It is understood that the original idea of publishing league tables has been scrapped after last-minute lobbying from housebuilders. Instead, it is thought a less sensitive star system will be used.
Firms are thought to have pleaded that a league would leave firms too exposed to stock market reaction.
The results of the survey, commissioned by the Housing Forum, which is drawn from housebuilders and consumer groups, are to be announced at the forum’s 19 October conference. It is thought that housebuilders will see their own ratings on 13 October.
A source close to the forum said: “The wide sampling system means a league table will be prone to statistical errors. But the survey will look at a whole range of aspects of service.”
It is not known when the ratings system will be launched. Focus groups are being consulted to finalise the details of the scheme.
Construction minister Nick Raynsford has told the forum that he wants to see league tables by this autumn. But at the survey’s launch in July, he said the precise format could be decided by the housebuilders themselves.
Housing Forum chief executive David Crewe said: “The principle of any kind of ratings system has been welcomed by focus groups.”
