Investigation launched into snagging rights

The Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) has announced an investigation to uncover the tensions between developers and surveyors on snagging.

The trade body has warned that too few new home buyers are being informed about their right to commission an independent snagging report to assess the quality of their new home.
This is despite the New Homes Quality Code that requires developers to advise customers of their snagging rights.

Alan Milstein, chairman of the RPSA, said: “It’s not credible that, when advised of their opportunity to get a properly qualified, independent residential specialist to inspect their new home on their behalf, so few consumers are taking advantage of that opportunity.”

“It’s almost as if snagging is a dirty word. The reality, though, is that it is a tremendous opportunity for developers to demonstrate to their customers the confidence they have in their product and to showcase their desire to deliver a five-star service.”

The investigation launches with an interactive surveyor webinar on 25 March, open to surveyors from all backgrounds.

The RPSA says that reports suggest at least 94% of buyers experience “snags” with their new home, but, surprisingly, only a tiny minority of them get independent snagging advice.

He added: “I’m proud that the RPSA are leading the industry by working with the New Homes Quality Board to ensure that we now have proper standards for snagging inspections. We reinforce that with a clear requirement for practitioners to be qualified, insured and a member of a recognised professional association. What this new investigation seeks to do is to ensure that we can work with surveyors and house builders to make snagging a positive experience for all parties.”

Surveyors interested in taking part in the investigation can register for the launch event on Monday 25 March 24 from 1530-1700 by emailing membership@rpsa.org.uk with their name, company and email address.