- Stage of build: Pre-completion inspections are quicker and cheaper than post-move surveys.
- Access: Limited parking, security gates or busy sites can increase costs.
- Surveyor expertise: Specialists with extensive new-build experience may charge more but provide more detailed reports.
For the most accurate pricing, ask for a detailed breakdown from your surveyor.
Is a Snagging Survey Worth the Cost?
Yes, having a snagging survey carried out is certainly worthwhile when buying a new build property.
According to Bartley West, industry data shows that 94% of new build homeowners raise snags and defects with their developers. Given how high a percentage this is, it's likely your new home won't be flawless. Having a snagging survey carried out is crucial in spotting any issues early.
The survey gives you peace of mind that there are no hidden faults and offers a clear, expert view of your home's condition. While new builds are typically free from major structural concerns, even with the best developers miss things, and snags are common.
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Who Pays for a Snagging Survey?
It's the buyer's responsibility to pay for a snagging survey, should they want one. This is because the survey is independent of the company building the homes. While it isn't a legal requirement, it's strongly recommended.
However, in most cases, it pays for itself. The snagging list can be used as leverage with your builder, who’s responsible for fixing any defects before the home becomes your responsibility. That means you avoid footing the bill for repairs, and could save hundreds or even thousands in the long run.
In rarer cases, new home buyers can pass the snagging report cost to the house builder if it's been added to the purchase contract. However, this is left to the discretion of the property development company.
When Should I Get a Snagging Survey?
The best time to arrange a snagging survey is before you complete and officially own the property (pre-completion).
This gives your developer time to fix any faults and avoids potential liability for damage that may occur after you move in.
Here are the three main times you can book a snagging survey, along with the pros and cons of each:
Pre-completion
Having the survey done before completion is the simplest and most effective option. The home is empty, access is straightforward, and any defects can be addressed by the builder before you take ownership.
Post-completion
You can still book a snagging survey after you’ve moved in, but it is usually harder and may cost more. Your possessions can make some areas difficult to inspect, and disputes with the developer are more likely if they argue the damage happened after you moved in.
Before Your Warranty Expires
It is also possible to have a snagging survey carried out at any point before your NHBC warranty ends. However, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove faults were present from the start, as general wear and tear may be blamed instead of original construction issues.
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Is It Cheaper To Do My Own Snagging List?
Yes, creating your own snagging list is cheaper because you avoid the surveyor’s fee. However, we strongly recommend against it as important defects are often missed without the right training and equipment.
A professional snagging list carries more weight with developers. Surveyors use correct terminology and precise descriptions, making it harder for builders to dispute the findings and ensuring issues are addressed properly.
How to Find a Snagging Surveyor
A snagging survey can be worth the initial cost as it can provide peace of mind and highlight any concerns early on.
The best way to save money on your snagging survey is to compare local surveyors. Here at Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 5 expert companies in your area, saving you both time and money.
All our surveying partners have passed our strict verification process and are regulated by either RICS or the RPSA.
FAQs
How long does a snagging survey take?
A snagging survey can take up to 6 hours, depending on the size of the home.
What is a pre-completion inspection?
A pre-completion inspection is carried out after your new build home has been built, but before you have legally completed your property transaction.
It's often confused with a snagging survey as they cover similar elements, but they are fundamentally different.
If your developer is part of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), they are obliged to ask you whether you want a pre-completion inspection carried out. This is part of the New Homes Quality Code, and like a snagging survey, you must cover these costs.
The pre-completion inspection includes a detailed inspection of your property and a report based on the inspector's findings. Any issues raised should be rectified by the developer before your sale is complete.
