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Is Homebond required for a new house?

Homebond is not a legal requirement. It is a private structural warranty scheme, but many lenders require a recognised warranty on a newly built home bought from a developer, and buyers' solicitors routinely ask for one.

Statutory protection comes from the building regulations and building control certification, not from a warranty. A warranty is a commercial product that adds an insurance layer on top.

For a developer-built house, the absence of a recognised warranty will usually be flagged by the lender. For a self-build being sold later, buyers rely more heavily on the certificate of compliance on completion and professional opinions.

What lenders typically accept

  • Homebond or an equivalent recognised scheme
  • Certificate of compliance on completion registered on BCMS
  • Architect's or engineer's opinion on compliance in older cases

Sources

Last reviewed 28 August 2026. General information only — not legal or planning advice.

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