To ask what I do next regarding our leasehold property

[lilymae123]

We bought a leasehold newbuild flat and exchanged on the last day of November.

When we viewed the property we noticed some snagging issues, such as a leak in the bathroom that caused damage to the draws. We presented these issues as part of going forward to exchange. Additionally we have 2 years for any snagging issues.

Since then, the construction company (owned by one man, he was the freeholder but has sold that without our knowledge to someone unknown) has carried out a few repairs but has still not fixed all of them, also since completion other issues have come to note such as an issue with the water in the bathroom and a leaking kitchen tap.

I have contacted this man on several occasions who continuously says he will send someone but never does. It has now been 4-5 months of no progress.

What are the next steps?

Solicitor

Surely it's your responsibility as you're the leaseholders? When we had a leasehold, any repairs within the boundaries of the property were covered by us.

You own the property, you fix the leaks and taps. I think you’re confused with renting.

You own the property, you fix the leaks and taps. I think you’re confused with renting

It's a new build. It shouldn't be leaking and having taps dripping etc within 5 months of purchase

Have you got any NHBC cover with it? They may be able to help/advise.

If it is a leasehold you need to look at the leasehold agreement as to who has responsibility for maintaining what. Unless it states that he has responsibility for it or you made it a condition of sale that certain items were fixed then it's your problem.

I have a leasehold flat, our dodgy plumbing is very much our problem.

The law on new builds is that you have two years for any issues out of the ordinary - for example, I wouldn't expect them to touch up paint issues but if the oven broke unexpectedly it should be covered.
There is 10 years on the building.

It was in the agreement that the snagging would be fixed - this has not been done.

So my question really is, do we have to go straight to a solicitor or is there a cheap route to try first?

That's not the law. It's the NHBC guarantee.

Did the property come with an NHBC guarantee?