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NHBC Buildmark Warranty: Your Complete 10‑Year New Home Protection Guide
The NHBC Buildmark warranty is the UK’s leading insurance-backed protection scheme, covering the purchase of newly built or converted homes. Trusted by lenders and covering around 1.2 million properties, it provides comprehensive defence against builder insolvency, structural defects, and more.
Buildmark spans 10 years, with three distinct phases:
1. Pre-completion protection – covers deposit loss or contract shortfall if a builder becomes insolvent.
2. First 2 years (Section 2) – builder warranty backed by NHBC resolution service.
3. Years 3–10 (Section 3) – insurance for structural defects and related costs.
1. Pre-Completion: Deposit Protection
From exchange to legal completion, Buildmark insures deposits and any extra payment if a builder goes bust. Typically, this is up to 10% of the purchase price (max £100,000) for the first owner
2. Years 1–2: Builder Warranty + NHBC Guarantee
During this period, the builder must address any defects arising from non‑compliance with NHBC Technical Requirements If disputes arise, NHBC offers a resolution service to mediate and enforce repairs
3. Years 3–10: Structural Insurance
Once the initial two-year warranty ends, NHBC provides its own insurance—covering foundations, walls, roofs, plumbing, and more—for damage from defects. This includes costs for upheaval of furniture or temporary relocation for works
✔ Covered: Structural defects including:
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- Load-bearing walls, roofs, external doors/windows, chimneys
- Drainage systems
- Required repair costs, plus expenses for storage or temporary accommodation
- Contaminated land remediation
✘ Not covered:
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- General wear & tear or poor maintenance
- Modifications made after handover (e.g., extensions)
- Damage from weather, accidental damage, theft, or fire
- Issues covered by other providers (e.g., appliance warranties)
Summary of insurance limits:
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- Individual homes: up to £1 million for new builds, £500k for conversions
- Shared structures: up to £25m for new builds, £5m for conversions
- Coverage increases ~5% annually to match inflation
- Individual homes: up to £1 million for new builds, £500k for conversions
- Proven history: Operating since 1936, now safeguarding ~80% of UK new homes
- Lender preference: Most mortgage providers require it for new-build lending
- Robust support: Includes NHBC’s trained dispute resolution and nationwide surveyor network.
- Inflation-adjusted cover: Limits escalate each anniversary to help match rising costs
During Years 1–2:
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- Report defects to your builder ASAP, with photos and communication logs.
- If unresolved, escalate via the NHBC resolution service after using the builder’s complaint process
During Years 3–10:
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- File directly with NHBC, providing evidence (photos, documents).
- Claims must meet the minimum claim value (MCV)—specified in your policy—otherwise NHBC will decline low-value claims
Accessing your documents:
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- Email ccsupport@nhbc.co.uk, quoting your name, address, postcode (and policy no. if known)
- Download booklets directly via the NHBC website if you have your policy number
- Email ccsupport@nhbc.co.uk, quoting your name, address, postcode (and policy no. if known)
The NHBC Buildmark warranty is more than a requirement—it’s a powerful protection package offering financial security, structural peace of mind, and lender confidence. Remember:
- Activate early: Your solicitor should activate Sections 1–3 at key stages.
- Document everything: Capture defects, maintain communication logs.
- Communicate smartly: Engage builders first, escalate to NHBC when needed.
- Review limits: Understand your policy limits and remaining coverage—especially as a subsequent buyer.
Your new home is your largest investment—NHBC Buildmark ensures that it’s also your most secure one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for cracks or damp?
I’m the second owner—what limitations apply?
What is the NHBC Technical Requirements?
