The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has been selected as the operator of the Shared Ownership Code, in a move that has been welcomed by leading housing bodies.

From today (7 October), NHQB – the non-profit organisation which sets the standard for the quality of new homes and the customer service provided by developers in the UK – will take full responsibility for the code, including its operations, governance and financial stability.

The move marks the official handover of the code from the Shared Ownership Council, which was established as a time-limited initiative to provide an independent focus on improving the shared owner experience

The Shared Ownership Code was published in June 2025, following months of extensive consultation with industry and consumers. Since then, 54 organisations have already registered interest in adopting – a number expected to grow when formal applications open on 3 November 2025.

According to the Shared Ownership Council, the decision to select NHQB as the code operator was made in recognition of the “strong alignment” in values and aims, and confidence in NHQB’s ability to ensure the code delivers on its purpose of standardising best practice and consumer protection for shared owners.

To operate the code, NHQB has established a new subsidiary organisation which will have its own board with a range of experienced non-executive directors. Ann Santry, who has chaired the Shared Ownership Council, will temporarily serve as chair and sit on the subsidiary board for three months.

Bernadette Conroy, the industry consultant who co-led the code’s pilot and engaged with providers, will also support for three months. New employees with sector experience are currently being recruited by NHQB to bolster its team with additional skills to operate the code.

Ann Santry, Chair of the Shared Ownership Council, said: “We’re confident that the code will be in safe and capable hands with NHQB. Our shared values, combined with their experience, infrastructure, and governance, will ensure effective implementation and better outcomes for current and future shared owners.”

Emma Toms, Chief Executive of NHQB, said: “NHQB brings a proven track record and deep expertise from running the New Homes Quality Code, which already covers over 56% of all new build homes in Britain. We look forward to applying this experience to the Shared Ownership Code, ensuring shared homeowners benefit from high standards of protection and quality. We are confident that through this support, the sector can responsibly expand access to home ownership in the UK while upholding high standards of quality, customer protection, and satisfaction.”

While the Regulator of Social Housing, the National Housing Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing have all welcomed the move, a group established to champion the interests of shared owners has sounded a note of caution.

Sue Phillips, founder of Shared Ownership Resources, said: “The choice of the New Homes Quality Board to operate the Shared Ownership Council’s Shared Ownership Code is welcome.

“However, taking on the council’s code is not the same thing as incorporating shared ownership into the existing NHQB code for new homes. Although operations similar to those used for NHQB’s New Homes Quality Code will be applied to the Shared Ownership Code, both codes will remain separate, with different criteria, registrations and fees.

“It is vital not to end up with a two-tier code of practice with entrants to the shared ownership scheme continuing to be disadvantaged by fewer rights and protections than other homebuyers.

“There are some encouraging signs. NHQB plans to create a range of advisory panels for future review of the Code – gathering input from different stakeholder groups, including ‘consumers’.”