Snagging Survey London Borough of Islington

Our Level 3 building survey provides a comprehensive assessment of your new-build property, examining every accessible area of the flat or apartment. We inspect the external envelope, internal finishes, plumbing and electrical installations, windows and doors, kitchen appliances, and bathroom fixtures. The survey also covers communal areas where relevant, as defects in shared spaces can affect your enjoyment of the property and potentially impact service charges. Our inspectors test every window and door for proper operation, check sealants around balconies, and examine the condition of all fixtures and fittings.

Our inspectors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in modern apartment developments across Islington. These include problems with balcony waterproofing, inadequate fire compartmentalisation, issues with triple-glazing seals, insufficient sound insulation between flats, and incomplete fire safety installations. We also check that development specifications match what was promised in your contract, ensuring you receive what you paid for. In our experience inspecting properties at Woodberry Down and similar modern developments, we frequently encounter issues with mechanical ventilation systems and extractor fans that do not meet the required airflow rates for modern building regulations.

For properties in areas with London Clay geology, such as those near Highbury Fields or along St Paul's Road, we specifically look for signs of subsidence or movement that may have occurred during the construction period or since. While Islington is not in a mining area, the shrink-swell risk associated with clay soils means our inspectors are vigilant about foundation-related issues, particularly in newer developments where the ground may still be consolidating. We examine internal walls for signs of cracking that could indicate movement, and check external walls for evidence of subsidence affecting the building structure.

Islington's geology presents specific challenges that our surveyors understand intimately. The borough sits largely on London Clay, which is prone to shrink-swell behaviour depending on moisture levels. This means foundations can move subtly over time, particularly in properties with mature trees nearby or in areas that experienced drought conditions. Our inspectors are trained to identify the subtle signs of this movement, including cracking patterns in plasterwork, doors that no longer close properly, and gaps around window frames that may indicate structural movement.

• External walls and cladding systems
• Windows, doors, and sealing
• Kitchen appliances and fixtures
• Bathroom fittings and waterproofing
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Fire safety installations
• Balconies and external spaces
• Communal area defects

Islington has seen substantial residential development in recent years, particularly in regeneration areas. The Woodberry Down scheme by Berkeley Group, located in the N4 postcode area, offers modern apartments with waterside views along the Reservoir. City North Place in N4 has seen recent sales activity, with properties changing hands in December 2025 at prices around the £745,000 mark for two-bedroom apartments. Queensland Road in N7 represents another significant development, with two-bedroom flats selling for approximately £600,000 in late 2025, demonstrating strong demand for new-build properties in the Holloway area.

These modern developments, while attractive and well-designed, are not immune to construction defects. Contemporary building methods, including the use of off-site manufactured components and modern cladding systems, can introduce specific issues that differ from traditional brick construction. Our surveyors understand the construction techniques used in modern apartment blocks and know exactly what to look for when inspecting these properties. We are familiar with the typical defect patterns in buildings constructed using concrete frames, steel reinforcement, and contemporary insulation systems.

The Vizion Development in Islington represents another popular new-build scheme featuring modern apartments with 24-hour concierge and bright, spacious layouts. These developments often feature contemporary materials that can present unique challenges during inspections, including specific issues with triple-glazing seals, modern ventilation systems, and the integration of smart home technology. Our surveyors have experience inspecting all the major new-build schemes in the borough and understand the common issues that arise in each.

Beyond individual flat inspections, we also examine the broader context of new-build developments in Islington. The borough's proximity to the New River and Regent's Canal means some developments have specific considerations around flood risk and drainage. While Islington is an inland borough without coastal flood risk, surface water flooding can affect low-lying areas near watercourses. Our inspectors check drainage systems, look for evidence of water ingress, and assess the effectiveness of damp-proof courses, particularly in ground-floor apartments.

When you receive your snagging report from our team, you will find a comprehensive document that details every defect identified during the inspection. Each item is colour-coded by severity, with red indicating serious defects that should be addressed before completion, amber for issues that need attention but are not critical, and green for minor cosmetic items. The report includes photographs of every defect, clear descriptions of the problem, and recommendations for how each issue should be remedied. This professional documentation is essential for presenting to the developer or their warranty provider.

Your report also includes a summary section that provides an overview of the property's overall condition and highlights the most important issues that need addressing. This summary is particularly useful when discussing defects with the developer, as it provides a clear overview of the scope of work required. We find that developers are more responsive to well-presented snagging reports that clearly identify issues and provide practical recommendations for remediation.