What is the NHBC Buildmark warranty?

NHBC Buildmark is the most common UK new-build structural warranty — typically 10 years, covering defects and structural issues. Alternatives include LABC, Premier Guarantee, and Checkmate. Keep the policy documents in your logbook.

What is the New Homes Quality Code?

A code raising standards for new-build buyers, backed by the New Homes Ombudsman. It covers sales practices, build quality, and a structured complaints/snagging process. Your developer should provide information about it.

How long is the developer responsible for snagging?

Typically the developer fixes snags in the early period (often the first 2 years under the warranty), with the structural warranty covering major issues for around 10 years. Document snags promptly with photos.

Why keep a new-build handover pack?

It proves warranty cover, supports snagging and defect claims, is needed for any future sale, and increasingly forms the basis of the property logbook that follows the home through its life.

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Property Logbooks · Filed 22 Jun 2026

New-Build Property Logbook: The Handover Documents Your Developer Must Give You

Q: What documents should I get with a new-build home?

The structural warranty (NHBC Buildmark or equivalent), building control completion certificate, EPC, FENSA/glazing certificates, appliance manuals and warranties, the health & safety file, drainage/service info, and details under the Consumer Code for Home Builders / New Homes Quality Code.

The documents a UK developer must hand over with a new-build home — structural warranty, building control, EPC, appliance manuals — and what the New Homes Quality Code adds.

By Jamie Dawson · Editor ▮ Updated 07 Jul 2026 ▮ 2 min read read

A UK new-build home — the developer handover pack includes the NHBC warranty, building control certificate and appliance manuals.

Quick answer: When you buy a UK new-build, the developer should hand over a pack including the structural warranty (NHBC Buildmark or equivalent, ~10 years), the building control completion certificate, the EPC, FENSA/glazing certificates, appliance manuals and warranties, the health & safety file, drainage/service information, and details under the Consumer Code for Home Builders / New Homes Quality Code. This handover pack is the foundation of your property logbook — keep it complete, because you'll need it for snagging, warranty claims, and eventual sale.

The new-build handover checklist

☐ Structural warranty — NHBC Buildmark, LABC, Premier Guarantee, or Checkmate (~10 years)
☐ Building control completion certificate — confirms the build met Building Regulations
☐ EPC — new-builds should rate highly
☐ FENSA / glazing certificates
☐ Electrical installation certificate (EIC) and Part P compliance
☐ Gas safety / commissioning documents
☐ Appliance manuals and warranties — boiler, kitchen appliances, etc.
☐ Health & safety file — under CDM 2015
☐ Drainage and services information
☐ Consumer Code / New Homes Quality Code information
☐ Snagging list and developer's defect-resolution process
☐ Management company / estate charge details (if applicable)

The structural warranty

Most UK new-builds come with a 10-year structural warranty — NHBC Buildmark is the most common. It typically covers the developer's defect-fixing obligations in the early years and structural defects for the full term. The policy documents are essential; without them, warranty claims are difficult. Keep them safe in your logbook.

The New Homes Quality Code & Ombudsman

The New Homes Quality Code raised standards for new-build buyers, backed by the New Homes Ombudsman. It governs sales conduct, build quality, and a structured complaints process. Your developer should provide information about your rights under the Code — keep it.

Snagging

Document snags (defects) promptly, with photos and dates. Many buyers commission an independent professional snagging survey before or shortly after completion. The developer is responsible for fixing snags, typically within the early warranty period. Your records are your evidence.

Why the handover pack is your property logbook starting point

A new-build is the one time a home starts with a complete document set. Keep it intact and add to it (service records, future works) and you have a model property logbook — which makes any future sale dramatically smoother.

FAQs

What if my developer doesn't give me the documents?

Request them in writing. The building control certificate and warranty are essential — chase the developer, the warranty provider, and if needed escalate via the New Homes Ombudsman.

How long do I have to report snags?

Report early — many issues fall under the developer's initial responsibility period (often 2 years). Don't delay; document everything.

Do I need an estate management charge document?

If your new-build is on an estate with shared areas, there's often a management company and estate charge ("fleecehold" concerns). Keep the details — buyers will ask.

The UK Property Logbook series

Start here: Property logbooks: the complete guide · What goes in a property logbook? · Digital logbooks explained
The 2026 reform: Home buying & selling reform · Reform timeline · Sales packs · Logbooks vs HIPs · Property passports
Buying & selling: Conveyancing documents checklist · Material information: Parts A, B, C · Logbooks and house sales · England, Scotland, Wales & NI
Landlords & leasehold: Property logbook for landlords · Leasehold documents
Providers & costs: How to choose a provider · The RLBA provider landscape · What a logbook costs
Free tools: Sales Pack Readiness Checker · Landlord Compliance Calendar

Last reviewed 2026-06-22 by Jamie Dawson, Editor.