'More protection' for buyers of new-builds

Date:Wednesday 1st October 2008
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A new code of conduct will come into force in 2010 protecting buyers of new-build properties.

The code will act as a redress scheme for dissatisfied customers, granting them greater confidence in home building companies.

Steve Turner of the Home Builders Federation said: "The code of conduct is an additional guarantee for people, it strengthens the existing code and should give people confidence that the property which they buy is of the highest quality."

The code was the result of an agreement by representatives from across the sector and will be fully operational by March 2010.

If the industry falls short then a means of redress for homebuyers would be enforced including potential compensation for any delays, faults or shortcomings in contracts.

The code follows a survey by the National Consumer Council 2007 highlighting several problems in the current market.

It suggested that 29 per cent of new-build houses were of poor quality, highlighting issues such as faulty wiring, late completion and poor quality building standards.