Consumer ratings for new-build developments to be published

The New Homes Review (NHR) website will host a client-facing survey which will ask customers for their input on the quality of the house and the experience they had leading up to the purchase.

After being collated and analysed, the results will be fed back to developers, builders and the new homes construction industry in the form of the annual NHR report. The first publication of the free report will be available in November 2017 on the NHR website.

Both the survey and report are in response to findings in the All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment (APPG for EBE) launched in July which called for an independent survey to ensure customers are receiving unbiased, first-hand information on the quality of new homes being built.

Any person who has purchased a new-build can undertake the survey and while customers cannot complete it anonymously, no personal details from customers will be sent to housing developers.

After the 12 months, the builders who are registered with Premier Guarantee and LABC Warranty will receive an annual rating of each property. Ratings range from diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze.

Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, said: “We welcome any initiative that gives buyers of new homes independent information to help them pick the developer that is right for them.

“Homebuyers should be able to choose their new home based on quality of build and the developer’s aftercare service rather than just on glossy brochures and discount offers.”