Yes — sometimes — but it depends far less on “how many snags there are” and far more on where you are in the buying process, how serious the issues are, and what your developer (and lender) will accept.
In most new-build purchases, developers will prefer to fix snags rather than reduce the headline price. A price reduction is possible in the right circumstances, but it’s not the only (or always the best) way to get a fair outcome.
1) The stage of the purchase is everything
Before reservation / before exchange
This is when you have the most negotiating power, because the price isn’t “locked in” yet. It’s also the stage where developers are most likely to offer:
- a price reduction,
- incentives (upgrades, contributions), or
- changes to specification.
New-build prices can be negotiated like any other property sale.
After exchange, but before legal completion (common with new builds)
This is the most misunderstood stage. You may already be contractually committed, but you can still negotiate practically if something is serious enough to risk delay, complaints, or reputational issues.
Under the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) regime, the Code’s intent includes that homes should be “complete” at legal completion and developers should operate an effective aftercare and complaints process; and it also recognises the option of a professional pre-completion inspection.
In practice: developers usually respond best to a clear snagging report and a plan for remedy — rather than a demand for a price cut.
After legal completion
Once you’ve completed, you typically shift from “negotiating the sale” to “enforcing aftercare.” At that point, it’s more common to pursue:
- remedial works,
- compensation for inconvenience/loss (in some cases), or
- formal complaints routes if the developer isn’t responding.
Which? summarises routes under the Consumer Code and the New Homes Quality Code, noting that developers can be required to carry out remedial work and/or pay compensation through those dispute mechanisms.
2) What developers will usually agree to (and what they resist)
Most common outcome: “We’ll fix it”
For typical snagging (finishes, adjustments, minor defects), developers almost always prefer:
- logging the items,
- scheduling remedial visits,
- closing them off in stages.
This aligns with the consumer-code approach that builders must have a complaints system and an escalation route if it isn’t resolved.
Sometimes offered: incentives or “credits”
Instead of reducing the sale price, developers may offer:
- upgraded flooring/appliances,
- vouchers,
- paid extras,
- contribution to fees,
- “goodwill” payments.
These can be perfectly acceptable — but they must be handled properly through your conveyancer, because incentives and price changes can affect the mortgage offer.
Hardest to obtain: a headline price reduction after exchange
Once exchanged, a developer has less reason to change the contract price unless:
- the snag/defect is material, or
- the home isn’t “complete” in a practical sense, or
- there’s a risk of delayed completion, complaints escalation, or bad press.
3) When a price discount is most realistic
A discount conversation becomes more realistic when at least one of these is true:
The issue is more than cosmetic
Examples include:
- water ingress risk (poor sealing, rainwater defects),
- persistent leaks,
- serious window/door defects affecting security/weather-tightness,
- significant incomplete works (not just touch-ups),
- repeated failed remedial attempts.
The fix can’t be completed before completion (and you need certainty)
If completion is approaching and the developer can’t realistically fix items in time, you may negotiate for:
- an agreed sum off the price,
- a formal “credit” arrangement, or
- a written schedule of works plus a retention-type arrangement (where contractually possible).
You can evidence cost and impact
A developer is far more likely to engage if you can provide:
- a professional snagging report (photos + locations),
- a short list of priority items,
- realistic cost estimates for any significant remedial work.
4) The mortgage and legal reality you mustn’t overlook
Even if a developer agrees to reduce the price or give an allowance, it must be done transparently.
- Your conveyancer needs to know.
- Your lender may need to know.
- Undisclosed incentives can create serious problems later (including with the mortgage and future resale).
So the practical rule is: don’t try to do “side deals”. If there’s money/value changing hands, treat it as formal and disclose it.
5) A practical step-by-step approach that works
Step 1: Get the snagging list survey at the right time
If possible, do it pre-completion so you can push for works before handover. The NHQB framework explicitly recognises the ability for customers to have a professional pre-completion inspection.
Step 2: Categorise snags into Priority 1 / 2 / 3
- Priority 1: water, safety, security, anything likely to deteriorate quickly
- Priority 2: functional defects (doors/windows, ventilation issues, loose fittings)
- Priority 3: cosmetics
This stops the developer treating everything as “minor” and doing nothing quickly.
Step 3: Ask for the best outcome first: fix before completion
Send the report and ask for:
- confirmation of acceptance of the key snags,
- a schedule of remedial works,
- written confirmation of timescales.
Step 4: If they can’t fix in time, offer two clear alternatives
Instead of “give me a discount,” present options:
Option A — Works plan: a dated remedial schedule + clear access arrangements
Option B — Financial settlement: a reasonable allowance/discount based on evidenced cost
This keeps the discussion solution-focused.
Step 5: If it stalls, use the formal processes
If the developer is slow or dismissive:
- follow their complaints process,
- then escalate via the relevant scheme if applicable.
Under the Consumer Code, builders must have a complaint system and the IDRS path is available if unresolved.
Which? notes that under the relevant code routes, outcomes can include remedial work and/or compensation.
6) What to avoid saying (if you want a fast “yes”)
- “There are loads of snags so I want £X off.” (too vague, easy to dismiss)
- “I’m not completing unless everything is perfect.” (often unrealistic, leads to stalemate)
- “We’ll just sort it informally.” (creates confusion and weakens your position)
Instead, lead with:
- evidence (photos + locations),
- priority (what truly matters),
- a practical remedy path.
The bottom line
You can sometimes negotiate a discount on a new build because of snags — especially before exchange, or where issues are material and can’t be resolved before completion. But in many cases, the strongest route is to use your snagging report to secure timely remedial works, and only push for a discount/allowance when:
- the issues are significant,
- timeframes are unrealistic,
- or the developer’s aftercare isn’t delivering.
Want help using your snagging report to negotiate the best outcome?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. If you tell us your stage (pre-exchange / exchanged / post-completion) and the top 5–10 snags you’re concerned about, we’ll help you frame a clear, evidence-led approach — whether that’s prioritised remedial works, a realistic allowance request, or an escalation path if the developer won’t engage.