A Nightmare of New Build Homes
Alexandra Druzhinin and Daniel Bruce, residents of a luxury apartment complex in Agar Grove, Camden, north London, are experiencing an unsettling sensation of movement beneath their feet, as if they are on a ship in rough waters. However, this is far from the luxurious experience they expected when purchasing their new homes. The two apartments, which together cost almost £2 million, have now become a source of immense anxiety and financial burden due to a series of serious structural and construction defects.
The properties, marketed as high-end luxury flats, were targeted at affluent buyers who believed they were investing in their dream homes. Unfortunately, these homes are now considered worthless, as they are plagued with issues that make them both unmortgageable and uninsurable. For Ms. Druzhinin, 51, and Mr. Bruce, 41, the fear of potential collapse has turned their living spaces into places of constant worry.
“I am scared for my life,” said Ms. Druzhinin. “The building is crumbling beneath us, and I am terrified our homes could collapse at any time. I’m petrified because the building is timber-framed and isn’t insured. There are so many cracks, and every time there is a loud bang, it makes me jump.”
Despite moving into the block in March 2019, Ms. Druzhinin has never used the bath, fearing that the floor might give way under her weight. She avoids hosting more than a couple of friends at once, worried that too many people could cause a collapse. The lack of insurance has left the residents in a state of perpetual anxiety, especially concerning the possibility of fire or other disasters.
Mr. Bruce expressed similar concerns, stating that the building’s instability means they could lose everything in case of an emergency. “Where will we live if something happens? How much longer does this building have in its lifespan?” he asked. Both residents feel trapped, unable to move elsewhere due to the financial strain of their investments.
A Dream Turned into a Nightmare
For Ms. Druzhinin, the nightmare began shortly after she moved into her £900,000 three-bedroom leasehold apartment. Despite multiple viewings and a survey, she was unaware of the underlying problems. The initial signs of dampness led to further issues, including faulty wiring and water leaks that caused extensive damage.
Her electrician discovered significant electrical problems, and during a redecoration project, water gushed out of a socket. This led to the discovery of a severely damaged ceiling cavity filled with black mold. The freeholder and developer initially denied the existence of the problem, forcing Ms. Druzhinin to hire contractors to investigate further.
Mr. Bruce, who bought a nearby duplex apartment for £850,000, soon faced similar challenges. Constant leaks, mold, and poorly fitted fixtures became a daily struggle. Both residents found rotted joists in the timber-framed building, adding to their fears of potential collapse.
Structural engineers have warned that the best course of action is to demolish and rebuild the entire structure. However, the residents are determined to fight for justice despite the mounting legal costs, which have already reached £400,000 between them.
A System in Crisis
The situation has taken a toll on both individuals, affecting their mental and physical health. Ms. Druzhinin suffers from sleepless nights and chest pains, while Mr. Bruce has experienced hair loss and stress-induced conditions like psoriasis. Their lives have been disrupted, leaving them financially, emotionally, and personally trapped.
Mr. Bruce is particularly frustrated with the local MP, who is now the Prime Minister. He criticized the lack of action from the government, noting that previous promises of support have not materialized. “Politicians have failed us,” he said. “We need stronger protections for homebuyers, especially when it comes to new builds.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government acknowledged the severity of the situation and emphasized the need for improved safety and compensation measures for affected homeowners.
A Call for Change
Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance, highlighted the broader issue of poor quality in new build homes. “Buyers have more rights when buying a kettle than when purchasing a new home,” she said. “This situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the warranty system to protect homeowners.”
The Agar Grove case exemplifies the systemic failures in the new build housing sector. While the demand for more homes continues to grow, the current framework leaves buyers vulnerable to defects and long legal battles. As the government aims to build 1.5 million homes by the next election, it must also ensure that quality and consumer protection are prioritized.
For Ms. Druzhinin and Mr. Bruce, the fight is not just about their own homes but about setting a precedent for future buyers. They believe that the legal system should provide fair compensation and accountability, ensuring that no one is left in a position of financial and emotional distress due to poor construction practices.