Snagging Inspections in Spain: Why You Need One Before Accepting Your New-Build Property
Buying a newly built home in Spain? Think it’s flawless because it’s brand new? Think again.
Thousands of people purchase new build apartments and houses in Spain every year—often off-plan, based only on the developer’s promises and glossy brochures. But “brand new” doesn’t always mean problem-free. This is why a professional snagging inspection before signing the acta de entrega (handover) is one of the smartest steps you can take.
🧱 What Is a Snagging Inspection?
A snagging inspection is a detailed quality check that identifies defects, unfinished work, or hidden issues in a newly constructed or recently renovated property. These inspections are typically carried out before final delivery, giving the buyer time to request repairs while the responsibility still lies with the builder or developer.
At iNMOspector, we’ve seen everything from hilarious mistakes—like a missing swimming pool —to serious, expensive problems hidden behind paint and plaster.
📈 New Build Property Sales in Spain: A Growing Market
According to Spain’s Colegio de Registradores, new-build properties represented 20–25% of all home sales in 2024. That’s over 100,000 newly constructed homes changing hands—many without the buyer ever seeing the finished result before signing.
The most active regions for new construction include:
- Madrid
- Valencia
- Málaga and the Costa del Sol
- Galicia (especially coastal towns)
- Alicante and the Costa Blanca
With such high volume, even top developers make mistakes. Without a snagging inspection, you may inherit those mistakes.
😳 Real Examples of Snagging Defects (Funny and Frightening)
Here are a few real-world examples of defects we’ve discovered during snagging inspections in Spain:
🔧 Obvious (and Sometimes Amusing) Issues
- A missing private pool, despite being included in the contract.
- Planned and budgeted ventilation system that was not installed.
- Light switches behind the door, forcing you to walk into the dark.
- A “sea-view” terrace that actually faced a blank wall two meters away.
🕵️ Hidden (and Expensive) Defects
- No vapor barrier in the roof: led to mold within months.
- Windows with no insulation or sealing: caused drafts and leaks.
- Loose or poorly installed tiling: started cracking almost immediately.
- Electrical sockets not properly grounded: a serious safety risk.
⏳ Why Timing Matters: Before vs. After the Entrega de Obra
The timing of your inspection is critical. If defects are discovered before signing the acta de entrega (handover document), the developer is legally obligated to fix them.
If you find them after taking possession:
- You may need to file a warranty claim (which takes time and energy).
- You must prove the defect existed at the time of delivery.
- Repairs could delay your move-in or become your responsibility.
🔍 Spanish Legal Protections (But Don’t Rely on Them Alone)
- 1 year: for minor defects (e.g. finishes)
- 3 years: for installation or habitability defects
- 10 years: for structural defects
Unfortunately, many developers are slow to act after the handover, making pre-handover snagging inspections your best bet.
📊 Common Defects in New-Build Homes (Statistics)
A 2023 study by OCU (Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios) found:
- 55% of buyers of new-build homes in Spain reported defects.
- 30% of these issues were not resolved by the developer within a year.
- Most frequent problems included:
- Humidity and moisture – 38%
- Poor insulation – 31%
- Defective installations – 27%
✅ The iNMOspector Solution: Snagging Inspections Across Spain
At iNMOspector, we offer independent snagging inspections for new properties across all regions in Spain, including Galicia, Madrid, Andalucía, Valencia, and Catalonia.
Our service includes:
- Detailed inspection by certified architects and technicians
- Comparison with building plans and specifications
- Full photo and issue report in your language (English, German, French, or Spanish)
- Support in communicating repairs with the developer
- Optional pre-closing inspections during construction, allowing us to check wiring, insulation, and piping before panels or flooring are installed.
🏠 Protect Your Investment – Before You Move In
A snagging inspection could save you thousands of euros and months of frustration. It’s the only way to ensure your new-build home in Spain is delivered exactly as promised—no defects, no delays, no extra costs.
If the builder forgot to install your bathroom mirror, just imagine what they might’ve skipped behind the walls.
👉 Schedule your snagging inspection now and move in with peace of mind.
📧 info@inmospector.com | ☎️ +34 687 697 516
