The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has published the second edition of the New Homes Quality Code, introducing a series of updates designed to strengthen consumer protections and improve transparency throughout the homebuying journey.
The New Homes Quality Code Version 2 (March 2026), which comes into effect today, includes more than 20 targeted improvements aimed at supporting customers from reservation through to after-sales care.
The Code review was undertaken by an independent Code Council, which conducted extensive consultation with consumer groups and other stakeholders. This forms part of NHQB’s commitment to reviewing the Code every three years to reflect changing expectations and emerging issues across the new homes market.
Developers must apply the updated requirements to customers who reserve a home on or after 2 March 2026. New Homes Quality Code Version 1 (October 2023) will continue to apply to customers who reserved a home before this date.
Key changes for homebuyers and developers
The updated Code introduces a number of important changes, including:
- Greater flexibility around pre-completion inspections: Customers can now choose to carry out their own inspection using NHQB’s Pre-completion Inspection Checklist, which can be downloaded here. This responds to feedback that some buyers face cost barriers when arranging independent inspections and would prefer the option to undertake checks themselves.
- Clearer and more realistic affordability information: Developers are now required to provide estimated home-ownership and maintenance costs for five years from completion. This is intended to give customers more meaningful forward-looking information to support financial planning during the early years of home ownership.
- Stronger protections against high-pressure sales practices: The Code introduces additional time for customers to consider time-limited incentives and strengthens requirements to clearly distinguish between standard specifications and optional upgrades or extras.
- Greater transparency around professional adviser referrals: Developers must clearly disclose any commissions or incentives received when recommending solicitors, financial advisers or other professional services.
Further updates aim to increase developer accountability for build quality and defects, improve transparency around remedial works, and enhance safeguards during the reservation and purchase process.
Commenting on the updated Code, Emma Toms, Chief Executive of the New Homes Quality Board, said: “Delivering on the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes must go hand in hand with protecting quality, trust, and consumer confidence. Achieving that balance requires a Code that evolves to meet the realities of modern housebuilding.
“With the Code being reviewed by the independent Code Council, and listening carefully to feedback from consumers, industry, and other stakeholders, we are providing greater clarity, consistency, and confidence across the market. In doing so, we aim to support a housing system that works more effectively and fairly for both buyers and developers.”
Nigel Cates, Chief Ombudsman of the New Homes Ombudsman Service, said: “These updates strengthen protections for consumers while also supporting a fairer and more consistent approach to dispute resolution. The New Homes Quality Code can now provide consumers with even greater confidence in their rights and can help ensure that issues are identified and addressed as early as possible.”
Paula Higgins, Founder and CEO of HomeOwners Alliance and a member of the independent Code Council, said: “The updates to the New Homes Quality Code are a welcome step forward in putting consumers on a fairer footing – particularly the stronger protections against high-pressure sales tactics and the greater clarity around pre-completion inspections. Giving buyers clearer rights and the confidence to properly check their home before completion helps empower them at a critical stage of the process. Greater transparency and accountability will build trust and give buyers more confidence at a moment that should be exciting, not stressful.”
You can read the New Homes Quality Code Version 2 (March 2026) here.
If you are a developer and have any questions about the updated Code requirements or need additional support, please get in touch at [email protected].
