The code, introduced by the independent body established to oversee new build quality and consumer redress, has been developed in response to calls for improvements in build quality and protection for home buyers and applies to every stage of the buying process in an effort to eradicate bad practice and ensure that consumers have access to a robust complaints procedure.
Propertymark supports the publication of the draft Code of Practice, and in the absence of a statutory requirement for new homes builders to join the New Homes Ombudsman, has called for a list of registered builders to be made publicly available so that prospective buyers can make informed decisions about purchases.
The Code requires new homes sales agents to adopt fair and transparent practices and we have recommended that all agents should be appropriately trained, meeting minimum competency standards so that service standards and consistency across the industry can be improved.
Alongside the consultation, the NHQB has launched the process to appoint a New Homes Ombudsman, with final tenders due by the end of August 2021. Propertymark is hopeful that a successful appointment will be announced in late 2021, and that the new arrangements will come into practice without delay to ensure that build quality and customer satisfaction are prioritised alongside continued calls to increase housing supply.
