Spanish developers improve quality and completion times
From "FOH News" on 11 November 2008
Its research found that properties delivered on time or within three months of the agreed contract date increased from 10% to 17%, those delivered more than one year later than the contract date decreased from 37% to 22%, while properties delivered between six months and one year later than the contract date increased from 53% to 61%.
There was a reduction in the average number of defects found in each property, with around 55 snagging defects per unit. The most common defect reported by purchasers (39%) was non-textured walls and ceilings and the average time for developers to repair 90% of the snagging defects was 51 days.
In addition, 83% of the 700 properties examined had a Certificate of Habitation issued at time of completion, compared to 11% in last year’s survey, and more than 100 buyers exercised their legal right by refusing to complete until the certificate had been issued.
Roy Howitt, managing director of InspectaHomeSpain, said: "Without a Certificate of Habitation a property cannot receive gas, water or electricity services and it’s almost impossible for buyers to secure mortgages or make insurance claims. People were virtually ignorant of this until it became well documented in the press. Buyers in Spain are a lot more clued up now, which explains the dramatic rise in figures. Also, a Certificate cannot be issued until construction is complete, so shorter delivery times mean the local authorities can process them faster for more people."
He added: "The survey highlights that there’s been an increase in the quality of product on offer in Spain and buyers are getting savvier, however communications and customer service still need to be improved."
The survey, carried out between April 2007 and December 2008, was based on results collected by 51 developers including Polaris World, Calidona, Taray, Peraleja Golf, United Golf Resort La Tercia, Hacienda del Alamo, Quara, Technologica, MASA, Urbanasa, KayMare, Azul, Meriban, San Jose, Alfa Noray and San Antonio.
