What is the Code and why is it important to me?

What do agents need to know about the Code?

The Consumer Code for Home Builders (“the Code”) is an industry led scheme which gives protection and rights to purchasers of new homes, ensuring that new home buyers are treated fairly and are fully informed about their purchase before and after they sign the contract.

The Code covers most homes built in the UK by home builders who register with the UK’s main new Home Warranty Bodies*:  NHBC; Premier Guarantee; LABC Warranty and Checkmate. If you are an agent selling homes on behalf of a home builder who is covered by the Code, then you and your client will need to comply with the relevant Code Requirements.

The current (updated) Code Requirements (fifth edition) apply to homes reserved from 1 January 2024. The previous, fourth edition, applies to homes reserved up to 31 December 2023. Select the relevant link below to view the requirements in full:

Code requirements

Reservations up to 31/12/23

Reservations from 01/01/24

– or download a PDF copy:

_{*Excluding homes that at the time of reservation by the first buyer are covered by the New Homes Quality Code. Builders operating under the NHQC must still comply with Code requirements for new homes reserved prior to activation with the New Homes Quality Board.}