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Shared Ownership · London
Shared Ownership Snagging
Inspection in London
Buying shared ownership in London is already complicated. The last thing you need is to discover — after you've moved in — that your flat has 60 defects the developer will never fix. We inspect your property before you complete, so you know exactly what you're getting.
⚠ Your housing association is not inspecting on your behalf
Housing associations carry out a basic sign-off with the developer before handover. This is not an independent snagging inspection. They are not looking for defects on your behalf — they are confirming the development is complete enough to sell. You need your own inspector, appointed by you, working for you.
Why shared ownership buyers need a snagging inspection
Shared ownership buyers are in a uniquely vulnerable position. You are buying a percentage of a property — often 25–50% — from a housing association that also has an ongoing relationship with the developer. The incentives do not align with yours.
Developers know shared ownership buyers are often first-time buyers, frequently buying alone, and under significant financial pressure. The handover process is fast, the paperwork is overwhelming, and most buyers walk through their new flat without knowing what to look for.
An independent snagging inspection — carried out by experienced builders, not clipboard-carrying surveyors — changes that completely. You walk into your handover appointment knowing exactly what is wrong with the property and exactly what the developer is obligated to fix.
Real case
80 defects found. 14 fixed. A price reduction negotiated.
A student buying a 50% shared ownership flat in East London. Inspected before completion. 80 defects found across the flat — including cracks in walls and ceilings, a scratched glazed unit, and ventilation issues.
The developer fixed 14. The remaining 66 were dismissed as "normal for a new build" — including defects that were neither normal nor acceptable.
Using the snagging report as evidence, through formal written complaints she won:
- ✓A reduction on the remaining 50% staircasing price when she chooses to buy it
- ✓12 months of service charge waived by the housing association
She worked with her solicitors to pursue the claims — BluntSnag provided the inspection data and defect documentation. We inspect. You decide how to use it.
None of this would have been possible without a documented inspection report from the day of handover.
What we inspect
Our inspectors are builders — not surveyors with clipboards. We know where every corner gets cut because we have worked on London new-build sites for 15+ years. We check everything:
Our packages for shared ownership buyers
We offer a specific package for buyers purchasing alone — because buying shared ownership without family support, without someone to advise you, is a different experience. You deserve a different service.
Full snagging inspection with defect report and priority ratings. Best for studio and 1-bed flats.
Everything in the Truth Report, plus a personal briefing call before your handover appointment. Designed for buyers purchasing alone — we walk you through exactly what to say and what to demand.
Full inspection with repair cost estimates for every defect — so you know exactly what your snag list is worth in pounds.
Frequently asked questions
Does my housing association snag the property before handover?
No — not independently. Housing associations carry out a basic sign-off with the developer, but this is not an independent snagging inspection. They have a financial relationship with the developer and are not inspecting on your behalf. You need your own inspector.
Can I get a snagging inspection on shared ownership?
Yes. You have exactly the same right to an independent snagging inspection as any other buyer. The developer cannot refuse access before completion under the New Homes Quality Code. Book your inspection before your legal completion date.
How many defects does a typical shared ownership flat have?
In our experience, between 40 and 90. In a real case we inspected, 80 defects were found in a shared ownership flat. The developer fixed 14. The remaining defects were documented and used to negotiate a discount on the remaining staircasing price.
What happens if the developer refuses to fix my snags?
For structural and legal defects, the developer is obligated under the Building Safety Act and NHBC Buildmark warranty. For cosmetic defects, you have leverage but no legal guarantee. Our reports tell you which category each defect falls into — so you know where to fight and where to budget.
Can I use a snagging report to negotiate on shared ownership?
Yes — and this is one of the most underused tools for shared ownership buyers. A documented snagging report gives you leverage on: staircasing price discounts, service charge reductions, and formal developer commitments to remediate before completion. One of our clients used her report to secure a discount on the remaining 50% of her flat.
How long after completion can I still report snags?
You have a 2-year developer defect period from the date of legal completion. After that, your NHBC Buildmark warranty covers structural defects for 10 years. Report snags in writing as early as possible — developers stall, and time works against you.
Ready?
Book before your completion date
You need to book your inspection before your legal completion date. Once you complete, your leverage drops significantly. Book online in 2 minutes.
No sales calls · Report in 24 hours · Full refund if we cancel