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London Repair Costs · 2026
New Build Defect Repair Costs
What Every Snag Actually Costs to Fix
Most snagging companies give you a list of defects. We give you the list and what each defect is worth in pounds — using current London contractor rates. Because knowing that the developer owes you £7,400 in remedial work is a very different conversation from knowing you have 60 snags.
Why repair costs matter more than a defect count
A snag list with 70 items is useful. A snag list with 70 items and a total remediation cost of £9,200 is a legal document.
Developers respond to financial exposure. When you submit a formal complaint backed by a costed report, the developer's customer care team — or their legal team — has a number to work with. That number either becomes a repair schedule or a negotiating figure. Either outcome is better than a snag list they can dismiss as subjective.
Our Money Report gives you exactly that. Every defect is listed, photographed, priority-rated, and costed at current London contractor rates. It is the report we would want if we were buying a new build flat.
London repair cost reference — 2026
Mid-market London contractor rates. Actual costs vary by borough, contractor, and extent of damage. These are the rates we use in our Money Reports.
Doors & Frames
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Front door replacement (fitted) | £400 | £800 |
| Internal door replacement (fitted) | £400 | £600 |
| Door frame realignment | £150 | £300 |
| Lock cylinder replacement | £80 | £150 |
| Missing door stopper (per door) | £15 | £30 |
Walls & Ceilings
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline crack repair (per crack) | £50 | £150 |
| Structural crack investigation | £300 | £800 |
| Full room repaint (labour + materials) | £350 | £700 |
| Ceiling water stain repair + repaint | £200 | £500 |
| Plasterwork skim (per wall) | £200 | £400 |
Windows
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Failed sealed unit replacement (per pane) | £150 | £350 |
| Full window replacement | £1,500 | £3,000 |
| Window mechanism repair | £80 | £200 |
| Frame seal replacement | £100 | £250 |
Bathroom & Plumbing
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone reseal (bath or shower) | £100 | £200 |
| Toilet replacement (wall-hung, fitted) | £500 | £900 |
| Drain unblock | £150 | £300 |
| Plumber call-out (per hour) | £100 | £150 |
| Leak investigation + repair | £300 | £800 |
| Professional bathroom deep clean | £250 | £400 |
Kitchen
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinet door replacement (per door) | £80 | £200 |
| Worktop replacement (per metre) | £200 | £500 |
| Hob replacement (fitted) | £250 | £600 |
| Oven replacement (fitted) | £300 | £700 |
| Fridge/freezer replacement | £300 | £700 |
| Dishwasher reconnection | £100 | £200 |
| Full kitchen replacement | £5,000 | £15,000 |
Flooring
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet replacement (per room) | £400 | £900 |
| LVT/laminate replacement (per room) | £800 | £1,800 |
| Engineered wood repair/replacement (per room) | £1,000 | £2,500 |
| Subfloor levelling (per room) | £300 | £700 |
Electrics & Heating
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical investigation (per circuit) | £150 | £300 |
| Full flat rewire | £3,000 | £6,000 |
| Light fitting replacement (per fitting) | £50 | £150 |
| Boiler service + pressure reset | £100 | £200 |
| Boiler replacement (combi, fitted) | £2,000 | £3,500 |
| Radiator valve replacement | £80 | £180 |
| Underfloor heating fault diagnosis | £200 | £500 |
Ventilation & Damp
| Defect | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation system repair | £200 | £600 |
| Ventilation unit replacement (MVHR) | £1,500 | £3,000 |
| Mould treatment (professional) | £200 | £600 |
| Full mould remediation (extensive) | £1,000 | £5,000 |
All costs are London mid-market estimates for 2026, inclusive of labour and standard materials. Costs may vary significantly based on access, extent of damage, and contractor availability.
Our Money Report
Get a costed snag list for your flat
The Money Report includes everything in a standard inspection — full room-by-room defect survey, photos, priority ratings — plus a repair cost estimate for each defect at current London contractor rates.
Which defects are worth fighting for?
Not every defect is equal. Some the developer is legally obligated to fix. Others are cosmetic and harder to enforce. Our reports categorise every defect so you know exactly where to spend your energy.
Ventilation not working, electrical faults, structural cracks. Developer has no legal defence. These must be fixed.
Structural defects covered for 10 years. Failed sealed units, subsidence, roof defects. Report in writing.
Developer committed to fix minor defects within 30 days. Cosmetic damage, missing items, incomplete finishes.
Scratches, paint runs, minor gaps. Technically the developer's responsibility before completion. Leverage drops once you're in.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for fixing defects in a new build?
The developer is responsible for defects during the first 2 years from legal completion — this is the defect liability period. After that, structural defects are covered by the NHBC Buildmark warranty for up to 10 years. Cosmetic defects (poor paintwork, scratches) are technically the developer's responsibility but much harder to enforce after completion.
What if the developer refuses to fix my snags?
For defects covered by the New Homes Quality Code or Building Regulations (structural issues, failed sealed units, ventilation), you have legal grounds to demand repair. For cosmetic defects, your leverage is strongest before completion — once you've moved in, developers become much slower. A documented snagging report is your best evidence.
What is a snagging report worth in pounds?
Based on our inspections, the average new-build flat in London has 40–90 defects. If we apply London contractor rates to a typical snag list, the repair costs total between £3,000 and £12,000. Many buyers negotiate directly with developers using this figure — and recover far more than the cost of the inspection.
What does a Money Report include?
Our Money Report (£399) is a full snagging inspection plus a repair cost estimate for every defect found. Each item is costed using current London contractor rates — so you know exactly what your snag list is worth. This is the report to use if you're negotiating with a developer or making a formal complaint.
Can I use repair costs to get a price reduction from the developer?
Yes — and it works. A documented report showing that the developer owes you £8,000 in remedial work is a powerful negotiating tool. We have seen buyers use Money Reports to secure cash compensation, extended warranties, or commitments to remediate before completion. The developer's alternative is a formal complaint or legal action.
How accurate are your repair cost estimates?
We use current London contractor rates, updated regularly. Prices vary by borough and contractor — our estimates are mid-market for London. They are designed to be defensible in a formal complaint, not worst-case or best-case figures.
Know your numbers
Book before your completion date
Your leverage is highest before you complete. Once you sign, the developer's obligation to fix defects starts shrinking. A costed report before completion is your strongest tool.
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