Consumer Code
The Consumer Code for Homebuilders is an industry-led code of conduct for builders, developed for the benefit of purchasers to make the home buying process more transparent and fair. The code aims to ensure that all buyers are treated fairly, are fully informed about their purchase and their consumer rights, know what levels of service to expect, and are provided with a speedy, low cost dispute resolution scheme to deal with complaints.
The Consumer Code for Home Builders was developed by the home-building industry and introduced in April 2010 to make the home buying process fairer and more transparent for purchasers. The Code aims to ensure that all buyers are:
- treated fairly;
- know what levels of service to expect;
- fully informed about their purchase and their consumer rights;
- provided with a speedy, low cost dispute resolution scheme to deal with complaints.
The Code contains requirements that all Home Builders who are registered with the UK’s main new home warranty providers; NHBC, Premier Guarantee and LABC Warranty must comply with. It applies to complaints made within two years of the date of legal completion of purchase of a new home.
The Code requires Home Builders to co-operate with Trading Standards departments, Citizens Advice and other professional advisers.
Who is covered by the Code?
The Consumer Code applies to Home Buyers who, on or after 1st April 2010, reserve to buy a new or newly converted Home built by a Home Builder under the insurance protection of one of the supporting Home
The Code’s pre-sale and handover requirements apply to home buyers who are the first purchasers of a home.
The requirements relating to after-sales service apply to all new and subsequent Home Buyers in the two year period after the first legal completion.
Full details of the Code rules can be downloaded from the website: https://consumercode.co.uk/
