New-build homes ''have problems with central heating''

27/06/2008

Research has suggested buyers of new-build homes have problems with their central heating or hot water system.

The study by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) found that 25 per cent of people moving into a new house found problems with the central heating or hot water, while the same number reported damage or faulty kitchen appliances or units.

Similar amounts of people (24 per cent) also experienced difficulties with taps or showers, with some saying these features were not present in the house at all.

The most common problem for new builds, however, was with the decoration (29 per cent), while 27 per cent had issues with the glazing or windows.

When asked about the most serious problem, central heating and hot water came out tops, with 20 per cent choosing this option.

Heather Clayton, senior director of infrastructure at the OFT, said the findings were "an important part of the picture on the market for new homes in the UK".

She also said the organisation would now look "whether there is room for improvement in homebuyer satisfaction levels".