Snagging New Properties

For those who are not familiar with the term snagging, it is a list of all the problems found with new build properties e.g. leaky roofs, faulty installations, bad workmanship etc.

Once you have signed the contract for your new property you must submit a snagging list within 15 days if you want the work seen to immediately (a relative term in Spain!). Ideally, you should visit the property before you complete and present the snagging list to the developer before handing over any money. The developer will be much more motivated to fix any problems in this case rather than after you have signed.

There are several companies that offer to do snagging reports and the average costs seems to be approximately €190 for a two bedroom flat. While you might see it as expensive, consider that most of the problems you are likely to find will cost more than this to repair, and if the problem is structural could run into thousands of euros. (While there is supposed to be a 10 year guarantee on new build property, how long it takes the developer to come and resolve your problems is quite another matter!)

There is the cheaper do it yourself option such as using the DIY Snag Report which has apparently been recommended by EyeonSpain.com. The DIY Snag Report gives you templates to use for a step-by-step formula to snag your property.

Whichever option you choose - choose one of them! Yet something else that could save you time and money.