New Homes - Property Information Questionnaire

Sunday, 15 March 2009

From the 1st April 2009 all homes including new build will require a Property Information Questionnaire. This new build homes questionnaire is slightly different and only has 12 questions. One thing of concern is the following clause The Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 does not apply where the form has been completed solely by the seller. and this disclaimer The information contained in this document should have been completed truthfully and accurately by the seller. However, the information does not replace official documents or legal information, you should confirm any information with your conveyancer. Given these two statements the document is of little value in my opinion. In the future I would expect the questionnaire to state whether the builder has signed up the the housebuilding industry Code of Practice which is currently under development and whether the property will have a snagging list created by an independent new build inspections company. For those who are interested the new homes PIQ contains 12 these questions: Has the property received building regulation approval? Has the property received a building regulation completion certificate? Is the property sold with a warranty? What parking arrangements exist or are planned for the property? Has there been any damage to the property as a result of storm or fire since you have owned it? Are you aware of any flooding at the property since you have owned it or before? Has there been or is there any preventative work planned for dry rot, wet rot or damp in the property? Is there or will there be central heating in the property? Please indicate which services are or will be connected to the property Is there a right of access through any neighbouring homes, buildings or land? Does any other person have a right of access through the property? There is an additional section for leasehold property.