HQM ONE
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Building more high-quality new homes that fit our current and future needs is a national priority. BRE has developed the Home Quality Mark (HQM) to provide developers with the tools and framework to differentiate, prove and communicate the benefits of their homes.
This then gives consumers, clients, financiers and the wider sector the information and reassurance about the homes they live in, finance, procure, plan or own. It provides a solution to a number of the major challenges in housebuilding today. It could be called the ‘TripAdvisor for new homes’ being a valuable tool in improving the culture around new house building.
The Mark recognises good practice guidance, processes and standards that the industry has to offer, drawing them all together in a way that can be understood by people outside the construction industry. Ultimately, building high quality new homes that are accepted by communities is the key to delivering the numbers of new homes that the Government has set out.
The HQM ONE technical manuals for new homes are now available for England, Scotland and Wales. HQM ONE builds on the beta version of the scheme, which has been operating since early 2016. BRE has received significant amounts of feedback in a variety of forms from many different people and organisations, all of which have had a hand in its evolution.
[edit] What is new about HQM ONE?
Key areas of difference to the beta version of the scheme include:
- An amended scoring / star rating system.
- A strengthening of the scheme’s quality baseline (in terms of design and construction quality).
- Introduction of updated science to keep it in line with other BREEAM schemes.
- Updates in response to feedback from the beta scheme.
- Adaptions to make the scheme usable for developments in Wales and Scotland.
HQM remains a flexible standard, suitable for all types of new homes including; private sale, all types of rental, low-rise, high-rise, urban, rural, traditional construction, modern methods / offsite, built by large or small developers and everything in between.
[edit] When can HQM ONE be used?
Registrations for HQM ONE are open from the 24 August 2018, when BRE will also be releasing the supporting tools required to complete an HQM ONE assessment.
More details can be found at: http://www.homequalitymark.com/standard
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 5 things you need to know about HQM ONE.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM.
- Differences between HQM Beta and HQM ONE.
- Flood level.
- Home Quality Mark.
- Improving home quality with HQM ONE.
- Making energy calculations more accurate with HQM.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”

























