New-Build Homes Plagued by Safety Concerns and Incomplete Estates

A report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has highlighted significant issues with new-build homes across England, raising concerns about the quality of construction and the unfinished state of many housing developments. The BBC recently shed light on several homeowners' struggles, revealing a widespread problem that affects thousands of residents and threatens the reputation of some of the UK's largest developers.

Dreams Turned Nightmares: The Pisani Family's Experience

Gabriel and Lauren Pisani, newlyweds who purchased their dream family home in Reading last February, found themselves embroiled in an ongoing battle with developer Taylor Wimpey. Their home, meant to be a symbol of a new beginning, has become a source of distress and frustration. Upon moving in, they discovered a host of issues, from faulty kitchen appliances to structural problems that have only compounded over time.

Mr. Pisani recounted the myriad problems, noting, "We have had countless issues with the property since day one." A significant leak from an upstairs toilet caused the hallway floor to peel, and cracks have appeared in the walls, creating an unsafe environment for their young children. In their one-year-old son's bedroom, a visible gap exists where the wall and floor should connect, leaving the couple unable to let their son play safely on the floor. "It should have been the most special purchase of our lives together," Mr. Pisani lamented. "We want to feel safe," his wife added, echoing a sentiment shared by many affected homeowners.

In response, Taylor Wimpey expressed regret over the Pisani's experience, stating, "We are committed to providing homes and customer service to the very highest standard and we are sorry that these customers have experienced problems with their property." The developer assured that they are "working closely" with the family to address the issues and complete all outstanding work.

A Nationwide Issue: Other Homeowners Speak Out

The Pisani family is not alone in their plight. Across the country, homeowners like Julia Dowd and Kevin Graham are voicing their frustrations and demanding accountability from developers and the government alike.

Julia Dowd, who relocated from Hampshire to Cramlington, Northumberland, in December 2020, faced similar challenges with her Persimmon home. Uneven flooring and defective brickwork plagued her property, prompting her to hire an independent snagging company to document the defects. Armed with a comprehensive report, she was able to leverage her case against the developer. Reflecting on her experience, Dowd said, "I hadn't appreciated how much of a fight you would have to put up with to get things done. It left a bitter taste in my mouth."

Her frustration spurred her to action; in January, she launched a petition that has since garnered nearly 2,000 signatures. The petition calls for greater government accountability and reform in the housing sector. Dowd highlighted the disparity in consumer rights, stating, "It does feel like you have greater consumer rights purchasing a faulty toaster than you do making your most expensive purchase, which is a house, and I feel like we need an overhaul of the whole process."

Kevin Graham, residing in Sherborne, Dorset, has been contending with unfinished infrastructure on his Persimmon estate for over a decade. Despite promises of completion, roads, pathways, and children's play parks remain incomplete. Graham and his neighbours continue to pay a service charge for the maintenance of public spaces that are yet to be finished. "We are on an incomplete estate and we are having to pay a service charge to maintain the public open spaces which haven't yet been completed," he explained.

Persimmon acknowledged the delays, asserting their dedication to fulfilling commitments and addressing customer concerns. "We apologise for any inconvenience our customers have experienced and are committed to addressing their concerns as we aim to complete our developments to a high standard," the company stated.

First Port, the management company appointed by Persimmon, clarified that the development has been partly handed over to them, with certain areas still under the developer's responsibility. They emphasised their focus on maintaining communal areas and collaborating with the developer to ensure the estate's completion.

The Need for Reform: CMA and Government Responses

The CMA's report reveals a worrying trend, with a growing number of new-build homeowners reporting at least 16 faults per property. In addition to concerns about build quality, the study highlights issues related to estate management charges and incomplete infrastructure.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, called for "significant intervention" in housebuilding to address these challenges. She explained, "Our report - which follows a year-long study - is recommending a streamlining of the planning system and increased consumer protections." Cardell anticipates that these recommendations, if implemented, could lead to more homes being built each year, improved affordability, and enhanced build quality.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities reiterated the government's commitment to improving housing quality. "We want to see the quality of new build homes continue to improve and have legislated to set minimum standards for all new build warranties with penalties for those not complying," the spokesperson said. They stressed that housebuilders are expected to treat buyers fairly while proposing high-quality developments that meet local needs.

Moving Forward: The Path to Better Housing

The experiences of the Pisani family, Julia Dowd, Kevin Graham, and countless others underscore the urgent need for reform in the UK's housing sector. While developers and the government have pledged to address these issues, the road to meaningful change remains long and complex.

As the CMA and government officials work towards implementing recommendations and enforcing standards, homeowners continue to advocate for their rights and demand accountability. The hope is that, with increased scrutiny and a concerted effort from all stakeholders, future homebuyers will be able to realise their dream of owning a new-build home without the nightmare of substandard construction and unfinished estates.

Read the full article here…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-68663984