What is a new build warranty?
A new build warranty is designed to give homeowners reassurance after moving into a newly built property.
It sets out what support is available if certain issues appear in the home after you move in and also who is responsible for putting them right during the warranty period.
At Peabody, all new build homes come with an initial warranty period, often known as the defects liability period.
During this time the developer is responsible for rectifying specified defects in the property.
These may be issues caused by the design, materials, or workmanship of the new building, rather than everyday wear and tear or accidental damage.
How long does a new build warranty last?
For Peabody new build homes the defects liability period lasts for two years.
This period begins from the date the property is handed over to Peabody by the developer, which may be different from the date you complete your purchase or move into your home.
For example, if a home was handed over to Peabody in June 2026 and you completed your purchase in September 2026, the two-year defects liability period would still run from June 2026. This means the initial warranty would usually end in June 2028.
Many new build homes may also benefit from longer structural warranty cover, such as a 10-year warranty provided by organisations like NHBC.
This longer cover is separate from the first two years of defect reporting and is focused on specified structural issues, rather than general repairs or decorative items.
The first two years: reporting defects
During the first two years Peabody homeowners can report specified defects that appear in their new build home. This is called the defects liability period, and it covers issues the developer is responsible for putting right under the terms of the warranty.
It is important to report defects as soon as you notice them in order to prevent further damage.
Before reporting a problem, check any user manuals or handover information provided with your home.
Some issues are not usually classed as defects. These are things like normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or small shrinkage cracks that can be dealt with during normal redecoration.
What is covered by Peabody’s new build warranty period?
During the defects liability period, the developer is responsible for putting right specified defects in your home.
Examples of common defects include problems such as:
- Kitchen units dropping naturally at the hinges
- Loose taps
- No heating or hot water
- Door-entry systems not working
- Ventilation system issues
- Large cracks on stairs or where walls meet windows or doorframes.
There may be other types of defects depending on your building, so Peabody’s New Homes and Customer Care Team can help assess whether a reported issue falls within the warranty.
If the issue is accepted as a defect, it will be passed to the developer to arrange the necessary repair within the relevant timescale.
What is not usually covered?
Not every issue in a new build home will be treated as a defect.
The warranty does not usually cover damage caused by misuse, accidental damage, vandalism, normal wear and tear, or minor decorative issues that do not affect how the home functions.
Small cracks that can be painted over are also not usually classed as defects.
As a new home is lived in and heated, materials such as bricks, plaster and woodwork naturally shrink, which can cause small cracks in walls, ceilings and around skirting boards.
These are not normally structurally significant and can be put right through normal redecoration.
If your home was sold as seen, agreed decorative marks, scuffs or imperfections present at the time of purchase will not usually be treated as defects.
Finally, before reporting an issue, it is worth checking your handover pack and user manuals to see whether the problem can be safely resolved yourself, and making sure it is not linked to local utility works in the area.
How to report a defect in your Peabody new build home
A "defect" is the name given to any problem inside your home that the developer is contractually liable to rectify under the warranty.
You can report defects via the MyPeabody Portal.
Defects are aspects of the new home that are not performing for their intended use. They may occur because of the design, failure of materials, or poor workmanship by the developer.
It is important to report defects when they are first noticed. Someone in the New Homes and Customer Care Team will be on hand to assist you in diagnosing any repairs or defects.
Years three to ten: structural warranty cover
After the initial two-year defects liability period ends, responsibility for general defect repairs usually changes.
From years three to ten, cover is generally focused on major structural issues instead of day-to-day repairs or cosmetic items.
This longer structural warranty may be provided by organisations such as NHBC, LABC, or another approved warranty provider.
The exact terms can vary depending on the warranty policy attached to your home.
| Warranty period | What it usually covers | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| First two years | Specified defects caused by design, materials or workmanship, such as issues with heating, hot water, loose taps, ventilation, door-entry systems, leaks or large cracks. | Report the issue to Peabody as soon as you notice it, after checking your handover information and ruling out local utility works. |
| Years three to ten | Major structural issues covered by the extended warranty provider, rather than general repairs, cosmetic items or day-to-day maintenance. | Check your warranty documents and contact the relevant warranty provider if you need to make a claim after the first two years. |
What to check before and after you move in
Before you move in, it’s worth reading through the user manuals and handover information provided with the home.
These guides explain how key systems work, such as the heating, hot water, ventilation, appliances and door-entry systems.
If you are invited to a measure-up or viewing before completion, you can use this opportunity to look out for any non-decorative issues and raise them with the Sales Team member accompanying you.
Once you have moved in you should report any potential defects as soon as you notice them.
However, before reporting, check whether the problem can be safely resolved using your handover guide. Also make sure it is not being caused by local gas, water, or electrical works in the local area.
Buying a new build home with Peabody
Buying a new build home with Peabody means finding a home designed for modern living, with the added reassurance of new build warranty protection.
We offer a range of new homes across London and the surrounding home counties. These include stylish apartments to family-sized homes.
FAQs about new build warranties
A new build warranty often includes an initial two-year defects liability period, followed by longer structural warranty cover that can usually last up to ten years.
For Peabody new build homes, the two-year defects liability period will start from the date the property is handed over to Peabody by the developer, not the date you complete your purchase.
Yes. All Peabody new build homes come with an initial warranty period, commonly known as the defects liability period. During this time, the developer is responsible for rectifying specified defects that fall within the terms of the warranty.
The defects liability period is the initial two-year period where the developer is responsible for putting right specified defects in your home.
These are issues caused by design, workmanship or materials, rather than everyday use, accidental damage or normal wear and tear.
A defect is an issue inside your home that the developer is contractually responsible for fixing under the warranty.
Examples may include no heating or hot water, loose taps, toilet flushing faults, door-entry or ventilation systems not working, large cracks, leaks, or windows and doors not closing properly.
If something goes wrong during the defects liability period, contact Peabody so the issue can be assessed and, where appropriate, passed to the developer.
You can report a defect via the MyPeabody Potal.
For emergencies such as total loss of power, no water, total loss of heating in winter or anything that could cause danger, you should call Peabody’s emergency repair line on 0800 022 4040 (free from landlines) or 020 7021 4444 rather than reporting online or by email.
