News article 18/06/2013

(Issued 18 June 2013)

A survey of new home buyers has found that home builders in Scotland are delivering record levels of customer satisfaction.

93% of customers were satisfied with the overall quality of their home and the same number were also willing to recommend their builder to a friend, according to the research undertaken by the National House Building Council (NHBC) with the results for Scottish homeowners analysed for industry body Homes for Scotland.

As Homes for Scotland Chief Executive Philip Hogg points out, the figures represent a further reason to buy a new build home:

“Despite continuing economic challenges, the one certainty for those looking to move on to or up the housing ladder is that new build homes offer the widest range of choice and purchase solutions – something the secondhand market simply cannot match

“With the MI New Home 95% mortgage scheme, part exchange and shared equity just some of the many options available to help support creditworthy buyers, whatever your individual circumstances, if you want or need to move, it IS possible.

“Taken together with the added benefits of a ten year guarantee and the protection of the Consumer Code for Home Builders, new home buyers can be confident they will be getting the best deal by far.

“Older homes can’t offer such peace of mind and there’s no one there to check how happy you are with your purchase!. In contrast, however, you can move straight into a new home, enjoy living in it right away without the bother of DIY ruining evenings and weekends and be sure help is at hand if you need it.”

Director of NHBC Scotland Malcolm MacLeod commented:

“These are very encouraging results, which underline the continued commitment of the Scottish house-building industry to producing high quality new homes and providing excellent service to consumers. Research has shown that occupiers have very positive views about new homes, compared to those consumers living in older stock. This is something the new homes industry can be truly proud of.”

Ends

1. Data collected via the National New Homes Survey operated by the National House Building Council with analysis based on valid response for builders with completions in the survey year 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012

2. Homes for Scotland (www.homesforscotland.com) represents companies which together provide 95% of all new homes built for sale as well as a significant proportion of affordable housing.

3. Buying a new home has many distinct advantages over buying second-hand:

• A wide range of valuable help including assistance with mortgages, deposits, moving costs, part-exchange and other incentives not available in the secondhand market

• Energy efficiency – built to the latest environmental standards, new homes are much cheaper to run and could save £500 on annual fuel bills

• A bright, fresh, untouched new home – no need to worry about maintenance, redecoration or renovation

• It costs an average of £22,000 to bring an old house up to the standard specification of a new home

• Less stress and shorter buying chain

• Fully-fitted, up-to-date kitchens and bathrooms, plus a choice of certain finishes and coverings, including tiling, flooring etc

• Peace of mind from a 10-year warranty

• Protection of the Consumer Code for Home Builders