This is a question we, as a property snagging company, get asked all the time, and it’s understandable why people get confused. Both surveys involve someone inspecting your property, but they’re actually different things.
A home survey is what most people think of when buying any property – new or old. It’s a detailed structural inspection that looks at the overall condition and value of the house. The surveyor checks things like:
The property surveyor is looking for major problems that could affect the property’s value or safety. This survey helps you decide whether to buy the property and can be used to negotiate the price if serious issues are found.
A snagging survey is specifically for brand new properties and focuses on finishing defects and quality issues rather than structural problems. When you get a property snagging survey, the inspector is looking for things like:
The whole point is to create a list of things (i.e., snagging list) the builder needs to fix before you move in. It’s not about the property’s value or whether you should buy it – you’ve already decided that. It’s carried to see if you are getting your new home in perfect condition.
Home surveys happen before you buy any property (new or old). You use the results to decide whether to proceed with the purchase and sometimes to negotiate the price down if problems are found.
A snagging survey happens after you’ve already committed to buying a new build, usually just before completion. You’re not trying to get out of the deal – you want the builder to fix everything that’s not up to standard.
The biggest difference is focus. A traditional home survey looks at the big picture – is this house going to fall down, does it have serious damp problems, are there major electrical issues that could be dangerous?
A home snagging survey gives answers to questions like: Is this door handle loose? Are there gaps in the sealant around the bath? Is the paint finish smooth and even? These might seem like small things, but they add up to a lot of money if you have to fix them yourself later.
For a new build property, you might actually need both, but at different times. Some buyers get a structural survey done during the construction process to check the building work is sound. Then they get a property snagging survey done at the end to check all the finishing touches.
For older properties, you definitely need a home survey, but a snagging survey wouldn’t make sense because you can’t expect an old house to be in perfect condition like a new build.
If you’re buying an older property, the home survey is essential. You need to know about any major problems before you commit your money.
If you’re buying a new build, both have their place, but the snagging survey is often more immediately useful. The structure should be sound (it’s brand new, after all), but the finishing work often needs attention.
The bottom line is this: a home survey protects you from buying a property with serious problems, and a property snagging survey makes sure your new home is finished to the standard you expect and paid for.
September 15, 2025
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