Claire Young's House Buyers' Survey

Join Claire Young's fight to get a fairer deal for buyers of new homes.

Wherever you live, you want to feel secure and happy in your home.

If you are a homeowner, it will probably be the biggest purchase you make.

It is alarming, therefore, that Claire is finding a shocking level of sub-standard work in some new homes. This could mean anything from a complete lack of insulation to crumbling render.

Investigations by the Liberal Democrats show that this is a problem across the whole country.

Claire is also hearing from homeowners about the charges many have to pay to private companies for drainage and so-called ‘fleecehold’ arrangements. These can result in house buyers being permanently liable for maintenance charges which can rise well above inflation.

A major problem is that the government has weakened the enforcement of building regulations, allowing negligent builders to get away with poor workmanship. Some house buyers say that the NHBC has been unable to help.

Claire says, “I feel desperately sorry for people who have bought a new home, faced with rising mortgage costs, who then have to find large sums of money to correct faults which are the builder’s responsibility. Many more are stuck with charges for services which should already be covered by local taxes or water rates.

“If I am elected to parliament this year, I will join Liberal Democrat MPs who are already campaigning to toughen up the enforcement of regulations. This must include restoring building control to local authorities and putting an end to unfair estate charges.

“Just like the water companies, it’s yet another example of the Conservatives allowing powerful interests to profit at the expense of the public.”

If you have bought a newly built home in the last few years and have encountered any of these problems, you can help Claire’s campaign.

Please use the button on this page to complete our short survey.