The Shared Ownership Council has selected the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) to be the code operator for the Shared Ownership Code, which sets the standard for the quality of new homes and customer service provided by developers.
The non-profit organisation now has full responsibility for the code, including operations, governance and financial stability. The Shared Ownership Council – which was established in 2023 as a time-limited initiative with the core aim of developing a shared ownership code for housing providers – will formally conclude on 16th October.
NHQB has established a new subsidiary organisation to operate the code, with its own board of experienced non-executive directors. NHQB’s existing new homes standard – the New Homes Quality Code – will remain separate to the Shared Ownership Code, with different criteria, registrations and fees.
Ann Santry, who has chaired the Shared Ownership Council, will temporarily serve as chair and sit on the new subsidiary board for three months. ‘We’re confident that the code will be in safe and capable hands with NHQB’, she commented.
“Our shared values, combined with their experience, infrastructure, and governance, will ensure effective implementation and better outcomes for current and future shared owners. I look forward to working with NHQB over the next few months to support the transition and to encourage more providers to adopt the code.”
Bernie 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, which will also create a range of advisory panels for future review of the code, with input from stakeholder groups including public sector representatives, consumers, housing providers and the wider housing sector.
Emma Toms is chief executive of NHQB. She commented:
“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.”
Since the Shared Ownership Code was published in June 2025, 54 organisations have registered their interest, with more expected when formal applications open on 3rd November.
The National Housing Federation said it fully supports the code and encourages all housing associations to sign up. ‘We’re pleased to see the Shared Ownership Code continuing to progress with an operator that will take the reins and ensure that it is implemented with rigour, to achieve the best outcomes for residents’, chief executive Kate Henderson said.
Lenders also backed the code and its transfer to NHBQ. ‘Lloyds Banking Group has supported the Shared Ownership Council from the outset, and the transition of the code to NHQB marks an important milestone’, said Andy Dean, head of housing development & sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group.
“Entrusting it to an organisation with NHQB’s credibility and track record is a significant step forward—laying the groundwork for greater consistency, transparency and trust in shared ownership, with a continued focus on the experience and needs of customers.”
Andrew Greenwood, deputy chief executive of Leeds Building Society, added:
“Shared ownership offers a lifeline for those priced out of full ownership, and the Shared Ownership Code is an important step in raising standards, improving the experience for buyers, and strengthening shared ownership’s place in the housing market.”
The Shared Ownership Council said the decision to select NHQB was made in recognition of the strong alignment in values and aims, and confidence in the organisation’s ability to deliver on the code’s aims of standardising best practice and consumer protection for shared owners.
