New consumer code will increase protection for new home buyers, says FMB.
The new Consumer Code for New Homes (CCNH) will provide genuine protection for individuals and families who purchase new build properties, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
According to its website the CCNH has been approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and establishes mandatory requirements that apply to all developers registered with it. Its aim is to ensure that best practice is followed in respect of the marketing, selling and purchasing of New Homes. It also sets high expected standards for after sales customer care service.
Commenting on the CCNH, which the FMB’s insurance arm has just joined, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “For the vast majority of people, buying a home will be the single biggest financial expense of their life. Consumers are therefore entitled to expect only the highest standard of customer care at every stage of the purchase, and builders have a duty to meet those standards. By joining the CCNH the FMB is making clear that its members will fulfil their obligations on transparency and building excellence. At a time when there’s immense pressure on house builders to increase their delivery of new homes, it’s imperative that the drive to increase numbers does not lead to a reduction in quality.”
Berry continued: “For small local house builders, quality is their unique selling point. Smaller developers deliver lower volumes of properties, which means their focus is overwhelmingly on maintaining a reputation for delivering homes built to the highest standard. It’s a reflection of that emphasis on quality, as well as the rigorous inspection processes that Master Builders undergo, that the FMB has been able to join the CCNH. It will give consumers extra reassurance that, if buying a home from one of our members, they will be fully protected from pre-purchase to several years after they have moved in.”
Image: Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB
