The new code of practice and independent ombudsman scheme put in place by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has been welcomed by housing minister Lucy Frazer at a launch event in Westminster.

The new build sector now has “a real opportunity to give buyers more assurance and improve the quality of service and build” thanks to the initiative, Frazer said at the parliamentary launch.

The New Homes Quality Code is designed to cover every aspect of a new home purchase, from initial visit to the end of the two-year warranty. It requires developers to have an effective aftercare service in place to deal with any issues as well as a robust complaints process that responds to customer concerns in a timely manner and to their satisfaction.

“This is a step-change for homebuyer protection and I would like to thank everyone that has made this possible,” Frazer added.

The NHQB will oversee the new code, which aims to “put consumers at the heart of the new build process”. The government has committed to oversee the introduction of a statutory ombudsman and has the powers to do so via the Building Safety Act, according to the NHQB.

More than 140 developers are now registered and working with the board. The scheme will initially cover England, Wales and Scotland, and ultimately the whole of the UK. Those that are signed up to the scheme will display the NHQB and New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) branding.

“Consumers can be assured that, where they see our branding, their builder should be working to the new high standards our code demands of them or they can take their case to a strong and independent ombudsman,” said Leon Livermore, chief executive of the NHQB.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, commented that the requirements of the new code and framework are “hugely challenging for businesses” but insisted the industry is “absolutely committed” to implementing the proposals.

Natalie Elphicke MP, founding chair of the NHQB, said it had been “very worthwhile” getting the initiative off the ground. “I have no doubt that consumers and house builders will both benefit from these reforms to the housebuilding sector – to begin to tackle the scourge of shoddy homes, together with a new homes ombudsman to deal with disputes,” Elphicke added.