Before you complete
From exchange of contracts to the completion date.
Protection from builder insolvency
Section 1 of your Buildmark policy provides cover if the builder becomes insolvent before the completion date and this means that they cannot finish construction of your home or refund you the amounts paid to the builder under the contract as part-payment for the home.
It provides cover if you can demonstrate (to our reasonable satisfaction) that:
- at the time you entered into the contract, you had good reason to believe the builder could meet their obligations under the contract and
- you always intended to complete the purchase of the home and use it as your own home, or as a property for your tenants or licensees.
Full details can be found in your policy documents.
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If you meet the requirements for a valid section 1 claim, we will either repay your lost deposit or, instead, we may choose to repay the reasonable extra amount (over the amount in the contract with the builder) you have to pay for construction of the home to be finished. If we choose to repay your deposit, we will repay the amount you paid to the builder (under the contract you have with them) as part-payment for the home up to the financial limit. Please refer to your policy booklet and schedule for the financial limit, exclusions and full information on what is and is not covered.
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Only purchasers who intend to complete on the purchase of the home (either to live in or rent out) can make a claim. You cannot make a claim if the money you paid to the builder was intended to fund the construction of the home as a short-term investment and you expected to receive a return on your investment instead of completing the purchase of the home.
Stages of Buildmark cover
Buildmark is our 10-year warranty and insurance cover for new build homes. The cover is split into different sections. Insolvency cover after exchange of contracts, a builder warranty and NHBC Guarantee for two years after completion and then eight years of insurance cover against defects to certain parts of the home.
Homeowner resources and information
Useful guides
Guides and information about some of the most common queries we receive.
Frequently asked questions
Check out our list of FAQs for homeowners or people looking to buy a new-build or newly converted home.
Consumer protection codes
Learn about industry schemes which give protection and rights to the buyers of new homes, ensuring they are treated fairly and are fully informed about their purchase.