Devon Couple's Barratt Homes New Build Crisis

A disturbing case from Ivybridge, Devon, has highlighted the vital importance of thorough snagging inspections before completing on new build properties. A couple who purchased their £330,000 home in 2018 are now facing devastating consequences after their property was recently valued at just £1 due to severe structural issues.

Dayle Dixon and Mark Lee report they noticed concerning cracks in their floor just days before receiving their keys. Despite raising these concerns with the developer, they were assured the issues were merely related to the property "drying out" - a common explanation that experts warn should be thoroughly investigated rather than dismissed.

The extent of the defects has proven to be far more serious than initially apparent. The property has suffered from inadequate damp proofing, leading to water ingress under the building. This has resulted in significant structural movement affecting windows and floors throughout the home. Professional surveyors have identified that the concrete flooring was laid too thinly and without proper support, while severe damp and mould issues have spread throughout the property. Perhaps most concerningly, there are now serious environmental health concerns due to widespread dust contamination.

These issues have culminated in a professional surveyor's assessment that both the concrete flooring and walls would require removal for proper restoration, effectively rendering the property uninhabitable in its current state.

The financial implications of these defects have created a devastating scenario for the homeowners. They currently face outstanding mortgage payments of approximately £88,000 and Help to Buy repayment obligations of around £70,000. Additionally, they have already lost approximately £15,000 on damaged furnishings and attempted repairs. With the property now valued at just £1, they find themselves in an impossible situation where resale is not a viable option.

The developer, Barratt Homes, has offered to meet an independent valuation price plus £5,000 compensation, but the homeowners argue this would leave them unable to purchase another property after settling their existing financial obligations. The case has gained significant attention on social media, with over 16,000 views on TikTok, leading to increased discussion about new build quality standards and consumer protection in the UK housing market.

A spokesperson for the developer stated they are "sorry that Miss Dixon is unhappy" and have attempted to remedy the situation through external independent surveyors and contractors, though they claim communication has ceased, preventing resolution.

This case provides crucial lessons for prospective new build homeowners. The importance of professional snagging inspections before completion cannot be overstated, as early identification of serious issues can prevent similar situations from developing. Thorough documentation of any identified issues before completion is essential, and all communication with developers should be maintained in writing. Many experts also recommend having a solicitor review any agreements or responses from developers regarding structural issues, and even with new builds, an independent structural survey can provide crucial protection for buyers.

For new build homeowners facing similar issues, there are several protection mechanisms available. New build warranties provide certain guarantees, while the Consumer Code for Home Builders offers additional protection. Legal routes through professional negligence claims may be available in serious cases, and organisations like the New Homes Quality Board can provide support and guidance.

The regulatory framework surrounding new build properties includes various consumer protection measures. New build warranties typically cover structural defects for ten years, while the Consumer Code for Home Builders provides a dispute resolution scheme. The New Homes Quality Board, established to improve standards in the new build sector, offers additional routes for addressing serious defects and quality issues.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough inspections and proper documentation when purchasing a new build property. While most new builds are completed to high standards, the potential consequences of overlooked defects can be devastating for homeowners. The financial and emotional impact on families can be severe, as demonstrated by this case where the homeowners have been unable to properly celebrate Christmas or host family members due to the condition of their property.

For those considering a new build purchase, this case emphasises the importance of investing in professional inspections and maintaining detailed records of any issues identified. While the additional cost of these measures may seem significant at the time of purchase, they can provide crucial protection against potentially catastrophic problems in the future. The old adage that prevention is better than cure has perhaps never been more applicable than in the context of new build property purchases.