Aim

To standardise the snagging process for new-build properties and facilitate easier access for consumers to receive independent advice about the quality of their new home.

What we’ve done

By bringing together a workgroup of stakeholders involved in the new build process we sought, for the first time, to create standards for snagging inspections of new homes. Chaired by the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), this workgroup included developers, warranty providers, surveyors, snagging practitioners, lawyers, lenders, valuers, professional associations, Government representatives and others.

Basing our discussions on recognised industry practices, through a 2-year-long collaborative process we agreed the protocol for a “Pre-Completion Inspection”, taking account of the need to limit cost hurdles and the availability and speed in which inspections could be completed and reports delivered.

Outcomes

As part of the New Homes Ombudsman scheme launched in 2022, builders and developers are required to meet the requirements of the New Homes Code (the “Code”).

The Code identifies that all builders and developers must now highlight to their customers the opportunity to commission this Pre-Completion Inspection carried out by an accredited professional, and to ensure that time is made available for the execution of the inspection, submission of the report, and remediation of snags identified.

This new process, active during the second half of 2022, for the first time, gives new home buyers an absolute right to independent advice about the quality of their new home.

To ensure that all snagging practitioners offering Pre-Completion Inspections are suitably qualified, competent and insured, the RPSA operates an accreditation scheme which consumers, builders and developers can use to identify professional practitioners.

The outcome of this initiative demonstrates that the Home Buying & Selling Group delivers benefits to consumers by elevating their rights to accessing independent and impartial professional advice.

For any queries, please contact the chair, Alan Milstein