Buying off plan may be a disaster!

Vicky4747

Two months ago I exchanged contracts on a 2-bed semi on a small development due for completion by 31 August. I bought it from the details in the pre-brochure proof. The development is being run by local men with reasonably good reputations.

Yesterday I received the final brochure and noted that in every property the rooms sizes had been scaled down. In total I have lost 4.2 square metres. or the equivalent of small bedroom! My kitchen has shrunk from 11'9" x 6'2" to 11'4" x 5'5" which is not big enough to get all the appliances in and any worktop/ cupboard space. I phoned the Estate Agent who is running the show and apparently there is a big meeting on Tuesday about this.

What worries me is that there was a clause saying " room sizes are approximate and plans may be amended.....etc" so the developers have got a get out clause. I have spoken to my solicitor who is not sure there is anything I can do. I did rush into it because there are no small houses in my area and I've just got divorced and wanted to stay here. And I was right inasmuch that all the small houses and apartments are sold but we are all in the same boat.

We are either being ripped off or someone has made a huge miscalculation. It seems as if they took external measurements. I am really upset about this.

Vicky

clutton_2

ask for another legal opinion if your own solicitor is not sure. there was a legal precedent set in Scotland last year when a developer was taken to court and found guilty of making too many alterations to the original specification.

itsakidsworld

Hi,

I am sorry to hear about what has happened to you and I have to tell you that this is a very common situation.

The fact that they put room sizes are approximate is a big "get out" clause which stinks. They are well aware of what they will be building and will have included something extra in the new plans which reduces the sizes. They may have added more properties or they may have added car parking spaces for example.

Look at the original plans in great detail and then look at the revised plans. See if there is anything different about them. This should give you a clue. Even call into the council and ask what amendments have been made. If nothing appears different and you follow this up by finding out that the plans were exact, then you may have a case. Why? Because it would show that the original sizes were not possible and so what you were sold was impossible to construct so you were mis-sold this property. If this is the case, ask the developer and the agent why they showed these sizes in the first place?

It is a long shot but worth a try. The trouble with todays market is that developers have become very arrogant. The worm is turning though and see how they act then!! I have seen this all before.

The very best of luck in whatever you choose and no matter what happens, don't let it spoil your life.

vansboy

Hi Vicky, not sure what area you are, but our local radio consumer prog, https://www.BBC.co.uk/threecounties (Beds/Herts/Bucks) had a similar thing, with a reduced size bathroom, a on a house a listener had bought. He HAD seen the showhouse, which, I guess you haven't.

Not positive of the outcome, but I think the builders did do something to recompense.

It doesn't matter if your not local to us, the presenter, Stephen Rhodes, runs the programme FAIRLY, to both parties & it does quite often , get results.

08459455555 weekdays 10am - 1pm, you need to call, or mail him from the link above.

It won't cost anything more than a fone call & gets some proper, practical advice.

VB

Vicky4747

Thanks, I am going to wait to see the outcome of the meeting on Tuesday then if that is not satisfactory I will go to the Council offices and ask to see the plans ( I assume I can do that). I'll also bear in mind the radio programme but I live in Cornwall. Maybe I'm being naive but I live in a close-knit community, and the developers are three well-known local men who I am certain would not like to get a bad reputation. Two in particular do alot of work in the village and all their families live here, etc. and they are selling to local people. However money is money...

I did not see detailed plans of each property - just a site plan, floor plans and room dimensions.

I'll keep you posted.

Vicky

Vicky4747

There is nothing different in the floor plans at all - it's all exactly the same it's just that every room in every property has been scaled down by the same amount. I can't even get the washing machine in the kitchen now and would have to have a slim-line dishwasher. What can you do with 5' 5" in a kitchen. These are supposed to be superior houses on a select development!!
Sorry - I'm ranting.
Vicky

do_it_today!

Sorry Vicky4747 but thanks for sharing your experience with us - I take it the kitchen wont be fitted? could you negotiate that give some compensation towards you getting specially made kitchen units to be fitted? as you wont be able to use standard size? or even better that they fit/modify whats their instead? seeing as they expect you to pay the same amount for less space? just a thought

furndire

Didn't the room sizes have to be on the plans passed by the council?

Vicky4747

I am hoping the room sizes are on the plans that were put forward to Council but I don't know, that's why I will go and see on Tuesday. Rergarding kitchen - the price includes kitchen units, cooker, oven hob and plumbing for WM and DW, space for FF (only there isn't space!). At the moment where my house is due to be built is a patch of mud. Goodness how small the garden will be. I feel so stupid for rushing into it but if I hadn't bought this I would have had to move from this village and I couldn't bear that.

ANother question - the completion date given by the developer is 31 August at the latest. If it's not ready can I claim compensation?

I'm not the only one who may have to live with a miniscule kitchen - three other people have also exchanged contracts and their properties have been scaled down.

Vicky

clutton_2

you need to get togehter with the other purchasers, there is strength in numbers.

Vicky4747

I had thought of that buit don;t know how I can find out who they are. The Estate Agent won't tell me, and neither will the developers.
Vicky