BW Consumer Code for New Homes

Raising Standards. Protecting your interests. 

Responsibilities as the Developer

The BW Consumer Code for New Homes is a set of guidelines and standards in the UK that developers must adhere to when selling new homes to consumers. It aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and good customer service throughout the home-buying process. Below is a link which will take you to your clients portal where you will see the key points that you as the developer should comply with under the Consumer Code for New Homes.

The Homebuyers' Rights

The Consumer Code for New Homes in the UK outlines key rights and protections for consumers who are purchasing newly built homes. These rights are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and a high standard of customer service throughout the home-buying process. Here are the key rights for consumers under the Consumer Code for New Homes:

The right to receive clear and accurate information about the property, including its specifications, location, price, and expected completion date.

The right to be informed of any limitations on the use of the property, such as restrictions or covenants.

The right to receive a fair and transparent reservation agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including reservation fees and refund policies.

The right to understand the timeline for the reservation and purchase process.

The right to receive a clear and fair contract for the sale of the property, including all terms and conditions, payment schedules, and details of any incentives or discounts.

The right to have sufficient time to review and seek legal advice on the contract before committing.

The right to request and receive a demonstration of the property’s features, systems, and appliances before completion.

The right to be educated on how to operate and maintain the home’s features and systems.

The right to be informed of the expected completion date and any potential delays.

The right to a clearly defined date for legal completion and the handover of keys.

The right to participate in a final inspection and walkthrough of the property to address any outstanding issues or questions.

The right to have access to effective procedures for handling customer inquiries, complaints, and issues.

The right to a designated contact point for reporting problems or seeking assistance.

The right to have any defects, issues, or snags addressed in a timely and efficient manner after moving into the property.

The right to have any warranties and guarantees associated with the property honoured, including those provided by third-party organizations like the NHBC.

The right to access a transparent and accessible dispute resolution process for resolving any disputes or disagreements that may arise during or after the purchase process.

The right to receive information about the builder’s insurance coverage and how it applies to the property.

The right to provide feedback on the experience with the developer and the property.

The right to have feedback used to improve customer service and the overall buying process.

These rights are essential for consumers to have confidence in the purchase of a newly built home and to ensure that developers meet certain standards of fairness and quality. Consumers should be aware of these rights and how to exercise them throughout the home-buying process to protect their interests and seek redress if necessary.