NH

I was due to buy a show home. Buying a home is stressful, it was expensive, there was going to be a long wait so I would miss out on stamp duty reductions, and despite advertising help to sell, there were no incentives. But it was on a good plot, nice house, and came with alot of furnishings.
A number of things came up. I discovered there were very restrictive covenants that applied in perpetuity. It made a freehold feel more like a leasehold as you had to ask Bellway's permission for any changes, however minor, and permission involved a fee. Some simple changes like a wall or fence round a front garden were not allowed. Despite being told I could snag on site and I was hoping I could do this before moving in given the long wait, I was later told by customer services I wasn't allowed to snag at all. I was told 'sold as seen' seeming to suggest I had to take the house as it was, even though that only supposedly applied to wear and tear. I wanted clarification but was met with a brick wall and just had those words repeated back at me. The house was continuing to be used as a showhome, we'd noticed some issues just walking round, and the plot would be the last to be completed and there would be no-one to deal with on site, so I think it was reasonable to ask these questions.
I also put a negative review on here, it was truthful but harsh. I wish I hadn't done and wouldn't have with hindsight, but I didn't think much of it at the time.
On the day I was due to complete at close of business, my solicitor heard from Bellway's solicitor that they wouldn't be completing. Bellway didn't have the decency to let me know and as it was on a Friday we had to wait until Monday before anyone would answer calls.
Despite much pleading with them to reverse their decision they were not for turning. I was simply told they had decided they couldn't meet my expectations, which weren't unreasonable or unusual. They had my £1000 deposit and made out that they were being generous giving me that back, pretty much threatening that they may not if I didn't immediately walk away and kicked up a fuss.
I looked at the new build consumer code. I understand that both parties are allowed to change their mind before completion. Had I pulled out Bellway were able to retain £500 of my deposit money to cover their costs, I expect they would have retained it all. I had solicitor fees and mortgage arrangement fees so was significantly out of pocket, but was entitled to nothing, as mentioned Bellway made out they were being kind by giving me my own deposit money back after they pulled out. Even codes that are supposedly there to protect customers are rigged in favour of the builders.