Anyone who’s been through the process of buying a home knows how stressful it can be – from tangled contracts and last-minute gazumping to poor workmanship and disappearing aftercare. For new-build buyers, in particular, the dream of owning a brand-new home can quickly turn into a frustrating and costly experience.
For years, there was no real voice representing homebuyers – especially those facing problems after purchasing a newly built property. That changed when Paula Higgins, former government advisor and now CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance, stepped in to advocate for the everyday homeowner.
Shining a Light on New-Build Quality Issues
The HomeOwners Alliance was founded on a simple truth: in the rush to meet housing demand, quality is often sacrificed for quantity. Despite the widespread belief that new builds should offer hassle-free homeownership, many buyers approach the Alliance not with praise, but with complaints.
While many new homeowners are satisfied, the Alliance’s experience reveals a deeper trend – buying a new build is no guarantee of quality.
From unresolved snags to inadequate materials and poor aftercare, too many homeowners are left chasing developers for support they should never have had to request. In fact, Paula Higgins notes that consumer protection when buying a new home is often weaker than it is when buying a kettle or toaster – a reality that surprises and angers many.
The Root Causes: Pressure, Profit, and a Skills Shortage
There are several factors contributing to these persistent problems:
- A national skills shortage means qualified tradespeople are stretched thin
- Developers under pressure to meet targets often cut corners
- Cheap materials and rushed timelines can undermine long-term build quality
All of this leaves homebuyers vulnerable, with contracts that are difficult to challenge and houses that can’t simply be “returned” when problems arise.
A Call for Better Buyer Protection for New Homes
The HomeOwners Alliance continues to campaign for systemic change, including:
- The creation of a Housing Ombudsman with real powers
- A genuine cross-party housing strategy that prioritises quality as well as quantity
- Stronger consumer rights for homeowners, particularly when it comes to new builds
With millions of homes still needed across the UK, protecting the people who live in them should be just as important as building them and sustainably refurbishing the 27 million in existing homes. At The Retrofit Academy, we’re working to address this through targeted training and industry partnerships. Learn how we’re helping meet the demand for quality housing.
Learn More and Get Involved
To find out more about the work of the HomeOwners Alliance, visit www.hoa.org.uk – a vital resource for anyone navigating the UK housing market.
