New Homes Quality Board launches consultation on Code of Practice

Code consultation opens to seek feedback on proposed changes

The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has launched a consultation on the New Homes Quality Code. This code of practice aims to drive improved quality and customer service from new homes developers. 

The consultation provides an opportunity for everyone, including housebuilders, buyers of new homes, the wider industry and policymakers, to review the proposed changes to the Code and offer their feedback, along with any additional recommendations. 

Around 54% of all new homes currently being built in the England, Scotland and Wales are already protected by the Code - meaning that the buyers of these new homes have an independent route for redress through the New Homes Ombudsman Service.  

When the NHQB introduced the New Homes Quality Code in 2022, it committed to having the Code regularly reviewed by an independent council, with an in depth review every third year. 

Lewis Shand Smith, Chair of the independent Code Council commented on the consultation:

“We started by asking for feedback from stakeholders on the existing Code and on areas that are not, but perhaps should be, included. That produced a list of issues which we considered in depth and on which, where necessary, we took advice. From there we decided on proposed changes that are the basis for our consultation.  

Modern regulation has shifted from tick box compliance to a much more collaborative system with a strong ethical foundation to “treat customers fairly”. That is what the NHQB Code is based on and is the core of our review. We look forward to receiving as much feedback as possible on our proposals from all our stakeholders. 

Click here to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Code by 4 November 2024.