NHBC, Consumer Code, and NHQB Explained

NHBC Buildmark, the Consumer Code for Home Builders, and the New Homes Quality Board are three separate but overlapping systems that apply to new-build home purchases in the UK. Each covers different aspects of the transaction - structural defects, the sales process, and complaints escalation. The protections are useful, but each has specific boundaries that buyers need to understand before relying on them.

The NHBC Buildmark warranty

A structural warranty covering specific defects for up to 10 years, with different levels of cover in different periods after completion.

The Consumer Code and the New Homes Quality Board

Process and standards protection governing how developers market, sell, and hand over homes, not a guarantee of build quality.

What the New Homes Ombudsman Service covers

An escalation route for eligible complaints, but coverage depends on the developer's registration date with the NHQB.

What these protections do not replace

Warranties and codes work alongside, not instead of, a structured snagging inspection at handover.