The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has released a new housebuilders code of practice, that bans high-pressure sales methods and requires a cooling-off period that helps protect buyers for up to two years after purchase.
According to Property Reporter, developers who fail to resolve issues and snagging problems on new homes could see themselves struck off the NHQB register. MP and chair of NHQB, Natalie Elphicke said the code would be central to driving up new homes’ standards.
“It fills the gaps in existing protections and puts considerably more requirements on builders in terms of how they deal with their customers and any issues that they have with their new home,” she said
Deposits paid to developers to reserve homes must be protected, and details must be provided about tenure and future management service charges during the sales process. The code also states that a home must be completed before buyers can move in, and it permits buyers to get a professional snagging inspection, and any issues must be dealt with promptly.
Builders must develop an after-care service for buyers, in the event of snagging issues, as well as a robust complaints process that responds quickly to homeowners, keeping them informed about the progress of the complaint.
If a customer is dissatisfied with how their complaint is dealt with, they can refer their case to the independent new homes' ombudsman service.
The code, which was five years in the making, is voluntary and follows a decade of concerns about the quality of new-build homes.
The NHQB said it was committed to reviewing the code as the new arrangements are implemented and ombudsman adjudications are made.
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