About the Code
Code Requirements
The Consumer Code for New Homes is a genuine commitment to consumers to improve standards of construction and customer service in the New Homes market.
Buying a new-build home is an exciting time and as it is one of the largest investments most people are likely to make, it’s important that they understand the process, what they’re buying and what help is available if problems arise.
The Code applies to all Developers registered with the Code and establishes mandatory requirements that all Developers must meet in the marketing and selling of New Homes and in their After-Sales Service.
In addition to the specific Requirements, we provide Developers with Guidance to help demonstrate ways to support consumers. This information can also help consumers understand what to expect from their Developer.
Developers must adopt the standards of good practice, procedures, and information in the Guidance to meet each Requirement, unless they take a different approach to satisfying the Requirements. If they take such a different approach, they must provide a similar level of information and achieve a similar outcome to what the Guidance says.
Download the Code – Version 5 Download the Developer Guidance – Version 5
Important Note:
For homes reserved up to and including the 31st December 2023: Version 4 of the Code applies.
What do Registered Members have to do?
All registered Developers will need to do the following:
- Meet the Requirements & Guidance of the Consumer Code for New Homes.
- Sign a Code Member Agreement.
- Annually provide Member information to maintain their registration.
- Commit to meeting the Code requirements and adapt their systems and procedures accordingly.
- Publicise their commitment to the Code on their website and wherever they sell New Homes.
- Train all consumer-facing staff so that they fully understand the Code requirements.
How is the Code enforced?
If a Developer (or their Agent) is found to be in serious breach of the Code, the Code can apply a range of sanctions, these include:
- Removal of the Company from the Consumer Code for New Homes’ register and all Company Directors banned, and
- Removal from the relevant Structural Warranty Bodies’ register, and
- Exclusion from all registers run by other Structural Warranty Bodies that take part in the Code Scheme.
If a Developer is removed from the Code, the Code Sponsor will also notify other Chartered Trading Standards Institute Approved Codes in the New Homes sector, of Companies and Directors removed from Consumer Code for New Homes register and the reasons why.