From January 2022, it will be a requirement for developers and house builders who build new homes to register with the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB).
The NHQB published its New Homes Quality Code back in December 2021 with the aim of improving the quality of new build homes and strengthening the protection for home buyers throughout the buying process, from the initial sales stage through to two years following a purchase.
Those that follow the required registration process, including completion of training and introduction of necessary complaints and other processes and procedures to meet the conditions of the Code will become a Registered Developer.
Developers and house builders must understand their obligations under this new Code, which is split into four components, as below, and take the necessary steps to ensure they are compliant:
1. Selling a new home and the relevant information which must be shared during the sales process.
2. Legal documents, information, inspection and completion.
3. After-sales, complaints management and the New Homes Ombudsman.
4. Solvency, Legal and Jurisdiction.
What Are the Highlights?
From the end of January 2022, developers and house builders must register with the NHQB via the online portal. The final date for registration is 31st December 2022.
Following registration, support will be provided, including brand guidelines, online training courses, letter templates to help meet the requirements of the complaints process and a variety of other resources.
Post-sale, developers and house builders are expected to arrange an after-care service to address buyer issues and put a robust complaints service in place to ensure concerns are dealt with effectively and in a timely fashion.
In addition, high-pressure selling techniques are prohibited and contract deposits must be protected using the terms of the contract of sale in line with the Code.
Should developers and house builders fail to deliver the above, buyers can send their complaints to the New Homes Ombudsman service who are responsible for the new Code.
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If you need advice or have any queries, please contact us today on 07879 665603 or email greg.edwards@thomas-carroll.co.uk.
