Barratt Homes Complaint

richard2511

We are fully aware the CEO has probably not heard of our development, nor our complaint.

All we can do is press as hard as we can and see what happens.

richard2511

robatwork wrote: »

You have to remember something else about Barratts or 99% of new houses.

They are built to a strict (and incredibly dull) formula. It's like Ikea furniture, there are only a few designs.

If you miss out on your dream home, there will definitely be another one exactly like it popping up somewhere close by.

The problem we have is it took us a couple of months to find something that ticked all the boxes. This one did tick all the boxes, and although they may have another house coming on the market in the next 12 months of the same style. This will be higher priced and at the end of the day, by the same developer.

I wouldn't ever want to go through this process again with Barratt Homes. David Wilson are the other developer on the park that we are looking at, but they are much higher priced and they are owned by the same company.

richard2511

So we now have a regional director looking in to our complaint on behalf of the CEO and chairman of the board. It can take up to 10 working days for a response to our complaint, but it does look like they are taking it seriously, following the paper work and proof that we sent through.

Fingers crossed they provide their findings at a face to face meeting.

richard2511

Just for those that are interested in Barratt Homes and their customer service. Below is a response we have received from the Regional Director (on behalf of the CEO may I add)

"Dear Mr and Mrs

I am writing further to your recent email.

I have discussed your situation with David Thomas (Chief Executive) and he has asked me to reply on his behalf as well.

Unfortunately we seem to have different understandings of what may have happened during the process of your reservation. However, the fact remains that you were not in a position to exchange contracts with us, despite the deadline date for this being extended. I do not believe it is going to be helpful to explore item by item what your solicitors did or didn’t do versus our understanding, and I am afraid I do not believe that there is anything to be gained from a face to face meeting.

I am sorry you are disappointed that you were unable to purchase the home you desired, however, from our point, as this has now been escalated to the most senior level within Barratt, we now consider this matter to be closed."

I have never experienced customer service like this in my life. To think that they can do this to customers and then not thoroughly investigate, not only the points that we were making, but the proof we had provided them, is beyond belief. Words cannot describe how angry we feel right now!

TrickyTree83

I'm very sorry for you.

I sincerely wish you can get some redress or at least recoup some of the money you spent on this reservation.

It is criminal that they can take your money like this. In my opinion the money should go into some sort of escrow account, promised to the company on a successful sale. If the company pulls out of the sale they forfeit that money and it comes back to the consumer.

solidpro

At worst you can give yourself a nice smile that this week you feel down by about 1500 pounds whereas Barratt homes are down about 250,000,000 pounds.

Maybe that's why 10k seems worth the awful behaviour.

DawnR123

My son viewed a Lagan Homes housing site also in Corby and agreed to buy one the day they went to sign for it they had a phone call saying sorry the price has gone up 10 grand! These building firms are getting away with blue murder. In Scotland they are not allowed to do stuff like that so why aren't our government putting laws in place to stop them ripping people off?

richard2511

It is crazy Dawn.

We incurred all sorts of costs, legal, early exit fee on mortgage to comply with their 28 day exchange deadline etc

We now find ourselves living with parents until we can find somewhere we wish to buy. Unfortunately, we know it is a David vs Goliath situation, however we will be making as much noise as we can.

stueyhants

There is every possibility that the same type of house will be cheaper in 6 months due to the current climate. I'd be happier in your position than someone who has just bought at what maybe the top of the market.

solidpro

There is every possibility that the same type of house will be cheaper in 6 months due to the current climate. I'd be happier in your position than someone who has just bought at what maybe the top of the market.

I'd go with that. Cash is king. If you can afford to sit it out, prices are forecast to be the same in 2 years, so stands to reason you're unlikely to be worse off inbetween and more likely better.