Buying a new build home is an exciting milestone, especially for first-time buyers. But what happens once you’ve moved in? At Southern Housing New Homes, we want you to feel supported throughout your journey. One of the key parts of settling into your new home is understanding the snagging process and what the defects period means for you. 

Snagging is the process of identifying minor issues or defects in a new build home that may have been overlooked during construction. These can include cosmetic problems such as chipped paint or poorly aligned doors, as well as more functional concerns like faulty fixtures or heating inconsistencies. 

At Southern Housing New Homes, we conduct a snagging inspection before you move in. 

Your new home comes with a defect liability period, which starts from the completion of the building, not the day you move in. This means that if you are buying a home that is already complete, some or all of this period may have already passed. We’ll provide the exact expiry date when you reserve your home. 

During this period, typically the first 12 months after completion, your home is still under the care of the developer, and you are entitled to report any issues that arise. Whether it’s something we missed in the initial snagging process or a new concern that comes up. Our team will work with you to reassure you if it’s not a defect and help you resolve it yourself or if it is a defect we’ll work with the original contractors to resolve the matter.  

It’s important to report issues as soon as you notice them, as this allows us to manage them efficiently and prevent further complications. More details on what does and doesn’t count as a defect can be found in our post-completion guide. 

At Southern Housing New Homes, our commitment to customer care doesn’t stop once you receive your keys. In the first 30 days after moving in, our Sales Support team is here to help, whether by phone or email, responding quickly and working to resolve any queries with minimal disruption. 

After the initial month, a dedicated Aftercare team becomes your main point of contact, providing advice, tracking progress, and ensuring any work is completed to the highest standard. 

We understand that buying a new build home can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to technical terms like snagging and the defects period. That’s why Southern Housing New Homes is committed to making the process as smooth and transparent as possible. 

Still have questions? Our friendly Sales Support team is here to help. Visit our buying guide to learn more or get in touch for personalised support.