The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is setting up urgent talks with property vendors and mortgage lenders amid continuing difficulties being experienced by owners of Cambar-style homes seeking to sell.
Residents of Friary Park, Ballabeg, say sales are falling through as, in some cases, banks won’t issue mortgages to potential purchasers.
This is despite the fact that a Government-commissioned report last year confirmed the superior quality of Cambar – precast concrete panel – properties in the Isle of Man.
The investigation, headed by Richard Ronan MHK and Phil Braidwood MLC, was conducted after it emerged that banks were reluctant to lend on certain Cambar-style homes, based on guidance from a 2002 UK Building Research Establishment report.
The inquiry held discussions with planning officers, banks, local members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and building professionals, including the original developer.
It established there were significant construction differences between Cambar homes built in the Isle of Man and those erected in the UK.
It found local Cambar properties were built to a far higher standard, using better materials, methods and finishes. It clarified that there have been no reported failures or significant problems associated with the homes locally.
It was intended that the report would instil greater confidence in that section of the housing market by identifying why buyers could expect substantially longer design life from the homes here.
However, Minister Ronan said fresh action was needed after residents reported that sales were again falling through.
He and Rushen MHKs Phil Gawne, Juan Watterson and Laurence Skelly are working together to bring about a solution for residents.
Responsibility for planning and building control now lies within Minister Ronan’s Department.
He said:
‘We have every sympathy with residents affected by this situation and potential purchasers who are missing out.
‘We are seeking an urgent meeting with those involved in the house sale chain – estate agents, surveyors and banks – to reinforce the message that these homes are of a good quality and should be treated no differently than any other property sold in the Isle of Man.’
To read the original report visit www.gov.im/media/1346407/cambartechnicalpaper.pdf
