Developers will recall that the Government set up the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) more than two years ago (May 2019) in response to an increasing complaints from buyers of new homes regarding service levels and quality of works. The intention is that the NHQB will replace the “voluntary” Codes of Conduct that are run by a number of new home warranty providers.
The NHQB has now issued the first draft of its New Homes Quality Code for consultation which can be viewed here:
https://developers.nhqb.org.uk/resource/new-homes-quality-board-launches-consultation-on-proposed-new-house-builders-code-of-practice.html
The draft code includes fundamental principles and various steps that developers will have to follow during the new home sale and marketing process. It also includes procedures for dealing with physical defects (both in the new home and in the wider development). The Code covers issues arising up to two years after purchase. Buyers will be able to refer issues to the New Homes Ombudsman Service, free of charge.
The consultation is open until 7 July 2021; you can have your say by following the link above.
The NHQB aims to be fully operational by the end of 2021 – but there will be a transitional period for developers to register and adapt their procedures to comply with the new Code requirements.