LABC Warranty Explained

Buying a new build home in the UK is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its own set of considerations. One of the most important, yet sometimes overlooked, is the structural warranty.

For most buyers, this isn’t just a certificate, it’s a form of protection that ensures the home is built to recognised standards and provides recourse if defects appear in the first decade. In fact, most mortgage lenders will not approve loans on a new property unless it is covered by a recognised warranty scheme.

One such scheme is the LABC New Home Warranty, administered in partnership with Local Authority Building Control (LABC). For homeowners, this warranty offers reassurance that their new property has been inspected during construction and is backed by insurance in case of structural issues.

What is Local Authority Building Control (LABC)?

Local Authority Building Control (LABC) represents building control teams across England and Wales. Its primary role is ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, which cover everything from structural integrity to fire safety and energy efficiency.

LABC surveyors inspect construction projects at key stages to ensure work is completed safely and according to legal requirements. This oversight provides a layer of quality control that complements the warranty process.

While building control approval is a legal requirement, a structural warranty is a market expectation, offering additional protection for both homeowners and lenders.

How the LABC warranty works

The LABC New Home Warranty is a 10 year cover designed to protect new build properties. Its structure is split into two phases:

• 1. The first two years cover defects that arise from workmanship or materials, where the builder is responsible for repairs.
• 2. The following eight years provide insurance against qualifying structural issues, including problems with foundations, load bearing walls and roof structures.

Because LABC Warranty works closely with Local Authority Building Control, inspections are coordinated with regulatory requirements. This partnership can reduce the likelihood of defects and gives buyers added confidence that the property meets high standards.

The warranty is widely accepted by mortgage lenders, meaning buyers can secure financing without additional hurdles. It also supports the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which promotes transparency and fairness throughout the purchase process.

Developers using LABC Warranty

Several UK homebuilders rely on the LABC Warranty for their developments. Two that are listed on newhomesforsale.co.uk are Morris Homes and Bloor Homes.

Morris Homes often includes LABC warranty coverage on their properties. By combining thorough inspections and insurance protection, they offer buyers reassurance that their new homes meet regulatory standards and are supported financially should defects arise.

Bloor Homes similarly partners with LABC Warranty for many of its developments. The warranty complements Bloor’s internal quality control measures and aligns with their reputation for customer satisfaction. Homes backed by this warranty provide buyers with a clear process for addressing any defects and long term security on structural issues.

newhomesforsale.co.uk also features a number of smaller, regional housebuilders using the LABC Warranty, including Emerald Homes, and developments such as Colindale Gardens & Ghyllgrove Place.

LABC Warranty vs NHBC Buildmark

In the UK, NHBC Buildmark is the most widely recognised structural warranty. Like LABC, it provides a 10 year policy covering an initial defects liability period and subsequent structural insurance.

The main difference is the way inspections are conducted. NHBC uses its own inspectors to monitor construction, whereas LABC Warranty involves Local Authority Building Control surveyors. This distinction can be significant for buyers seeking reassurance from public sector oversight in addition to private insurance.

From a practical perspective, both warranties are widely accepted by lenders, cover the same basic 10 year period and support the Consumer Code for Home Builders.

However, LABC’s partnership with local authorities may offer a slightly more coordinated approach to inspections, potentially catching issues earlier in the construction process.

What this means for buyers

When purchasing a new build home, understanding the warranty in place is essential. Buyers should:

• Confirm the warranty provider and the exact terms of coverage.
• Understand the two year defects period and how to report any issues.
• Keep documentation safe, as it will be required if a claim arises later.

LABC Warranty adds an extra layer of confidence by ensuring that Local Authority Building Control surveyors have monitored the property during construction.

For buyers of Morris Homes, Bloor Homes and other developers listed on newhomesforsale.co.uk, this can provide valuable reassurance that the property is structurally sound and mortgage ready.

In conclusion

Purchasing a new build home is an exciting investment, but it comes with responsibilities. The LABC New Home Warranty offers protection that goes beyond basic building regulation approval, covering structural defects and providing recourse in the first ten years of ownership.

With developers such as Morris Homes, Bloor Homes and a range of regional builders adopting this warranty, homebuyers can choose from a wide variety of properties backed by recognised protection.

While NHBC Buildmark remains the market leader, LABC Warranty provides a compelling alternative, combining public sector oversight with private insurance and consumer safeguards.

Understanding the warranty that comes with a new build home ensures peace of mind, lender acceptance and long term protection. Key factors in making one of the most significant investments of a lifetime.