1. Always use your own solicitor and not one recommended to you by the developer - vital should disputes over the condition of a property later arise.

2. Because you do not legally own the property until completion, a developer can refuse you entry, which means you would not be able to inspect work or carry out snagging. Get permission to gain entry before completion written in to your contract.

3. Hold back a retention until all snagging defects are rectified - and get this written in to your contract too.

4. Never buy a new home without a warranty. In rare cases, you may be offered an Architect’s Certificate rather than the better known NHBC or Zurich certificates. An Architect’s Certificate is not a warranty and in many cases is not worth the paper it is written on. Never complete on a new home with an Architect’s Certificate unless you have checked the property thoroughly and defects have been rectified. Don’t over-rely on any form of warranty.

5. Carry out a thorough snagging inspection of the property before you complete. Do this yourself or get a professional snagging company to do it for you. The site manager should be present during the inspection.

6. Ideally, ensure that all defects are corrected prior to completion. If this is not possible, you must obtain written confirmation and a schedule of remedial works prior to handing over your money.

7. Once you have completed, visit the property and re-check for cosmetic defects and leaks. If building work has been carried out, some additional damage may have occurred.

8. During the first two years of your NHBC or similar warranty, the developer is liable for defects that occur, but wear and tear on the property can be difficult to distinguish. Report defects in writing as soon as they arise to protect your position.