NHBC Warranty Explained

Built for today. Protected for tomorrow.

Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, so it is reassuring to know your investment is protected from the day you move in. Every home we build at Abel Homes comes with a 10-year NHBC Buildmark warranty — independent, industry-backed cover that begins when you collect your keys and stays with the home for a full decade.

Below we explain, in plain English, exactly what your NHBC warranty covers, how that cover changes over the ten years, what to do if something is not right, and why it gives you genuine peace of mind when you buy new.

Who are the NHBC?

The National House-Building Council (NHBC) is the UK’s leading independent provider of warranty and insurance for new-build homes, and has been raising standards and protecting homeowners since 1936.

The NHBC sets the technical Standards that house builders must meet, and inspects new homes at key stages as they are built. It is independent of any builder, is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, and is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Because every Abel home is built to NHBC Standards and inspected during construction, your warranty reflects the care and quality that has gone into it.

What is the NHBC Buildmark warranty?

Buildmark is the NHBC’s 10-year warranty and insurance policy for new and newly converted homes. It is not one single block of cover — it works in three stages, each protecting you in a different way as your home moves from purchase to completion and through your first decade of ownership.

 

Stage 1 — Before you move in: deposit protection

From the moment you exchange contracts through to legal completion, Buildmark protects your deposit. In the unlikely event that your builder became insolvent and was unable to complete your home, the policy provides deposit protection up to the limits set out in your policy. It means the money you commit during the buying process is safeguarded.

Stage 2 — The first two years: your builder warranty

During the first two years from legal completion, Abel Homes is responsible for putting right anything in your home that does not meet NHBC Standards. If something needs attention, you simply tell us and we resolve it at our own cost, within a reasonable time. This is known as the builder warranty period.

In the rare event that we could not resolve something to your satisfaction, the NHBC provides a free resolution service to assess the issue and decide what needs to be done, and it guarantees the builder’s obligations. 

Stage 3 — Years three to ten: NHBC insurance cover

From the third year to the tenth, cover is provided directly by the NHBC as an insurance policy. If physical damage is caused by a defect in one of the specified structural parts of your home — for example the foundations, load-bearing walls, roof, chimneys, staircases and certain other structural elements — the NHBC will arrange to put it right, or pay for the work to be done.

A minimum claim value applies at this stage, which is shown in your policy documents. This part of the cover is focused on the structure of your home rather than cosmetic finishes.

What your warranty covers — and what it doesn’t

In simple terms, Buildmark protects you where a genuine defect means your home does not meet NHBC Standards — from deposit protection before completion, to our own responsibility to put things right in the first two years, to NHBC insurance for structural problems in years three to ten.

•     It does not cover general wear and tear or the everyday maintenance every home needs

•     It does not cover cosmetic damage reported late, or normal shrinkage and condensation that is not caused by a defect

•     It does not cover your contents, appliances or floor coverings, or changes made to the home after completion

•     It is not a substitute for buildings and contents insurance — you should arrange your own cover for events such as storm, fire, flood and accidental damage from the day you complete

Your own policy documents set out the full terms, limits and any exclusions that apply to your specific home, so please keep them somewhere safe.

Transferable — and reassuring if you sell

Your NHBC cover stays with the home, not just the first owner. If you decide to sell within the 10-year period, the remaining warranty transfers automatically to the new owner — you simply pass on your policy documents. This added assurance can make your home more attractive to buyers and help support its resale value.

Backed by the way we build

The NHBC warranty is the industry’s guarantee sitting on top of our own commitment to quality. We have been building contemporary, energy-efficient homes across Norfolk since 1992, our site managers have been recognised with NHBC Pride in the Job awards, and every home is inspected at multiple stages during construction. Your purchase is also protected by the Consumer Code for Home Builders and by our own Customer and Neighbour Charter, so you are looked after before, during and long after your move.

Frequently asked questions

Is every new Abel home covered by an NHBC warranty?

Yes. Every home we build comes with a 10-year NHBC Buildmark warranty, which begins on legal completion.

Who looks after the first two years?

Abel Homes. During the first two years we are responsible for putting right anything that does not meet NHBC Standards, at our own cost.

Who covers years three to ten?

The NHBC, as an insurance policy, covers the cost of putting right damage caused by a defect in the specified structural parts of your home.

Does the warranty transfer if I sell my home?

Yes. The remaining cover transfers automatically to the new owner — you just pass on your policy documents.

Does it cover wear and tear or cosmetic issues?

No. The warranty covers defects against NHBC Standards and structural problems, not everyday wear and tear. Report any cosmetic points early during your move-in checks.

Do I still need buildings and contents insurance?

Yes. Your NHBC warranty is not a substitute for home insurance, which covers events such as storm, fire, flood and accidental damage. Arrange your own cover from the day you complete.

Where are my policy documents?

You will receive your Buildmark documents when you buy your home. Keep them safe, and the NHBC can help you locate your policy if you cannot find it.