Step 1: Complete the initial application form

The application to become a Registered Developer should be completed at the parent/holding company level. There will be an opportunity to add details of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, and special purpose vehicles involved in building, selling, and after-care of new homes later in the process.

The application should be completed by an individual with authority to commit the organisation to paying the annual registration fee.

Step 2: Invoice and payment

On completion of step one, we will send an invoice for your annual fee. This is calculated using the information you provided in step one. Where a purchase order number is needed for your organisation to make payment, you will receive follow up communication requesting this (if not already provided).

Different payment options are available depending on your turnover and the number of private homes you sell.

Once payment (or part payment) has been received, the resources required to complete steps 3-10 will be made available.

At this point, you will appear on the Register of Developers as a ‘pending’ applicant. You and your customers are not subject to the Code’ requirements and protections, nor eligible to access the New Homes Ombudsman Service, until you have completed all the steps and your registration is activated.

Step 2: Invoice and payment

On completion of step one, we will send an invoice for your annual fee. This is calculated using the information you provided in step one. Where a purchase order number is needed for your organisation to make payment, you will receive follow up communication requesting this (if not already provided).

Different payment options are available depending on your turnover and the number of private homes you sell.

Once payment (or part payment) has been received, the resources required to complete steps 3-10 will be made available.

At this point, you will appear on the Register of Developers as a ‘pending’ applicant. You and your customers are not subject to the Code’ requirements and protections, nor eligible to access the New Homes Ombudsman Service, until you have completed all the steps and your registration is activated.

Step 4: Download resources

When payment (or part payment) has been received, you will get access to the resources you need to prepare your business and team to adopt the Code and proceed to become a Registered Developer. These include:

• Online training
• Logos and branding guidelines
• Pre-completion inspection checklists
• Complaints process guidance
• Template letters and forms
• A readiness checklist for use prior to activating

Step 5: Complete training

All employees who will be engaged in complying with the Code must complete the one-hour online training module provided.

Our training provides guidance for all employee roles, including sales representatives, site managers, after-sales personnel, and customer service coordinators.

Step 6: Update marketing materials and website

you must display the NHQC logo on marketing material and in sales areas. You will need to prepare prior to your activation date to ensure compliant materials are available. We also recommend displaying the New Homes Ombudsman Service logo to show your commitment to fairness and transparency when managing customer complaints.

Step 7: Update customer charter and complaints handling procedure

Your customer charter and complaints handling procedure must reflect the requirements and provisions of the Code. It must include the milestones for customer responses set out in the Code and contact information for the New Homes Ombudsman Service.

Step 8: Update your process to include a pre-completion inspection

The Code requires you to give customers the opportunity to undertake a pre-completion inspection of the new home or appoint a suitably qualified inspector to carry out the inspection. You must amend your operating process to include this opportunity
as standard.

Step 9: Confirm activation date

Activation takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. When you have successfully completed steps 4-8, you can select the month in which you would like your Registered Developer status to be activated.

Step 10: Attestation

Before your agreed activation date, you must complete a declaration confirming that all the information you have provided is accurate and your organisation is ready to comply with the New Homes Quality Code. This declaration must be made by someone with authority to bind the organisation to it, such as your CEO or CFO.