Building a new home overtook travel as the biggest concern for South Australian consumers over the past year, following the release of the 2022 statistics on reports to Consumer and Business Services.

In 2022, CBS fielded more than 1300 enquiries and resolved nearly 120 complaints relating to the construction of a new home, compared to around 1218 enquiries and 137 resolved complaints the year before.

Travel-related calls remained a significant issue, with around 660 enquiries and 113 resolved complaints (down from around 710 inquiries and more than 190 resolved complaints) while issues around the purchase of second-hand vehicles rounded out the top three with more than 60 resolved complaints.

In total, CBS staff fielded more than 27,000 calls from consumers over 2022, and dealt with more than 1,100 complaints, compared to more than 25,000 calls and around 1,260 complaints resolved in the previous year.

Quotes

Attributable to Andrea Michaels

An increase in material costs and a deluge of work are resulting in a number of challenges for both the building sector and consumers.

We are doing all we can to support consumers to ensure their rights are protected in what is a very difficult time.

Obviously, travel related queries hit a significant high during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s pleasing to see numbers begin to decline there.

We also appreciate that there are significant  risks that come with the purchase of second hand cars, which is why we have teamed with the Motor Trade Association on a new campaign to remind people of their rights when buying a second hand car, and the risks that come with purchasing online.

Thank you to the dedicated staff working at CBS who have helped thousands of consumers with their many and varied issues last year.