Very short retification period

[dave1234]

Hi everyone,

We're reviewing a contract for a leaseshold of a new-build apartment at the moment and noticed that:

• the warranty is a CRL 10 year structural warranty
• the seller/builder is only offering a 2 month rectification period

I thought this was very short, given that after 2 months, nothing but structural issues would be covered (e.g. workmanship on interiors / fixtures & fittings themselves). We asked our solicitor to request that the developer cover the first 2 years for interiors that aren't covered by the structural warranty. Their solicitor has said that they're not prepared to offer "anything further" than the CRL warranty itself.

Just looking for some advice on potential options? I can try & split the difference and ask them to cover, e.g. one year? Are there any 3rd party warranties I could take out and ask them to, e.g. reduce the asking price?

Appreciate any comments or suggestions!

Best
Dave

PS — Apologies if this is in the wrong sub-forum.

[Admin]

My advice would be most definitely not to buy this.
1) It is leasehold
2) It looks like the builder is only prepared to rectify defects for just 2 months. Tow years is industry standard.
3) The warranty isn't NHBC or LABC/Premier Guarantee so do not buy!
Ask yourself why this builder is not offering (or worse is unable to offer) a warranty that covers over 90% of new homes each year.

Are you also using "their solicitor too? This is always a very bad idea as they act for the builder against your interests.

[dave1234]

Thanks for your reply!

No, thankfully not using their solicitor, probably just badly worded — I just meant we heard from their solicitor via our solicitor. It is a leasehold alright.

I've asked them again to get the developer themselves to provide a warranty on the interiors to cover 2 years & hoping that they would provide that to cover in place.