Basingstoke’s MP has welcomed the launch of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) this week to help drive up standards for new-build homes and strengthen protections for buyers. NHQB will oversee the introduction of a new industry code of practice placing more responsibility on developers to deliver quality homes and better consumer outcomes.
Arrangements are also underway to get a New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) in place by the end of the year and once established, there will be a transition period during which developers will need to sign up to the new arrangements.
Maria said “I have long campaigned for giving consumers a fairer deal and improving transparency in home buying. I welcome the launch of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) this week to help drive up standards for new-build homes and strengthen protections for buyers. And I look forward to New Homes Ombudsman being set up, to ensure that when something is wrong, consumers have accessible means of putting it right.”
In 2016 APPG for All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment of which Maria was Vice Chair published a report “More Homes, Fewer Complaints” which set out a series of measures to redress the imbalance between buyers and sellers, including setting up a New Homes Ombudsman. The role would include mediating disputes between consumers and their builders or warranty providers to offer a quick resolution procedure paid for by a housebuilders’ levy.
More information is available at https://www.nhqb.org.uk/