What is Woningborg?
Woningborg is a Dutch warranty organisation that protects buyers of new-build homes against the financial consequences of the builder going bust and against serious defects after handover. Member builders issue a Woningborg certificate under the Garantie- en waarborgregeling Nieuwbouw when a home is sold.
What does it cover?
- Insolvency protection during construction: if the builder goes bankrupt before completion, the scheme, within its limits, arranges completion or compensation.
- Warranty after handover: according to Woningborg, the warranty generally runs for six years, starting three months after handover. For certain serious defects a longer period applies, up to ten years and three months after handover.
- Backing for repairs if the builder can no longer put defects right.
Some components have shorter periods or are excluded. The current certificate and scheme documents are binding.
Tips for buyers
- Check that the certificate is part of your purchase contract.
- Read the exclusions, such as shrinkage cracks and maintenance items.
- Have the handover inspection done with an independent surveyor.
- Report defects in writing and on time.
- Work by third parties you commission yourself is usually not covered.
Related terms
- Snagging
- Developer
- Contractor
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.