The Shared Ownership Council has selected the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) to be the Code Operator for the Shared Ownership Code.
The 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 Shared Ownership Council was established to provide an independent focus on improving the shared owner experience by developing a Shared Ownership Code for housing providers. Having now achieved this purpose and ensured that the Code has a sustainable long-term home, the Council will formally conclude as intended on 16 October 2025.
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.
While similar operations 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.
The Shared Ownership Code was published in June 2025, following months of consultation with the 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.
The NHQB has established a new subsidiary organisation which will have its own board and will temporarily be chaired by Ann Santry, who has previously chaired the Shared Ownership Council.
Ann Santry 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.”
“I am incredibly grateful to our funders, pilot providers, the Social Finance delivery team and the wider ecosystem for supporting the development of the Code. This support has enabled us to achieve what we were set up to do, and we believe the transfer to NHQB will further improve the customer journey for 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.”
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.”
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “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. Housing associations are driven by their social purpose and are committed to delivering affordable, secure homes for people in housing need across the country, including shared ownership, which helps thousands of people get onto the housing ladder, who may otherwise be stuck in expensive and insecure private rented homes. However, we know that some shared owners have faced challenges with aspects of the model. That is why we fully support the Shared Ownership Code, an initiative which codifies best practice, and we encourage all housing associations to sign up to, ensuring consistency and transparency for residents.”
