Watch: Snagging inspectors search a new-build home in Oxfordshire

Homeowners across England have told the BBC about their experiences of moving into unfinished developments.

A recent report from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said a growing number of homeowners were reporting a higher number of snagging issues.

Snags "can be anything from a defect in paintwork, to items you may not even know about like extractor fans that aren't connected correctly in the loft," said Jonathan Glover, of Premier Snag which carries out independent inspections on new-build properties.

His team found 116 snagging items at one home in Witney, Oxfordshire.

In response to these finds, Dominic Harman, divisional managing director for David Wilson Homes, said: "The majority of items identified at the inspection are positive comments on the build quality but there are some minor snags which require our attention and a programme of works to fix them has already been agreed."

Mr Glover blamed the increase in snagging issues on government housebuilding targets which he said were forcing builders to finish jobs quickly, leading to more mistakes.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "We want to see the quality of new build homes continue to improve and have legislated to set minimum standards for all new build warranties with penalties for those not complying.

"All house builders are expected to do their part, treating house buyers fairly while submitting proposals for high quality developments which meet local need."

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