RPSA champions consumer rights with new snagging standards

New-build house buyers have a new champion in the shape of the Residential
Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), which has launched the industry’s first-ever new-build ‘snagging’ standards for surveyors.

Introduced at the RPSA’s recent annual conference, the New-build Survey Inspection and Reporting Standards (NIRS) are the culmination of a two-year industry-wide consultation and, the RSPA believes, represent a major step forward in consumer rights when buying a new build property.

According to the HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey in March 2021, at least 94% of buyers experience ‘snags’ with their new home but there has previously been no recognised standards for surveyors to work to when inspecting and reporting on new-build property.

In the past, buyers have often been refused access to independent advice about the
condition and quality of their newly-constructed home. By working to standards which have been consulted on by the whole industry, the RPSA says its new document sets a benchmark for surveyors, that can be trusted by builders, warranty providers and, most importantly of all, house buyers.

RPSA Chairman Alan Milstein said: “This is a first for the surveying industry, and a major step forwards in supporting buyers of new homes, many of whom have suffered at the hands of uncooperative builders.

“With the proposed introduction of a New Homes Ombudsman, the New-build Survey
Inspection and Reporting Standards provide a clear signpost for consumers who can be confident that an RPSA surveyor will be delivering a report that will be recognised and actioned by their builder.

“I’m proud that the RPSA is leading the industry by setting clear standards for snagging
inspections. We want to empower consumers to have access to the highest standards in all our surveying activities, and the issue of new-build quality has been a priority for us to tackle.”

RPSA members have access to the new standards, and consumers can access snagging inspections based on the new standards, via the Association’s newly redesigned website.

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