65% of new-build homebuyers are satisfied with the condition of the property, although 91% of homebuyers said that they had experienced snags or defects.
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The second annual New Home Review (NHR) survey indicates that more than 9 out of 10 new-build homes in the UK have defects and almost 40% of new build homes fail to meet their original deadline. However, 65% of new-build homebuyers are satisfied with the condition of the property.
The independent survey, conducted between 1 November 2017 and 31 October 2018, took responses from 687 property owners of new build properties.
The NHR survey’s findings also showed that 75% of snags and defects were resolved in a timely manner and 58% of people were satisfied with the service provided by their builder throughout the process. The survey indicated that 63% of the properties were completed on time and 69% of homeowners were satisfied with their new home.
Kate Hughes at New Homes Review said: “House building is such an important part of our society. With an increasing population and house building on course for its lowest levels since the second world war, the country needs more new homes to avert a housing crisis. But not all developers deliver what the homebuyer expects and more needs to be done to improve the sector.
“The NHR survey is now in its second year and we hope that it will continue to help new home buyers with their buying decisions and minimise the stress involved, making it a much more enjoyable process.”
The first NHR report covered 2017 and revealed that defects and snags were the biggest issue for consumers when buying a new-build home, rather than any delays during the build.
Kate commented: “The NHR report shows that there are improvements since 2017, but there is still more to be done, in particular around snags and defects which is still very high at 91%. While the majority are resolved in a timely manner, it will be an unbelievably frustrating time for the 25% that are not.”
There were mixed reviews when new-build homeowners were asked about the service provided after they moved in. It was split down the middle with 49% unsatisfied, but 33% said they were completely satisfied.
Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance, said: “It is a great shame that the vast majority of buyers have experienced defects in their new home and delays in completion. Everyone expects some snagging issues as properties settle and dry out but for almost all buyers to identify problems, it is clear action needs to be taken.
“Our campaign aims to encourage better new builds and we are calling for new-build homebuyers to be able to retain 2.5% of the cost of the house, which would only be paid after six months.”
The NHR independent rating for the new build industry for 2018 is Gold, the same level as for 2017. This means that the average customer satisfaction score for the survey was between 61% and 70%.
