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What are NHBC Standards?

The NHBC Standards define the technical requirements and performance standards for the design and construction of new homes registered with us and provide guidance on how these can be achieved. 

Our dedicated Standards team is committed to continuous improvement. They work with stakeholders across the industry to ensure that the NHBC Standards keep pace with regulatory change, reflect the latest consumer expectations and the industry’s needs. This means that the Standards are always relevant, providing additional support and guidance to help builders and developers to raise standards in house building by championing high-quality homes and protecting homeowners.

New changes in NHBC Standards 2027

The NHBC Standards 2027 build on our ongoing commitment to provide clear, consistent and practical warranty guidance for the industry. While this 2027 edition includes some areas of technical development, including a new chapter – 3.4 Coastal Locations – overall, only 5.6% of clauses introduce a new technical position. In Chapter 6.4.16, based on feedback from our customers, we have reverted to the wording of the 2025 Standards. The majority of updates focus on improving clarity, usability and alignment with the latest British Standards.  

The NHBC Standards 2027 come into effect for every NHBC-registered home where the foundations are begun on or after 1 January 2027, applying throughout the UK unless otherwise stated.  

New Chapter 3.4 Coastal Locations

This new chapter provides guidance on the appropriate specification of materials in aggressive coastal environments, helping to improve durability and performance where exposure to salt-laden air and other coastal conditions can accelerate deterioration.

View changes to 2027 NHBC Standards
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Access the NHBC Standards 2027

You can log in to the NHBC Standards website to see a full list of all changes, including minor ones, in chapter order and watch a video guide directly from our technical team.

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Pre-order the NHBC Standards 2027

Want a printed copy? You can pre-order a copy through our shop.

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Conversions and renovations 2023

The Standards for Conversions and Renovations provide guidance on the type of project that will be acceptable to NHBC, the scope of the survey(s) and work that will be required.

Conversions and renovations are projects that involve work to existing buildings or parts of existing buildings.

Examples include:

  • the conversion of an existing residential building into flats
  • the renovation of an existing residential building(s)
  • the subdivision or merging of existing dwelling(s) or flat(s)
  • the addition of a new storey to an existing building
  • façade retention schemes.
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Technical resources

The resource centre with links to NHBC Standards, Building Regulations. technical training and best practice guides.

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Building Regulations

Building Regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales.

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Technical disclaimer

Any technical information contained on this website is produced by NHBC as guidance solely for all our builder customers as to how to interpret the technical requirements in relation to the warranty cover provided by NHBC under its Buildmark, Buildmark Choice, Buildmark Link, Buildmark Solo, Buildmark Connect or any similar product from time to time. It has not been created or intended for distribution or use outside of that purpose. The technical information contained on this web page does not constitute advice and is not to be relied upon by any third party. Nothing on this web page is intended to, nor should it be taken to, create any legal or contractual relationship. Any third party who chooses to rely upon the information contained on this web page shall do so entirely at their own risk and NHBC accepts no duty of care or liability, however caused, in connection with its use or reliance by any third party.