New Homes Quality Board launches Code consultation

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has launched a consultation on its New Homes Quality Code.

Housebuilders, as well as new home buyers, policy makers and the wider industry, have until November 4 to give their views on proposed changes to the Code and can offer additional recommendations.

The Code, launched in October 2022, aims to fill gaps in consumer protections to ensure that every aspect of a new home purchase, from sales office visit through to two years after the purchase, is covered.

Upon launching the Code, the NHQB, established to drive improved quality and customer service standards within the housebuilding industry, committed to having the Code regularly reviewed by an independent council with an in-depth review every third year.

Proposed changes to the Code include:

• Changes to the list of what is not covered by the Code
• Confirmation that valid snags or defects should be resolved, regardless of how they are identified
• Addition of an expected timeframe for the developer "transition period"
• Confirmation that the requirement for sales and marketing material not to be misleading, also applies to photography
• New requirement for developers to comply with the list of legally required "Material …