Question:
203 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to abolish the practice of builders selling houses in phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12067/00]
Written Answers. - House Sales.
The development and sale of houses in phases is a long established practice which may be justified especially in large-scale developments. However, in a number of instances in recent years problems have arisen due to uncertainty about the number of houses and the price at which they are being made available under a particular phase of a housing development.
This issue was highlighted by the Law Reform Commission in its report on gazumping, which recommended the enactment of legislation regulating the advertisement of the sale of houses in new housing developments. The commission recommended that advertisements should specify the number of houses for sale at each price level and the period for which those prices are fixed. The report is being considered by my Department in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which has overall responsibility for consumer protection issues.