There has been a significant increase in the demand for the Free Repair Service of the Ombudsman (TPO), with more than 73,000 consumers seeking support with problems related to the property in 2024, 27% more year -on -year, as shown in new figures.
With consumer awareness about incoming legislative changes, such as the Role’s Rights Law and lease reforms, TPO expects the demand for service to continue to continue growing.
Residential rentals were the most common sector for consultations, with 13,516 consumers who contacted issues such as repairs, deposits and mismanagement of complaints.
Some £ 1.49 million were granted to consumers in total, with 71% of the cases formally found in favor of the consumer, the service continues its impartial, fair and reasonable decision making.
The Ombudsman of Interim Property, Lesley Horton, said: “We continue to see a greater demand for our service, especially in the private sectors interested and leases.
“There will be a continuous change in the real estate sector, and we will work to support the success of any reform, improve best practices in the sector and most importantly, we will help consumers navigate and solve their disputes.”
In residential sales, there was a high level of consultations and disputes related to the seller’s problems with a total of £ 797,031 that were granted in sales cases, and the average award is £ 561. Factors such as uncertain market conditions and the end of bell tax vacation in April could boost more complaints in 2025.
Within rentals, £ 511,583 were granted to consumers in total, and 49% of the plaintiffs are Rolers and 47% are owners. The total granted to consumers in 2024 represents an increase of 84% since 2015.
