The government has committed to providing homeowners with more rights and protections following a housebuilding study carried out by the Competition and Market’s Authority (CMA).
The changes include bringing forward a new consumer code for housebuilders and a New Homes Ombudsman service that will empower homeowners to rightly challenge developers for any quality issues they face in their property.
Earlier this year the CMA made 11 recommendations highlighting ongoing issues in the housebuilding market.
In response a government statement says:
• We have accepted the recommendations to bring forward a new consumer code for housebuilders and a New Homes Ombudsman service which will empower homeowners to rightly challenge developers for any quality issues they face in their home.
• Other recommendations accepted in principle include greater protections for households living under private management arrangements. This would see homeowners receiving more information about what they are paying for as well as allowing them to challenge unfair costs at a tribunal.
• We will implement measures to improve transparency as part of the Leasehold and Freehold Act 2024 and will also consult on further options to make sure estate managers can be properly challenged for the money they spend.
• This government is also committing to provide robust guidance for residents’ management companies, so they have the support to effectively manage amenities on their housing estates, such as drainages and open spaces. This can include appointing a managing agent to oversee services.
• Several of the other recommendations will require further work and consultation to ensure the best policy solutions can be identified and enacted. This includes consulting on the best way to address the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private estates.
The CMA also proposed 11 additional options that include wider planning reforms. Many of these options are already being considered as part of the revised National Planning Policy Framework, which will see mandatory housing targets for councils and low quality ‘grey belt’ released.
This is on top of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to modernise the planning system, increase housebuilding and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
We shall keep clients informed of developments.
Please contact us if you would like advice about the legal aspects of buying or selling a home.
