It feels like there is no consumer protection in this country.
As to me, I am buying a flat. If my washing machines leaks because Crest staff member connected it improperly, at least two more flats on floors below mine will be affected.
When the lease agreement requires "to wash windows at least once every four weeks", you would expect the completed property to be spotless
There is no specific consumer protection for new home buyers in this country and here lies the problem.
You have more consumer protection buying a Mars bar or a £10 toaster from Tesco than you do buying a £300,000 new home from a housebuilder.
I have written at length several times to my MP Andrew Tyrie and also to Eric Pickles, Nick Boles and Brandon Lewis - all three government ministers are in a position to do something about it.
Unsurprisingly, all replies were either exactly the same (as have been those sent ot other people who also wrote) or along the same lines.
The official position is:
1) New home buyers can use the Consumer Code for Home Builders and the Adjudication Scheme to seek redress against house builders. But........this does not allow for claims due to defects in homes.
2) The homes have a new home warranty and the warranty providers will sort out and defects.
3) New homes like other new buildings have to comply with the Building Regulations. But........it is the responsibility of builders to comply, not those inspecting to enforce compliance.
4) Amazingly, they tell me that all consumers (including new homebuyers) have the right to take civil legal action against their housebuilder using existing laws and the Consumer Protection Regulations 2008.
They say that because of 1-4 above, there is no need for further regulation or my suggested
New Homes Ombudsman.