Raising standards to protect homeowners
Purchasers' solicitor guidelines
This section explains what you should do at the various stages of the conveyancing process with regards to the NHBC warranty.
If you have any questions on the warranty or the process please see Purchasers' solicitor FAQs or contact us on 0844 633 1000 and ask for 'Customer Services'.
What you should do before exchange of contracts
- Check that the contract provides for the home to have Buildmark cover and details the name of the person or company that will be providing that cover.
- Check that the person or company offering the Buildmark cover in the contract is a NHBC registered builder/developer. See Check the NHBC register.
- Check whether the vendor of the property is the same as the builder/developer offering the Buildmark cover. If not, check with us that the vendor has our authority to sell the homes on an 'unregistered vendor' basis. Please note in the case of an 'unregistered vendor' the deposit and any other payments received under the contract will not be protected by NHBC if the vendor becomes insolvent after exchange of contracts and before completion.
- Ensure you have the Buildmark cover offer documents from the builder/developer or their solicitor.
- Check that the builder/developer named on the Buildmark offer is on the current NHBC register. If they have left our register after the home has been registered for cover but before exchange of contracts, then they may no longer be entitled to offer Buildmark cover.
- Explain to your client the terms of the Buildmark policy and its limitations. After exchange of contracts and prior to completion/date of entry your client will have the benefit of Section 1 of the Buildmark cover only.
What you should do between exchange and completion
- Advise your client that they should not complete the purchase and/or move in to the new home before an NHBC cover note has been issued. The cover note will not be issued unless we are satisfied that the standard of construction substantially complies with NHBC requirements. If mortgage funds are required, these will generally not be released until a cover note has been issued.
For more about when the cover note is issued see Purchasers' solicitor FAQs.
What you should do after completion
- Complete the Acceptance form in the Buildmark Acceptance and Offer pack. In order for us to process this quickly and efficiently please take care to include all of the information requested on the form.
- Return the Acceptance form to NHBC - It is vitally important to return the Acceptance form to NHBC in order for the insurance certificate to be issued.
Once the cover note has been issued and the Acceptance form received this will enable us to issue the insurance certificate which confirms that the ten year Buildmark cover is in place. - Pass the Buildmark document pack to your client
- When you receive the insurance certificates distribute copies to your client (the original), lender (if applicable) and keep the final copy for your files.
If you have any queries regarding the above, please contact Customer Services on 0844 633 1000.
Contact us
0844 633 1000
Open: Mon - Fri 08:30 – 17:30
For general enquiries:
Ask for ‘Customer Services’,
email us or write to us
To discuss a claim:
Ask for ’Claims’,
email us or write to us