Property News · July 3, 2018

UK housing means high rents and low standards | Letters


Still no rent control proposals, notes Henry C Pryor, while Bruce Tolfield writes of a low quality culture in the construction industry, Tony Perkins makes the argument for ‘micro-living’ for millennials, and Jim Wood has little sympathy for angry landlordsThe Home Builders Federation supported by the NHBC (the warranty providers) reported that 98% of the first owners of new houses discover defects on moving in (MPs call for ombudsman to resolve new build problems, 30 June). Bearing in mind how many housebuilders maintained the blacklist of skilled men deprived of a living because they put professional finish ahead of speed and profit, it is perhaps not surprising that the houses they deliver are of such a low quality.What is surprising in a market economy is that these companies can continue to trade shoddy goods and make huge profits while failing on a regular basis to build the houses that are so badly needed. But maybe things are about to change when Dominic Raab, the housing minister, says the “vice-like grip” of the big developers must be broken, because if you buy a home direct from a developer, there is no redress if defects are discovered. Better late than never, a single housing ombudsman is to be considered. Continue reading…

Source : theguardian.com
Read more…UK housing means high rents and low standards | Letters

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