Noel Hunter OBE joins Conveyancing Matters to discuss the latest Code updates for conveyancers and solicitors
News
Code chair, Noel Hunter OBE, was invited to join solicitor and property specialist, Lorraine Richardson, for the latest episode of Conveyancing Matters to discuss the updates for conveyancers on codes of practice in the new homes market.
The wide-ranging discussion covered several points, tackling some of the misperceptions and complexities affecting new homes sales. Key topics included:
- Confusion over codes and ombudsman services: Noel explained that approved new homes codes offer very similar protection and dispute resolution. The Consumer Code for Home Builders (the Code), for example, is aligned with the Consumer Code for New Homes and the New Homes Quality Code. The New Homes Ombudsman is one of several alternative dispute resolution (ADR) schemes – the Code’s Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme operates in a similar way, albeit our scheme has the additional ability to apply sanctions against non-compliant builders. Consumers receive the same or very similar protection, whichever approved code applies.
- Multiple codes: Provided codes are aligned – which they are in the new homes market – having multiple schemes and alternative dispute resolution services can benefit consumers and builders. The risk of complaint backlogs experienced in other sectors with only one ADR scheme is vastly reduced, and builders can opt for the right scheme for them based on the level of support they may need with compliance. Overall, the requirements builders must meet and the support offered to consumers are broadly the same.
- Home warranty insurance: Although most new builds will come with home warranty insurance, what the policies cover and how they work differs. Noel highlighted the need for consistent high quality policies both to protect consumers and enable conveyancers to give confident advice.
- Seamless support: Noel also highlighted the need for government to prioritise a single point of access for consumers needing property support across new and second-hand homes.
Noel also explained how codes of practice can support conveyancers and their clients during the buying and selling process and encouraged solicitors and conveyancers to make use of the free resources and training available on the Consumer Code for Home Builders’ website.
Listen to the interview in full on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7gIl8Sx5N4
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