FIRST-TIME buyers who claim their Maldon home was sold to them effectively unfinished say they are thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Sally Smith, 23, and fiancée Gareth Hawkins, 26, moved into the property, built by Crest Nicholson, last year.

However, three days after picking up the keys, the couple claim they discovered a severe mould infestation in the kitchen.

They also claim it had no extractor fans.

Sally, who was seven months pregnant at the time, said: “It has put a lot of stress on us.

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“We were worried that the baby was going to be born and we wouldn’t have a kitchen and we were also worried that due to us inhaling this mould it had caused problems to our baby.

“I had emergency visits to the hospital due to the stress of this situation.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The kitchen was taken apart and Sally says a damp specialist found the property's walls were 99.9 per cent wet

“It had ruined my pregnancy as I was constantly worrying about the house situation as it took months for Crest to finally sort the problem.”

Crest Nicholson offered to put the buyers in a hotel, but Sally said she was worried at the thought of living in a hotel for months while pregnant.

The couple now have a working kitchen after six months and Crest Nicholson agreed to pay the couple’s £330 energy bill as they had a dehumidifier running for six weeks.

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However, as they had to move out due to the situation, as well as paying the mortgage, water, council tax and other cost for their new property, Sally estimates their extra charges amount to £5,000.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Photos from Sally show the mould found

Sally claims Crest Nicholson have not been in touch since she spoke to the Mirror about her situation, as she waits for the regional director to get back to the couple on a final decision regarding the expenses.

In a statement to the Mirror, a spokesman for Crest Nicholson said: “We are aware of Mrs Smith’s concerns and, following various assessments, have now successfully completed all works relating to her kitchen.

“We continue to be in conversation with Mrs Smith and hope to draw the matter to a satisfactory close for all parties concerned as soon as possible.”