A new Consumer Code for Home Builders to be introduced next month should apply to the purchase of secondhand as well as new-build homes, estate agent movewithus has urged.
The code, which will be enforced from 1 April, sets mandatory requirements for developers in their marketing and selling of new homes and after-sales customer service. However, it does not cover secondhand properties, such as homes taken in part-exchange and resold.
David Perrin, sales and marketing director at movewithus, said: “Developers that appreciate the importance of this part of the equation are likely to see higher conversion rates and a more satisfied customer, which is why we are urging all developers to include secondhand properties within their code of conduct.”
The code, backed by organisations including the Homes Builders Federation and the National House-Building Council, is intended as an industry-led response to a number of government-backed reviews of the sector, and a recent Office of Fair Trading study of the housebuilding industry.
The code, which has 19 requirements and principles covering the home-buying process, aims to ensure that buyers are treated fairly, know what service levels to expect and are provided with reliable information.
It also introduces an independent dispute resolution service for homebuyers who claim they have lost money.
Rod MacEachrane, interim chairman of the consumer code management board, said: “The new code will underpin and reinforce best practice measures to ensure that the level of information and customer service provided by all builders is consistently high.
“It builds on successful efforts already made by the industry in improving consumer satisfaction in recent years and is an extremely positive step.”
For more information, visit: consumercodeforhomebuilders.com.
