10 December 2020

New home buyers given extra time to report defects

| Karyn Starmer
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The Parade

The Parade in Campbell is one of the JWLand projects to benefit from the warranty change. Image: Supplied.

A Canberra developer has announced a significant change to the traditional 90-day defects period for off-the-plan purchases. All buyers of JWLand-built properties will now have a 12-month build warranty where they can notify the builder of imperfections, perceived defects and other issues for a full year from the date they receive the keys to their property.

The original 90-day defect period is a legislated post-settlement consumer warranty but given recent scepticism by some consumers towards purchasing off the plan, JWLand national head of development Michael Prendergast said the Canberra-based company implemented the policy to provide buyers with assurance.

“We want to provide buyers with peace of mind when they purchase our properties,” Mr Prendergast said. “This warranty is a symbol of both our integrity and service standard that sets us apart.”

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Starting in 2014, JWLand is a more recent entrant into the ACT property market with a mission to raise the bar and create exceptional developments in Canberra and Melbourne. The company says they are committed to creating and delivering precincts where residents feel like they are a part of a community. These precincts include Campbell5, Founders Lane and Embark.

“JWLand stands behind the quality of its homes and we are committed to ensuring its owners and potential buyers have the same confidence. Quality assurance and customer care are the most important elements of JWLand’s ongoing success. We believe our responsibility to our customers continues long after the sales contract has been signed,” Mr Prendergast said.

“We have found that some buyers feel considerable stress when given just 90 days to identify any issues. They can find the whole process overwhelming and burdening. We hope that by giving people a full year some of the pressure can be eased.”

Michael Prendergast

JWLand national head of development Michael Prendergast. Photo: Supplied.

The JWLand Promise will be available to buyers who have purchased in The Parade at Campbell 5, Dawn and SOL at Founders Lane, plus all future projects released to the market.

“Because of our commitment to quality and service, our company has enjoyed an extraordinary level of customer loyalty with approximately 30 per cent of sales from repeat purchasers,” Mr Prendergast said.

“We see this guarantee as another way of looking after people who have trusted us.”

Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins has welcomed the initiative.

“The JWLand Promise will provide Canberrans looking to buy an off-the-plan property with confidence that should any defects occur following the completion of their build, they will have the support to have these rectified for a whole year.

“This innovative program, led by a Master Builders Member, is a great commitment to improving building quality and providing home buyers with a better buying experience.”

The Parade interior

Buyers can notify issues for a full year from the date they receive the keys to their property. Image: Supplied.

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ChrisinTurner4:58 pm 10 Dec 20

This is a good idea because there may not be any rain in the 90 days. How would you know if the place leaks without at least 12 months.

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