Homeowners in Kirkby, Merseyside, are raising concerns this February 16, 2026, over property defects and unfinished roads on a housing estate built by Persimmon Homes. Residents report facing expensive legal fees and maintenance issues within just five years of moving into their new homes.
The local roads have not yet been taken over by Knowsley Council, which means the developer remains responsible for their upkeep. Because the streets are not officially finished, some buyers have been forced to pay for an indemnity policy to protect their mortgages or house sales.
Beyond the road issues, people living on the estate have reported persistent problems with damp, mould, and leaking roofs. According to records in Hansard, similar issues with unadopted roads have seen some estates wait over 15 years for local authorities to take over maintenance.
The NHBC provides warranties for these houses, but members of the Kirkby Residents Group say they have struggled with limited support after reporting faults. An independent review previously found systemic failures in build quality and customer service across the company’s housing projects.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.