http://www.propertylogbook.co.uk/index.php en Copyright 2008 2008-06-09T22:07:00+00:00 http://www.propertylogbook.co.uk/index.php/site/news_article/http_wwwconsumercodeforhomebuilderscom/ http://www.propertylogbook.co.uk/index.php/site/news_article/http_wwwconsumercodeforhomebuilderscom/#When:21:07:00Z The consumer code for new home builders is now live, requiring all home builders to ensure that home buyers are treated fairly. What does this mean for home builders? The Consumer Code sets out requirements that all home builders must meet, which inlcudes: Ensure home buyers are treated fairly Home buyers know what levels of service to expect Are given more up to date and reliable information Can access a low cost dispute resolution service if they are dissatisfied Home builders must adopt the principles and good practice guidance of the Code, which could even be incorporated into your customer charter.  A home builder can always adopt a different approach to reflect your own customer service standards and aspirations but you must provide a similar level of information and achieve a comparable outcome.  For more information have a look at Consumer Code for House Builders What does this mean for home builders?  Very simply, home builders must provide more information to potential buyers and be clear as to what a potential buyer can expect in terms of information, the buying process, service levels and dispute remedies.  Home builders are being asked as an industry to compile and put together more information for buyers, which in the end should benefit home builders as buyers expectations can be better managed and more realistic.  The Code is also working towards ensuring there is greater clarity and transparency in the information and documentation provided to buyers.  In many respects the code is formalising the current good practices carried out by the majority of home builders and by default is creating a standard for the industry to adhere to. Whilst this will increase the time, effort and costs required by home builders to prepare information, it also arguably creates an opportunity for developers to streamline their sales processes.  By preparing all the information up front, this reduces the need to constantly package off information between solicitors, so should reduce legal time and effort costs.  The Code also discusses the return of deposits and reservation fees.  Many developers may incurr costs or even loose a sale if a buyer pulls out of the process and must return the deposit/reservation fee.  What is key is that the developer who decides to retain some of the fee must be able to justify these costs.  But does this also create an opportunity for the developer to push a greater deal of responsiblity onto the buyer to commit? The Code will primarily be administered by the main warranty providers - NHBC, Premier and LABC, and penalties for non-compliance may even lead to de-registeration. Property Log Book 2008-06-09T21:07:00+00:00 http://www.propertylogbook.co.uk/index.php/site/news_article/property_log_book_open_new_english_office/ http://www.propertylogbook.co.uk/index.php/site/news_article/property_log_book_open_new_english_office/#When:14:22:00Z Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, laid an order suspending Home Information Packs with immediate effect, pending primary legislation for a permanent abolition. Full abolition of HIPs will require repeal of Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004 and the Government is making this a priority for their new legislative programme. Eric Pickles, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has today laid the necessary Order in Parliament suspending HIPs with immediate effect as of 21 May 2010 in order to prevent further uncertainty in the housing market and threaten its fragile recovery. The Government is determined to help people reduce their energy bills, improve our energy security and tackle climate change by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes.  As a result, sellers will still be required to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), as early as possible and in any event by exchange of contracts.  However, sellers will only have to commission an EPC, rather than have one in place before they, or someone acting on their behalf, begins marketing the property.  At present, the written particulars must either contain details of the EPC rating or a copy of the EPC must be attached to the particulars. In future, where written particulars are produced before the EPC rating is known, the particulars will need to be updated once the EPC becomes available. The Government will be considering how the EPC can best play its part in the new drive for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy. For more information have a look at the NHBCs web site 2008-06-09T14:22:00+00:00