Rather than just focusing on building 1.5 million new homes – the government needs to prioritise housing quality.
That’s the message from the non-profit New Homes Ombudsman, which regularly receives complaints about the quality of new builds.
Jodi Berg, chair of the New Homes Ombudsman Service, 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.”
Research from 2023 found that a third (32%) of people described new build housing as ‘poor-quality’ whilst 55% said they felt older homes were a better quality than newbuild properties.
Just 21% said they felt new homes were better quality.
The ombudsman has produced a ‘new homes quality code’, setting standards for new home builders to meet.
Call for compulsory membership
The New Homes Ombudsman asked for the government to make it so all housing developers are required to join.
In its first annual report since being formed in October 2022, the New Homes Ombudsman reports that 90 of the largest developer groups in Great Britain have joined the service accounting for just over half (55%) of all new homes sold in England, Scotland and Wales.
A further 91 are taking the steps needed to do so which would bring coverage to 65 – 70%.
However, the ombudsman warned that most small and medium developers are not yet covered by its service.
