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Customer complaints pile up against Perth home builder Nicheliving
By Sarah Brookes and Rachael Clifford
Dozens of distressed customers have made complaints to the Building Commissioner about lengthy delays building their new home with Nicheliving.
Last month Commerce Minister Sue Ellery met with the directors of the Perth construction company and requested information on the status of their projects.
The shortfall of homes in WA is tipped to grow even wider over the next two years.Credit: Ross Swanborough
“Unfortunately, Nicheliving has not provided all of the information, including some key elements requested,” she said.
“However the information I have received does confirm my concerns about the number of builds awaiting completion.“
Ellery said the Building Commissioner confirmed there had been 73 complaints lodged against the company since January 2022.
“Of the 73 complaints received, 47 have been actioned with 28 referred to the State Administrative Tribunal, five the subject of Building Commissioner remedy orders, six withdrawn by the homeowner complainants, six conciliated and two refused,” she said.
“The 26 remaining complaints are either being considered by Building and Energy or have been scheduled for conciliation.“
Ellery said now they had a better picture of the situation they were working through the next steps on how to best help customers.
Last month Opposition leader Shane Love used the cover of parliamentary privilege to implore the state government and the industry regulator to conduct an urgent probe into Nicheliving amid allegations it had left between 300 and 500 homes unfinished and contractors unpaid.
He claimed some customers’ build times had ballooned beyond three years, with many now paying rent and the mortgage on their unfinished home.
Love also raised concerns about the state government issuing stamp duty bills to Nicheliving customers already facing financial and emotional distress.
WA Opposition Leader Shane Love speaks outside parliament with Nicheliving customers left waiting. Credit: Jesinta Burton
“An 85-year-old retiree from Applecross was forced to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from his superannuation to pay stamp duty to Revenue WA while his home remains incomplete,” he said.
“While the Government claims to sympathise with Nicheliving customers, they cruelly burden these families with more fees and charges when they can least afford it.”
Nicheliving said it would continue working through the difficult challenges in the market and was committed to delivering all contracted builds, including those at loss-making prices.
Oxford Economics Australia senior economist Maree Kilroy said the latest building approvals data released by the ABS on Wednesday showed demand for new homes in WA was strong.
“Western Australia is off and racing. Demand fundamentals are robust, including annual population growth near 3.5 per cent for Perth,” she said.
“Private house approvals lifted 2.1 per cent to 9163, with the biggest gains in Western Australia (+9.4 per cent) and New South Wales (+5.9 per cent).”
With the shift into the new financial year, new dwelling supply is now counting towards the National Housing Accord 1.2 million dwelling target.
Approvals need to average around 20,800 per month.
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