Tayside's leading legal firm has welcomed a new consumer code for house builders which aims to protect homebuyers purchasing newly-built properties.
Partner Graham Wilson in the commercial property team at Thorntons Solicitors has welcomed The Consumer Code for Housebuilders – which comes into effect on 1 April 2010 – as it will not only "set clear guidelines and requirements for developers, but it will also instil a sense of confidence in those who may have been previously apprehensive about purchasing a new build property."
All house builders registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC) or other participating home warranty providers will be required to comply with the code which applies to homebuyers who reserve a new or newly converted home for purchase.
Graham said: "The code should benefit home buyers who reserve or purchase a new house from a house builder who offers a home warranty.
"All registered house builders must now have systems and procedures in place to ensure compliance with the code in accurately marketing and selling new homes and providing after sales customer care.
"The new code details pre-purchase information which must be given to homebuyers, terms which must be included in reservations and terms which must also be included in the sale contract."
As well as audits and reviews of customer feedback and complaints, mystery shopping surveys are also part of the plan in order to monitor the success of the code's application.
The Code and guidance for house builders can be downloaded from the Consumer Code website at www.consumercodeforhomebuilders.com
Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Thorntons Solicitors.
Contact: Kimberley Hamilton, Tel 01698 787878