Homeowners need “greater protection” from poor quality housing amid the government’s plan to build 1.5mn new houses, the New Homes Ombudsman Service has warned.
This warning follows research from last year which found that 32 per cent of people described new build housing as “poor-quality” while 55 per cent said they felt older homes were of better quality than new build properties.
Just 21 per cent of those surveyed said they felt new homes were better quality.
The ombudsman detailed what greater protections could be offered, pointing out that, in 2022, the Building Safety Act made provisions to establish a New Homes Ombudsman Service that all housing developers would be required to join.
However, at present, this has not been implemented, meaning the Ombudsman is currently a voluntary service.
In its first annual report since being formed in October 2022, the Ombudsman reported that 90 of the largest developer groups in Great Britain have joined the service, accounting for 55 per cent of all new homes sold in England, Scotland and Wales.
A further 91 developer groups are taking the steps needed to do so which would bring coverage to 65-70 per cent of all homes sold.
However, the Ombudsman warned that most small and medium developers are not yet covered by its service.
New Homes Ombudsman Service chair, Jodi Berg OBE, said: “While we’ve made significant strides in our first year, it is crucial that all homeowners receive equal protection against poor-quality new housing.
“As the government implements its ambitious house building plans, ensuring all developers join the Ombudsman service is essential.
“Without this, too many people will be left without the help they need.”
As the government begins its plans to build 1.5mn new homes over the course of the next five years, the Ombudsman called for ministers to use powers they already have to make it a legal requirement for all new housing developers to join the scheme.
Importantly, the Ombudsman specified that pricing structures should be set to prevent undue hardship for small and medium sized builders.
tom.dunstan@ft.com
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