A NEW survey is now available so homebuyers can compare the performance of the UK's largest builders.

The research, carried out among more than 10,000 owners of new homes, gives builders star ratings on such matters as quality and service. They get three stars if they are above average and one if they are below. The report was commissioned by the independent Housing Forum and supported by the Department of Trade and Industry.

David Crewe, Housing Forum executive director, said: "Although most people are satisfied with the quality and design of their new home, it is clear some builders have a way to go in delivering good after-sales service and a defect-free product." Armed with this survey, for the first time customers can quiz sales staff on different aspects of a company's performance, he added.

The survey can be downloaded from the Housing Forum website on www.thehousingforum.org.uk or a copy can be obtained by calling 020 7691 0220.

----------------------

ASHBOURNE Grange, in Maidstone, comprises 28 three and four-bedroom homes. Prices at the Charles Church development range from £226,000 to £264,500.

A typical property is three stories tall with an integral garage on the ground floor, an entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room and conservatory. The first has a spacious living room and en-suite bathroom. On the top floor there are three more bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The agent is Bradford & Bingley Land & New Homes (01892 515179).

-----------------------

KENT-BASED sales advisor Kim Catt recently put her best foot forward for charity.

Kim, who is based at Lyon’s Wharf in Tonbridge - Crest Nicholson’s collection of riverfront townhouses - ran three miles around Mote Park in Maidstone, raising £400 for Imperial Cancer Research.

She was sponsored by Crest Nicholson, as well various members of staff.

Kim said: “This is my second year of running and I did it for what I feel is an extremely worthwhile cause. I jogged and swam to train, as the circuit is very uneven, making it quite hard work, but I enjoyed it.”

---------------------

REGULATIONS are being developed by housebuilders to ensure that new homes are sound-proof.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the government has called upon the building society to come up with its own guidelines for ministerial scrutiny. Should these guidelines prove ineffective, the government is threatening to produce its own across-the-board rules.

RICS has welcomed the new approach to co-operative planning.

Irene Woodward, RICS regional director, said the cost implications of new noise regulations might be of concern for smaller house-builders, but it was “high time that these changes took place".