Now a Dunfermline MSP is pushing for new laws to protect buyers of new-build homes who are forced to wait helplessly while entry dates are pushed back months, even years, by developers.

And the move has won support from frustrated families in the Borders whose lives have come to a halt while the finishing touches are put to their dream homes.

In April 2006, Jennifer Lee paid a deposit on a property on the Duke's Field estate in Ancrum, owned by Edinburgh-based developer Roxburgh Homes. Almost two years on, she and her fiancé are living in cramped conditions at her brother's home in Galashiels as they wait nervously to hear if their new home will be ready in time for their wedding in July.

"We were originally told the house would be ready in November 2006," Jennifer told TheSouthern. "Then it was put back to January and then February. By that stage we were already frustrated because my fiancé David had sold his flat thinking we'd have moved in by then.

Eventually, after two more entry dates passed by, the couple were told they would be in their new home by the new year. With this assurance, Jennifer sold her house in Galashiels and moved with David and their dog into her brother's home for what they thought would be the remaining few weeks before Christmas.

But once again the pair were left helpless as the developers failed to meet yet another deadline.

"We still don't have a confirmed entry date," she continued angrily. "It's ridiculous to be in this situation.

"My life has been on hold for two years. I've been putting off holidays, having to reapply for mortgages and it's all cost so much.

"I'm worried it won't be ready in time for our wedding. These are the two most stressful things in life and I'm having to deal with them both because of this mess."

Yesterday, Roxburgh Homes told TheSouthern it would welcome new laws to protect buyers and said Jennifer and her partner would be in their new home by next month.

"Whilst we are not in breach of missives," a spokesperson continued, "We consider each case on its merits when deciding whether to offer compensation and in this case a compensation package was agreed with the buyers last month. Any legislation that improves the often stressful business of buying a house is to be welcomed."

However, not all developers are as willing to offer compensation. Last summer, teacher Stephen Devlin moved to the Borders from Northern Ireland with his wife, Pamela, and two children after paying a £10,000 deposit on a new-build property in Coopersknowe, Galashiels.

But now, after being forced to rent a property for over eight months while they wait, the couple say they've had enough and want out of the deal.

However, despite the delays, sellers BL Developments have refused to release the Devlins from their contract or offer any form of compensation.

"There's still no sign of the house being ready," Pamela complained this week.