Couple’s dream new build £265k home turns into ‘nightmare’ after finding 150 faults in two years including mould, wonky sinks, blocked drains and uneven walls
- Amy Fenn, 24, and George Watts-Sturrock, 32, used the Help to Buy scheme
- They claim they have had a series of problems such as black mould and damp
- Couple say they are ‘trapped’ due to costs of breaking mortgage agreement
A couple’s dream home has ‘become a nightmare’ as they claim they have found 150 problems in two years such as black mould, damp, unfinished stairs and wonky fittings.
Amy Fenn, 24, and fiancee George Watts-Sturrock, 32, bought the house in Hockering, Norfolk, under the Government Help to Buy scheme.
But they claim there has been a series of problems including two floods as well as bad building work.
The first flood happened in October 2019 when a toilet pipe burst and the couple were forced to live in temporary accommodation for eight weeks.
Speaking to The Mirror, George said: ‘We were so excited to get our first home but it’s been a nightmare.’
Amy Fenn, 24, and fiancee George Watts-Sturrock, 32, bought the house in Hockering, Norfolk, under the Government Help to Buy scheme
They reported 150 faults with the house including damp, mould, wonky fittings and even two floods
Under Help to Buy rules, the couple cannot sell without repaying 20 per cent of the equity loan
A building expert compiled a list of issues for the couple, the first of which happened within days of getting the keys in 2018.
Amy added: ‘We took pictures of mould within the first week.’
The house has a 10-year warranty backed by the National House Building Council.
Under Help to Buy rules, the couple cannot sell without repaying 20 per cent of the equity loan.
They could also face a £7,000 fine for breaking the terms of their five-year fixed mortgage.
George said the scheme has meant they are unable to sell because of the potential costs.
‘We’re trapped here for the time being,’ he added.
Hopkins & Moore is a trading name of Suffolk housebuilder Hopkins Homes .
The couple claim they are ‘stuck’ in the house for the time being as they cannot afford the added cost of moving out
Managing director, Lee Barnard, said: ‘We are always disappointed when a customer is not satisfied.
‘As part of our rigorous processes, all snagging items, which can feature in any new home, were satisfactorily completed and approved by the customer in January 2019.
‘Many items did not, however, require attention as they related to work completed by the customer, met required standards, or were not covered by our or NHBC’s warranty.
‘All heating systems in our homes are of a high quality, but as with all systems they need to be regularly maintained and serviced.
‘While the recent pressure vessel incident took place outside of the two-year warranty period, we remain keen to support the couple in any way we can.’
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