Absolutely horrendous
I recently purchased a premium-priced “former show home” property from PJ Livesey, marketed extensively as a luxury, high-specification home with premium upgrades throughout — upgraded flooring, carpets, lighting, fixtures and fittings, and an exceptional finish. “Premium” is a word repeatedly used throughout their marketing material and sales process, and naturally buyers pay a significantly inflated price for an ex-show home on that basis.
Unfortunately, my experience since completion has been nothing short of shocking.
Upon handover, multiple issues immediately became apparent. The washing machine had not been plumbed in correctly, and the electrics on the top floor were not functioning. When attempting to switch lights on, nothing worked. After reporting the issue, a plumber attended the property and, incredibly, attempted to rectify electrical wiring while being guided over the phone by an electrician.
During that call, it was stated that it was “lucky nobody had been killed” because the wiring had allegedly been connected incorrectly and was touching bare metal. This was particularly alarming given that tenants, including young children, were moving into the property that same day. Had the issue not been identified, the consequences could potentially have been extremely serious.
The washing machine was eventually connected, but then leaked due to what appeared to be incorrect installation.
We also later discovered that the solar panels — part of the “energy efficient” specification used during the sales process — were not connected and had not been properly commissioned. Rather than arranging for this to be resolved directly, I was simply sent certificates and manuals and effectively left to try and navigate the issue myself. As a buyer, I should not be expected to carry out or organise installation work that should already have been completed and signed off appropriately.
The flooring situation has been equally disappointing. The lounge and hallway floors contain deep scratches and marks throughout, to the extent that the property looked heavily worn despite being sold as a “brand new” premium home. Prior to completion, I was expressly assured in writing that any marks or defects arising from the property’s use as a show home would be rectified before handover. That clearly did not happen.
This matter is now progressing through legal channels because the flooring requires substantial replacement works. My experience so far has been that concerns are either dismissed as “wear and tear” or simply ignored entirely.
Most recently, tenants reported water ingress issues caused by blocked guttering and defects around the canopy/drainage system, resulting in water entering the property. Again, despite these issues being reported, meaningful action has not been forthcoming.
In the space of just a few weeks, I have experienced:
• Electrical safety concerns
• Plumbing installation failures
• Water leaks and ingress
• Unconnected solar panels
• Significant flooring damage
• Repeated lack of response and aftercare
For a developer positioning itself as “premium”, the aftercare and customer experience have, in my opinion, fallen significantly below expectations.
What is also deeply concerning is that, from speaking with other owners, these issues do not appear to be isolated. I am personally aware of substantial complaints across two separate Didsbury developments, where some residents have reportedly been waiting several years for remedial works to be completed. I have also been informed of ongoing roofing and water ingress issues, with scaffolding allegedly remaining outside certain properties for extended periods due to unresolved leaks and chimney-related defects.
Taken collectively, the number of similar complaints being raised by homeowners is, in my opinion, extremely concerning and raises serious questions about quality control, aftercare, and customer service standards.
My advice to prospective buyers would be to carry out extremely thorough due diligence, document everything carefully, and ensure all issues are independently inspected before completion.
1 maj 2026
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