The Help to Buy equity loan scheme helped thousands of first-time buyers in Essex get onto the property ladder. If you used or are considering using a similar scheme to purchase a new-build property, you might be wondering: do I still need a survey on a brand-new home?
As a RICS registered valuer based in Chelmsford, I'd answer that question with an emphatic yes. Here's why.
What Does Help to Buy Actually Require?
The Help to Buy equity loan scheme required buyers to obtain an RICS valuation prepared by a qualified RICS registered valuer. This is different from a survey — it establishes the market value of the property, which determines the equity loan amount. Without an RICS valuation, you couldn't access the scheme.
At Chelmsford Surveyor, we provide Help to Buy RICS valuations for properties across Essex. Our valuations are prepared by Tom Greenfield, who has considerable experience of the Chelmsford property market and the broader Essex residential market. See our valuations service for more information.
But Doesn't a New-Build Come With Guarantees?
New-build homes typically come with a 10-year structural warranty (most commonly NHBC Buildmark). This provides some protection against major structural defects. But it's important to understand what this warranty doesn't cover:
- It doesn't cover minor snags and finishing defects — of which there are often dozens
- It doesn't give you independent information about the build quality before you complete
- It doesn't protect you from defects that are disputed between you and the developer
New Build Snagging Surveys: What Are They?
A new-build snagging survey is carried out by an independent surveyor before or shortly after completion. It identifies any defects — both cosmetic and structural — that the developer needs to rectify. The average snagging survey on a new-build in Essex finds between 100 and 200 items. Yes, really.
Common snags found on new-build properties across Essex include: cracked or uneven plasterwork; poorly fitted doors and windows; missing or incomplete insulation; defective drainage; gaps in external pointing; and inadequate ventilation. These are exactly the kinds of things the developer should fix — but only if you know about them and push for it.
A Real Example from Essex
A client of ours purchased a new 3-bedroom semi-detached home in a new-build estate near Chelmsford on the Help to Buy scheme. They chose not to commission a snagging survey, assuming the NHBC warranty would cover everything. Six months after moving in, they discovered that the loft insulation had been incorrectly installed, leaving large sections of the ceiling without cover. The heating bills were significantly higher than expected. The developer disputed liability, and the couple faced a costly argument. A pre-completion snagging survey would likely have flagged this — before they'd even moved in.
Our Help to Buy Services
At Chelmsford Surveyor, we offer:
- RICS Valuations for Help to Buy — carried out by our RICS registered valuer
- New Build Snagging Surveys — comprehensive inspection identifying snags before completion
- Post-Completion Inspections — for buyers who didn't get a snagging survey but are concerned about defects
Read our related article: New Build Snagging Surveys: Why Every Essex Buyer Should Have One.
RICS valuations for Help to Buy purposes typically start from around £250–£350 for standard new-build properties in Chelmsford and Essex. The cost can vary depending on the property value and size. Contact us for a precise quote.
You need a valuation from a qualified RICS registered valuer — you can verify registered valuers on the RICS website. Our valuer Tom Greenfield is fully RICS registered and experienced in Help to Buy valuations across the Chelmsford and Essex property market.