Using the Conservative Conference as a springboard to reveal their latest policy ideas, the government have announced new housing reforms that aim to support homebuyers, ensure that the country has the new housing stock it needs by meeting housing expectations and improving building safety.
Following recent unrest with new build leaseholds, it was viewed that a New Homes Ombudsman should be appointed to ensure that this sector of the market has a representative that can protect the homebuyers interests and hold developers to account.
The government report states: “We intend to legislate to require all new developers to belong to a new homes ombudsman.
“House buyers should be confident that when they purchase a new home, they get the quality of build and finish they expected.
“We will work with consumers and industry to develop our proposals and publish more details in due course.”
The ombudsman will ensure the quality of new homes is produced to a guaranteed minimum standard. They will also look at housing disputes between owner and developer.
Whilst implementation is being developed, calls have been made to ensure the housing market and new build developers are improving and creating clarity on redress arrangements.
Building developers and Parliamentary contracted developers have been under severe scrutiny following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. New legislation will ensure all buildings require a comprehensive building safety programme. This will include independent reviews on fire safety and building regulations.
Furthermore, announcements were made on the ban on combustible materials on external walls, that was under consultation, is now being made into law.
The law will ensure that all high-rise buildings above 18 metres including flats, hospitals, care homes and student accommodation must avoid using dangerous and potentially deadly cladding materials.
Following the disappointing announcement that the 300,000 homes target for 2017 only actualised 217,000 new properties, the government have considered new and creative ways of ensuring the population has enough housing stock.
One of the major reforms will involve opening up more brownfield land that will allow local authorities more flexibility to build accommodation. Additionally, local authorities will be given more powers to dispose of unused land that could accommodate additional housing stock.
New permitted development rights will also allow more homeowners to develop their homes upwards, increasing the size of their homes and improving the housing stock, especially for families.
As the housing crisis intensifies and housing stock is quickly depleting, it is hoped that these new policies will create the supply to meet demand moving forward.
Will these housing measures have a positive effect on the housing stock available? What will these measures mean for conveyancers in the future?
