Family buyers are being forced out of newly built properties plagued by serious defects, damp, and mould, intensifying pressure on the government to implement tougher quality controls across the housing sector.
Elissa and Johnnie, homeowners affected by the issues, argued that quality control during construction was inadequate. They called for “stringent legislation” to prevent builders from constructing substandard properties. Elissa revealed that a senior employee at Stonebridge Homes admitted the company faced “pressure” to increase output, which occasionally compromised build quality. When approached for comment regarding these allegations, Stonebridge Homes did not provide specific answers. Instead, the company stated that customer service remains a top priority and highlighted its transparent processes for raising concerns and seeking independent resolution.
According to ombudsman Cates, the primary struggle for homebuyers is not merely the physical defects themselves, but the manner in which developers handle complaints. “For most people, this is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make,” Cates told the BBC. “When something goes wrong, they need the developer to take them seriously, understand them, and put it right immediately.”
While new homes undergo inspections by local council building inspectors or registered building control approvers to ensure compliance with national regulations, and most developers provide 10-year warranties through insurance providers, experts argue these measures are insufficient. John Cooper, director of snagging company New Home Quality Control, warned that as housebuilding accelerates toward the government’s target of 1.5 million homes in England by 2029, the industry risks “setting itself up for a huge fail.” His inspectors frequently identify breaches related to insulation, brickwork, and carpentry, describing the pre-handover checks as inadequate.
During a recent session with the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, a panel of experts described parts of the building industry as akin to the “wild west,” urging the establishment of a more robust and uniform regulatory system. Cates, a panel member, criticized the current landscape for residents not covered by the New Homes Ombudsman Scheme (NHOS), citing a “patchwork of building codes” that fails to protect homeowners effectively. He emphasized the critical need for universal access to an ombudsman service and impartial investigations.
The Home Builders Federation, representing major developers, expressed support for a statutory ombudsman scheme to cover all new-build buyers. However, the organization also urged the government to reduce what it terms the “regulatory burden,” including additional taxes and policy costs, which it claims have rendered many potential sites and businesses unviable.
For some buyers, existing safety nets offer no relief. Jess and her partner Darryl discovered black mould in their home just 10 days after moving in, yet the NHOS could not assist them because it does not cover shared-ownership properties. Jess, a mother of three from Somerset, told BBC Your Voice that the couple had invested all their savings into the property. “We feel like we’re living in a nightmare,” she said.
This is absolutely horrifying. How can anyone be expected to sleep in a house covered in black mould, especially with young children?
If builders are under pressure to rush output, quality will always suffer. Where is the accountability for Stonebridge Homes?
Shared ownership shouldn’t exclude people from the ombudsman. That loophole is dangerous and leaves vulnerable families with no recourse.
Another 10-year warranty without real teeth? I’ll believe it when the government actually enforces stricter standards instead of just talking about it.