Sadly it is the case.
Most of the major house builders that have been rated "5 stars" in the HBF star rating survey, use it at every marketing opportunity.
The questions are "recommend to a friend" and "satisfied with your home".
-neither are a specific indication of quality in the way that the NHBC Quality Awards are.
You can be "satisfied" with a horrible meal if you have been very ungry!
Whilst 5 stars is not a guide to quality and service, not having five stars should act as a warning to potential new home buyers.
Only three of the large national house builders (Persimmon, Linden and Crest) did not get the full five stars in the 2013 survey results.