The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Build Property in Surrey (and How We Can Help).

With 2026 seeing a significant increase in new developments across the county, from apartments in Cobham to family homes in Chiddingfold, the new build market is attracting first-time buyers and growing families in equal measure. Developers including Crest Nicholson have submitted planning applications for sites that could deliver up to 1,000 homes in areas such as Salfords in the borough of Reigate and Banstead, while further proposals for up to 540 homes on farmland near Ripley and Guildford are also in the pipeline. Nationally, Homes England reported 40,332 new home completions between April 2025 and March 2026, an increase of 9% on the previous year. 

If you are considering a new build property in Surrey or Greater London, here is what you need to weigh up before you sign on the dotted line.

The advantages of buying a new build property in Surrey

New builds come with some genuinely appealing benefits. Everything is brand new, which typically means lower maintenance costs in the early years, modern insulation and energy efficiency, and the peace of mind of a developer warranty (usually a 10-year NHBC Buildmark warranty). Eco-friendly homes with features such as solar panels and energy-efficient designs are becoming increasingly prominent in new Surrey developments, which can translate into lower energy bills and a stronger EPC rating.

For first-time buyers, government schemes including Shared Ownership and the First Homes scheme can make new builds more financially accessible. There is also the appeal of a blank canvas - no chain, no previous owner's décor choices, and the option to personalise finishes before completion on some developments.

The disadvantages worth knowing about

It’s important to remember that new builds are not without their complications. Prices per square foot tend to be higher than comparable older properties, and some new build developments have faced criticism for build quality issues discovered after buyers have moved in. Snagging (the process of identifying defects before or shortly after completion) is something many buyers overlook entirely.

There is also the matter of what a new build warranty actually covers. An NHBC warranty, for example, covers structural defects but does not protect you against every issue that might arise. In the early months after moving in, it is common for buyers to find problems ranging from cosmetic defects to more significant concerns around drainage, roofing, or cavity wall construction.

How a property surveyor can help

This is where many new build buyers make a costly assumption - that because a property is new, it does not need a professional survey. 

At Bramptons and Son, we carry out new build snagging surveys and HomeBuyer Surveys that give you an independent assessment of the property before you complete your purchase. Our RICS-accredited surveyors are trained to identify issues that developers may not flag, and to give you an objective, professional report you can act on. A snagging survey can be used to formally request that a developer rectifies problems before you move in, something that becomes far more difficult once you have completed the purchase.

Buying a new build in Surrey is an exciting prospect. Making sure you have the right professional support behind you means you can enjoy it with confidence.

Want to find out more about our surveys for new build properties? 

Get in touch with our Bramptons and Son team today.