Consumer Code for New Homes
CIR is an approved Code User of the Consumer Code for New Homes. That means that the structural warranties we provide adhere to the highest standards of scrutiny and consumer protection.
Building better standards for new homes.
The Consumer Code for New Homes, approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, is a Consumer Code that ensures best practices are followed by registered developers concerning the marketing, selling and after-sales of new homes.
CIR has joined the Code as an approved Code User, strengthening our position as a specialist insurance provider to the UK’s new home market.
Structural warranties defined by quality.
The Consumer Code for New Homes works with approved structural warranty bodies, including CIR. As registered Code Users, we’re fully committed to the Code User Agreement and our ongoing responsibility for monitoring and enforcing the Code. Joining the Code adds further weight to the exemplary standards of CIR’s structural warranties.
Higher levels of consumer protection.
The Consumer Code for New Homes has been designed to establish higher levels of consumer protection above and beyond the letter of the law.
It covers every stage of the new home buying process, from pre-contract to after-sales, with a view to ensuring the selling activities of registered developers are of a consistently high standard.
“Obtaining Code User status underlines CIR’s steadfast commitment to consumer protection and ensures our clients can build from foundation to finish with confidence.”
Oliver Griffiths, CIR Divisional Director
Frequently asked questions
The Consumer Code for New Homes, which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, sets high standards for member developers.
The Consumer Code dictates best practices for the marketing and selling of new homes, while also outlining expectations for excellent after-sales customer care.
The main purpose of the Consumer Code for New Homes is to elevate standards across the new homes market, raising the bar for construction quality and customer service.
The Consumer Code also empowers new home buyers to voice concerns and seek solutions, underpinned by an Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme.
The Consumer Code establishes unprecedented levels of consumer protection across the new home buying journey, from the pre-contract stage through to the after-sales service, to maintain exemplary standards.
- Pre-contract: High standards of customer service, clear documentation, and adequate information.
- Contract exchange: Fair and transparent contracts, termination rights, and protecting deposits.
- Legal completion: Minimum standards for what must be completed and the information provided.
- After-sales: Minimum standards for the after-sales service that buyers should expect to receive.
Complaints & disputes: Minimum standards for complaints procedures and access to resolution services.
As a Code User, CIR maintains an annual registration process for every developer that we work with.
We also carry out a programme of site inspections during the construction phase to assess the quality of the build for our own underwriting purposes and to uphold the high standards expected by the Consumer Code for New Homes.
As a new home buyer, you can be assured that a CIR structural warranty is the mark of a quality build.
Developers who take out a structural warranty from CIR gain peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected.
Our 10-year residential structural warranties are recognised by most major lenders, ensuring a smoother selling process.
Structural defects are covered for the duration of the warranty period, with a full risk transfer after the initial two years post-completion. Safeguard your new build project with CIR today.