Nine in 10 families find defects in new-build properties

NINE in ten families moving into new-build homes discover their properties have defects, an investigation has revealed.

Of those who found problems, a quarter said the issues were not fixed quickly enough.

The findings come amid growing anger at housebuilders over the quality of new homes, at a time when ministers are urging them to increase their output.

The Mail revealed last month that homebuyers across the country have faced a litany of problems with their properties, including a toilet that flushed boiling water, gardens that were ‘like mud pits’ and blocks of flats that were at risk of partially collapsing in strong winds.

MPs are set to discuss the issue in Parliament next month in a debate organised by Labour MP Kate Green, who said: ‘It’s utterly outrageous that families who’ve

‘It’s utterly outrageous’

worked hard and saved up to buy their first homes are being let down so frequently by the big housebuilding companies.’

The investigation into poorly built homes is due to be broadcast tomorrow by BBC Radio 5 Live. One family featured in the programme discovered more than 350 problems with their £ 325,000 house, from wonky kitchen tiles to walls that were not level.

Craig Wakeman, 51, who moved into the three-bedroom Bovis property in Worcester with his partner and two daughters in October last year, said: ‘The whole experience has been a nightmare. We kept finding more and more issues.’

Bovis Homes apologised for the family’s ‘disappointing customer journey’, adding: ‘We are committed to getting this right… as remedial work progresses.’