The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has published a new consumer guide, ‘A guide to settling into your new home’, to support homeowners during the first years after moving in.
Moving into a new build home is an exciting milestone, but it can feel different from moving into an older property. New homes continue to adjust in the months after occupation, and understanding this process can help homeowners manage their home effectively and identify when something requires attention.
The guide brings together practical information on what to expect during this period, helping homeowners understand how their home may change over time and what steps they can take to support the settling-in process.
It also explains how to recognise what is normal and when action may be needed, including:
- What to expect during the settling-in period and what is considered normal.
- The difference between minor snags and more serious defects.
- When to contact the developer and what support to expect.
- How to manage the home day-to-day, including heating, ventilation and moisture.
- Looking after internal finishes, windows, doors and external areas such as gardens.
- What to expect when moving onto a development that may still be under construction, and ongoing homeowner responsibilities.
- How customers are protected through warranties and a consumer code, such as the New Homes Quality Code (the Code).
NHQB also encourages consumers to check whether their developer is registered with NHQB via the Register of Developers. Under the Code, consumers have access to the New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS), which provides an independent route to redress if issues arise.
By bringing this information together in one place, the guide aims to give homeowners greater clarity during what can be an unfamiliar stage of the homebuying journey.
The guide is now available to download from the NHQB website.
