Consumer codes and protections

When buying a new build home you can have the additional peace of mind of a range of consumer protections, warranties and cover to ensure the quality of your home and purchase experience. Home builders will list the cover they offer on their websites and have details within their sales offices.

Codes of practice

There are a number of Consumer Codes the exist for new build homes. Which one you are covered by when buying your new build home will depend on the warranty provider the builder is signed up to.

• The New Homes Quality Board’s New Homes Quality Code covers all aspects of a new build home purchase, from your experience in the sales office, through to the aftercare you’ve received up to 2 years after completion
• The Consumer Code for New Homes sets out mandatory requirements for registered developers to ensure you experience high quality trading practices when buying your home
• The Consumer Code for Home Builders helps to make the home buying process fairer and more transparent for purchasers

What is the New Homes Quality Board?

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to improving the quality of new homes and customer service provided by developers.

Through our Code of Practice (the New Homes Quality Code), we protect buyers of new build homes so that when you reserve a new home from a Registered Developer (after their date of registration), you're protected by the Code until the end of the first two years after handover. The Code encompasses a number of core principles, such as fairness, independence, transparency, and also includes a broad range of requirements that developers must provide their customers.

These protections also include access to the independent New Homes Quality Ombudsman service where you are not satisfied with the quality of your new home, the performance of your developer, or how your complaint was handled. This service ensures that your complaints are addressed fairly and impartially.

You will be protected by the NHQB code and ombudsman if you purchase a home from a developer registered with the board. You can find this information on a developers’ website.If you have any questions about the scheme, or you’re unsure if your developer is registered, visit our website at www.nhqb.org.uk or contact us at info@nhqb.org.uk.