NAEA response to ODPM on Housing Bill

“We are pleased that the government accepts that there are still many issues to be resolved. Final details will not however be published until after royal assent. We are concerned that this push for legislation is rather like ‘bill and design’ rather than ‘design and bill’, which surely should be the approach.

“The ODPM has not addressed our concerns over the instant marketing of properties, which in effect means the inability to even tell someone that a property is available until the home information pack is produced. The government has not as yet delivered a common sense and workable solution to this. Most sellers are not aware that if this bill becomes law they will have to stump up at least £600 just to put their home on the market.

“The government has clearly accepted that there is a concern as to whether sufficient home inspectors will be available to the extent that they have stated that Home Condition Reports will not be introduced until they are satisfied enough inspectors will be available.

“We note the government has accepted our concerns that pilot studies are of very limited use and provide insufficient results.

“Whilst there are many outstanding issues yet to be resolved the NAEA is pleased that the government appears to be listening to the concerns of the industry and we will continue to fight for a workable solution to improving the buying and selling process.”