New Build Doesn’t Mean Problem-Free
It’s a common assumption: if you’re buying a brand-new home in London, you don’t need a survey.
After all, everything’s new — what could go wrong?
Unfortunately, this thinking has led thousands of buyers to move into properties with hidden snags, poorly finished work, or even damp issues. In boroughs like Newham, Barking, Croydon and Southwark, where new developments are booming, these problems are increasingly common.
If you’re buying through Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, or off-plan, a professional survey before completion (or within your warranty period) can be one of the best investments you make.
What Kind of Survey Do You Need for a New Build?
There are two main types of survey typically used for new builds:
1. Snagging Survey
A snagging survey identifies minor defects, unfinished work, or build quality issues. It includes:
Poor paintwork or plastering
Misaligned doors and windows
Leaks or plumbing faults
Missing insulation
External defects (brickwork, gutters, drainage)
A snagging survey is ideal before completion or just after moving in, so the developer can be held responsible for fixing issues under warranty.
2. Level 2 Home Buyers Survey
A Level 2 survey offers a broader overview of the property’s condition. It’s useful if you’re buying a nearly-new property or one that’s recently completed but has already been lived in.
It includes a condition report, advice on future maintenance, and notes any potential risks — including early signs of damp, structural movement, or poor ventilation.
Why Even New Builds Can Have Damp Problems
You might not expect to see damp in a brand-new home — but it happens more often than you think.
Here’s why:
Construction moisture can take up to a year to fully dry
Poor ventilation in modern airtight homes traps condensation
Missing DPCs or bridging in workmanship can allow rising damp
Flats in high-rise blocks may suffer from poor air circulation and shared water ingress
We’ve carried out damp surveys in new builds across Stratford, Woolwich, and Wembley, where buyers were shocked to discover hidden condensation, black mould in corners, or leaking balcony structures.
Common Issues We Find in New Build Surveys
During our new build inspections, we regularly uncover:
Loose tiles and unfinished roof edges
Windows that don’t seal properly
Incomplete or incorrectly installed insulation
Poor ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
Cracks in ceilings or walls from settlement
Early signs of condensation and black mould
Without a proper survey, many buyers only discover these problems after the warranty period ends — leaving them to cover repairs themselves.
Why You Need an Independent Surveyor — Not the Developer’s
Developers may offer their own inspections or handover documents. But these are often done by internal teams with no obligation to report every issue.
An independent survey from us means:
You get an unbiased view of the property’s true condition
We inspect the home thoroughly on your behalf
You can use our written report to request repairs under your NHBC or developer warranty
You protect your investment and avoid post-completion regret
We Survey New Builds Across London
Whether you’re buying a new build flat in Croydon, a townhouse in Ealing, or a shared ownership home in Hackney, we offer:
Independent snagging surveys
RICS-accredited Level 2 Home Buyers Surveys
Optional damp surveys to detect hidden moisture issues
Clear, detailed reports delivered within days
Our goal is to give you complete confidence before you exchange or move in.
Book Your New Build Survey in London Today
Don’t assume a new home is free of problems. A small investment in a snagging or Home Buyers Survey can save you thousands in the long run.
We help buyers across all London boroughs spot the issues developers miss — from small snags to serious defects.
Book Your Survey Now Make sure your new build is finished to the standard you paid for.