LiveWest, one of the largest housing providers of shared ownership homes and part of Bromford Flagship LiveWest, has become the first housing provider to adopt the Shared Ownership Code, the code of practice designed to improve transparency, fairness and service quality for shared owners and prospective shared owners.
Operated by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), the Code establishes a clear, consistent standard for how over 200,000 shared ownership homes across the UK are marketed, sold and managed, from first enquiry through to living in the home and eventual resale.
The Code aligns and supports regulatory framework requirements including the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards, Homes England Capital Funding Guide and the GLA Service Charge Charter.
As the largest housing provider in the South West, LiveWest owns and manages 5,415 shared ownership properties, and was one of eight housing providers that piloted the draft Code prior to its formal launch in 2025.
The Code aims to ensure that customers benefit from a smoother and fairer experience, transparent information on costs, responsibilities and processes so they always know what to expect, and stronger protection and safeguards that go beyond current minimum standards.
It also gives providers a clear framework to strengthen governance, support consistent delivery and build trust and credibility with customers, lenders and policymakers.
Emma Toms, chief executive of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), said:“As operator of the New Homes Quality Code, we have demonstrated that a robust framework – one with clear expectations around customer service and transparent complaints procedures – meaningfully improves the homebuying experience and drives up standards across the industry.”
“We are proud to extend that same rigour to shared ownership, and delighted that LiveWest has become the first housing provider to adopt the Code. We want to see others follow their lead and help embed a higher, consistent standard across the sector.”
Russell Baldwinson, executive director of development and investment for Bromford Flagship LiveWest, said:“Becoming the first organisation to become compliant with the Shared Ownership Code reflects our clear commitment to transparency, accountability and high standards for our customers.”
“Shared ownership plays an important role in helping people access home ownership, and it is essential that customers have confidence in both the service they receive and the organisations providing it.”
“By signing up to the Code at an early stage, we are demonstrating leadership and setting a clear benchmark for customer-focused practice within the sector.”
“We believe this Code will help drive greater consistency and trust across shared ownership, delivering long-term benefits for customers and the wider housing sector.”
