With the demise of the Code for sustainable homes in 2015, the BRE has now brought out a voluntary scheme called the Home Quality Mark. This is a simple 5-star rating which assesses the quality of construction and performance of a new build home.
How Does The HQM Work?
The scheme uses a number of factors to rate the dwelling between 1 and 5 stars. It will show the impact on the occupant's health and wellbeing, environmental footprint, resilience to flooding, overheating in a changing climate and also evaluate the digital connectivity and performance of the new home as our reliance on new technology becomes ever more critical.
Why Choose HQM For Your Development?
The Home Quality Mark offers a clear, independent way to demonstrate the quality of your new build home. It provides reassurance to buyers, local authorities, and lenders that your project meets high standards across a range of important areas. From thermal comfort to energy use, material choices, and environmental impact, HQM covers the full spectrum of what makes a home truly well built. Using the HQM framework early in the design process helps shape better, more responsible decisions from the outset.
Benefits For Builders & Developers
For developers, HQM adds value to your scheme by giving your homes a recognised and respected quality rating. It can improve your reputation, support marketing efforts, and give buyers confidence in your build. Some local planning authorities may also view HQM as a positive indicator of sustainable development, helping to strengthen your planning application. Achieving a high HQM rating also reflects positively in post-occupancy reviews, making it easier to build long-term trust with homeowners and stakeholders.
What The Assessment Covers
An HQM assessment goes beyond energy performance. It looks at a broad range of criteria including daylight, noise levels, thermal comfort, pollution, water usage, and digital connectivity. It also reviews the sustainability of materials used, the resilience of the building to future climate impacts, and how well the home supports the health and wellbeing of its occupants.
Tailored Support Throughout The Process
At Energy & Design Ltd, we guide you through every stage of the HQM process. From early advice on achievable star ratings to completing the assessment and submitting it to BRE, we handle the details so you can stay focused on the build. Our team helps interpret the HQM criteria, provide solutions where needed, and coordinate with your Architects and Consultants to gather the required evidence. This makes the process smoother and less time-consuming for everyone involved.
A Smarter Way To Build Better Homes
More buyers are asking questions about comfort, running costs, and environmental impact. HQM helps you give clear, credible answers. It reflects the shift towards responsible building practices and gives Developers a practical way to prove quality without adding unnecessary complexity. Whether you’re working on one home or a multi-unit site, HQM is a smart way to show that your homes meet today’s expectations and are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.