Step 1: Complete the initial application form

The application to become a registered developer should be completed at the parent/holding company level. There will be an opportunity to add details of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, and special purpose vehicles involved in building, selling, and after-care of new homes later in the process.

The application should be completed by an individual with authority to commit the organisation to paying the annual registration fee.

Step 2: Invoice and payment

On completion of step 1, we will send an invoice for your annual fee. This is calculated using the information you provided in step 1. Where a purchase order number is needed for your organisation to make payment, you will receive follow up communication requesting this (if not already provided).

Different payment options are available depending on your turnover and the number of private homes you sell.

Once payment (or part payment) has been received, the resources required to complete steps 3-10 will be made available.

At this point, you will appear on the Register of Developers as a ‘pending’ applicant. You and your customers are not subject to the Code’s requirements and protections, nor eligible to access the New Homes Ombudsman Service, until you have completed all the steps and your registration is activated.

Step 3: Enter subsidiary details

At this stage, you can add details of subsidiary or associated organisations involved in building, selling, and after-care of new homes. You should include all entities that you wish to be covered by the provisions and protections of the New Homes Quality Code. However, as the parent company, you may choose to activate the registrations of different entities or regions at different times.

Step 4: Download resources

When payment (or part payment) has been received, you will get access to the resources that will help your business and team adopt the Code and become a registered developer. These include:

• Online training;
• Logos and branding guidelines;
• NHQB’s Pre-completion Inspection Checklist;
• Complaints process guidance;
• Template letters and forms; and
• A readiness checklist for use prior to activating.

Step 5: Complete training

All customer-facing employees must complete the provided two-hour online training module. However, we recommend that all staff complete the training for shared understanding across your organisation.

Our training provides guidance for all employee roles, including sales representatives, site managers, after-sales personnel, and customer service coordinators.

Step 6: Update marketing materials and website

You must display the NHQC logo on marketing material and in sales areas. You will need to prepare prior to your activation date to ensure compliant materials are available. We also recommend displaying the New Homes Ombudsman Service logo to show your commitment to fairness and transparency when managing customer complaints.

Step 7: Update customer charter and complaints handling procedure

Your customer charter and complaints handling procedure must reflect the requirements and provisions of the Code. It must include the milestones for customer responses set out in the Code and contact information for the New Homes Ombudsman Service.

Step 8: Update your process to include a pre-completion inspection

The Code requires you to give customers the opportunity to undertake a pre-completion inspection of the new home or appoint a suitably qualified inspector to carry out the inspection. You must amend your operating process to include this opportunity as standard.

Step 9: Confirm activation date

Activation takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. After you have successfully completed steps 4-8, select the month you would like your registered developer status activated.

Step 10: Attestation

Before your agreed activation date, you must complete a declaration confirming that all the information you have provided is accurate and your organisation is ready to comply with the New Homes Quality Code. This declaration must be made by someone with authority to bind the organisation to it, such as your CEO or CFO.

Following attestation, your registration will become active on the agreed date. You will follow the requirements of the Code, and you and your customers will be covered by the New Homes Ombudsman Service from this date.