Buying from spec builders
Speculative (spec) builders are licensed builders who carry out residential building work on land they own themselves. Spec builders usually sell the property after they finish building it.
Spec builders can also sometimes be companies or partnerships.
They need to have cover under the Home Building Compensation (HBC) Scheme before they start the building work, for work valued at over $20,000 inclusive of GST.
If you suffer a financial loss because a spec builder fails to fix defective work, you are able to make a claim if they've:
- become insolvent
- died or disappeared
- had their licence suspended due to non-compliance with a money (compensation) order made by a court or the tribunal in favour of the home owner.
HBC cover extends to subsequent owners of a property for six years for major defects and two years for other losses. The time starts from when the work was completed.
This means there’s a safety net if some things go wrong.
What you need to do
If you’re buying a property from a spec builder, you need to make sure that they attach proof of HBC cover to the contract for sale. You should also check the proof of HBC cover is valid on the HBC Check.
If the insurance certificate is not attached to the contract for sale:
- They’re breaking the law and could be fined.
- You have the right to cancel the contract before settlement.
Further information
What you can claim for
All insurance policies issued from 1 February 2012 provide a cover of $340,000. See current scheme and cover for more information.
Making a claim
Visit making a claim for more information on the full claims process.