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Housebuyers have been taken
for a ride for too long
30/09/2005 The Star
IT IS long overdue for developers to follow the “build-then-sell” concept.
For too long, housebuyers have been cheated and taken for a ride.
The following are some observations:
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WHEN housebuyers fail to make
progressive payments on time, developers impose interest, but when
developers deliver the house late, they either refuse to pay the penalty
as stipulated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement or offer to pay less than
50% of the penalty.
They bluntly tell you to take it or leave it. They know you will have to
pay legal fees if you engage a lawyer;
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BEFORE signing the S&P,
developers promise high-quality finishings. But after the S&P has been
signed, they cut corners and deliver low-quality finishings and inferior
workmanship because all the houses have been sold; and
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THE warranty period should be
increased to 10 years instead of the current period of less than two
years. Brick houses or apartments are supposed to last a lifetime. Some
developers reduce the cement content and foundation work, causing drainage
and flooring areas to crack, and roofs and pipes start to leak soon after
the warranty period is over.
At present, there are a few developers who have followed the build-then-sell
concept. Take a look at the quality of their projects. They are good, if not
excellent, with a lot of “extras” thrown in.
If they can do it, why can’t others? They know very well if quality is poor
there will be no buyers. If small-scale developers cannot afford to build
then sell, then they should not be in the housing business in the first
place.
NORMAN FRIS,
Penang.
(via e-mail)
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