Every year the Consumers’ Information Offices receive thousands of complaints about new housing – most of which relate to unexpected changes in the quality of materials and finishes in the final build. However, thanks to the new Quality Housing Law announced last week by the Junta de Andalucía, this type of complaint could end up in court with the law firmly on the buyer’s side.
The new regulations oblige builders and developers to adhere completely to the originally agreed plans as far as the layout and the quality of the new property are concerned, which should be clearly specified and agreed by the buyer before the first payment is made.
Pending approval by the Andalusian parliament, the new law imposes that any change to the plans or the quality of materials used for a new construction cannot be made without the prior consent of the buyer. So gone will be the days when marble floors turn out to be granite, or terracotta tiles become clay.
Developers are currently protected by a clause which allows them to change the layout of a property for technical reasons, which can be applied to most situations. The new law will oblige them to seek the buyer’s consent before any such change takes place.
Source: 123 Property News
