Homebuyers faced with shoddy building work in their new homes will be protected by a new independent ombudsman, the government has announced this week. (24/2/20).

The New Homes Ombudsman has been set up after a 3-month consultation process last year. The ombudsman will protect homebuyers from rogue developers and, under new rules, rogue builders will have to pay compensation for shoddy work.

The ombudsman will be independent and enforced in law as soon as possible, and housebuilders must join the ombudsman so all homebuyers will be able to access swift action to resolve issues quickly. Builders must also put quality first to sell homes under the government’s new Help to Buy scheme

Robert Jenrick, housing secretary, said: “It’s completely unacceptable that so many people struggle to get answers when they find issues with their dream new home. That’s why the ombudsman will stop rogue developers getting away with shoddy building work and raise the game of housebuilders across the sector.  

“Homebuyers will be able to access help when they need it, so disputes can be resolved faster and people can get the compensation they deserve. Currently, homebuyers who purchase new builds have no independent way of challenging developers’ service or poor workmanship.

“Today’s news will give people buying a new home the confidence they need that when they get the keys to their home, they are getting the quality they expect.”