​BLOG

Building insurance for flats can involve several owners, one shared building and questions about who arranges the cover. If you own a flat, share the freehold or manage the building, check the lease and management arrangements first. These can also help confirm which building the rebuild cost assessment needs to cover. This guide explains who may arrange cover in England and Wales, what a rebuild cost assessment for flats should consider and when the figure may need a review.

Construction costs in the UK have not all moved in the same direction during the first half of 2026. Building materials cost more overall than they did a year ago, although some products have fallen in price. Average pay across the construction industry has changed very little. The prices contractors agree for building work are still rising, but more slowly than some of their costs. For brokers and property owners, national figures are a useful guide to what is happening acro

Property values are back in the news following Andy Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street. Before becoming Prime Minister, Burnham called for Council Tax reform and questioned why homes in England are still placed into bands using property values from 1991. News coverage has since explored several possible changes, including updated bands and taxes linked to property or land value. However, at the time of writing, no detailed plan for wider Council Tax reform has been announced

Two historic homes can look almost identical. They may be the same age, similar in size and in the same area. Yet the amount needed to rebuild them after a major fire, flood or other serious damage can be very different. The point that we always come back to is this: The amount a building is insured for should reflect the likely cost of rebuilding it, rather than what the property would sell for. What do “listed” and “heritage” mean? A listed building has legal protection bec

Only 6% of listed buildings are accurately insured, with 79% underinsured and 15% overinsured. In total, 94% were insured for the wrong amount. The underinsurance gap is particularly stark. Listed buildings that were underinsured were covered, on average, for just 64% of their required rebuild cost. “Listed buildings often carry rebuild cost details that are easy to underestimate from an insurance point of view,” said Johnny Thomson, Head of Strategic Planning at RebuildCostA

Energy efficiency upgrades are now a familiar part of property ownership. Solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage, better insulation, triple glazing and sustainable materials are increasingly common in UK homes and commercial buildings. But one important insurance question can easily be missed: if a building becomes greener, would the rebuild cost still cover what it would take to put it back as it now stands? At RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com, we have already looked at how ener

The Building Safety Act 2022 has made rebuild cost assessments more complex for some buildings in England. Today, building safety compliance is an important consideration for affected higher-risk buildings and other complex properties where reinstatement would need to meet current building regulations. “The Building Safety Act has changed the way risk, responsibility and building information are managed for affected high-rise residential buildings,” Gautham Rajendar, Technica

Our latest Infographic found that 93% of UK properties are insured for the wrong amount. The regional breakdown behind that figure shows why location still matters when calculating rebuild value. National figures show the scale of the issue. Regional data helps show where inaccurate sums insured are more common. Local differences in labour, logistics, site access and planning rules can all affect rebuild costs, which is why a national average can miss important local detail.

In 2026, rebuild cost accuracy is under pressure from five key areas: labour capacity, regulatory standards, material price variation, property complexity and the age of the valuation. It is no longer enough for a sum insured to look plausible. It also needs to be supported by evidence that reflects current reinstatement conditions. “Rebuild cost accuracy is about more than the price of materials,” said Gautham Rajendar, Technical Lead at RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com. “It’s a co

When should a property alteration prompt a rebuild cost assessment? Property alterations can improve a building, but they can also change its rebuild cost. Where works materially affect a building’s size, layout, specification or services, the sum insured may need to be reviewed. “It is a common misconception that smaller renovation projects will not affect the rebuild cost of a property,” said Sharon Masters AIIRSM MARLA, Technical Lead and Surveyor at RebuildCostASSESSMENT.

A new regional breakdown of RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com’s latest data has revealed just how unevenly inaccurate building insurance is spread across the UK, with Wales, the North West and Northern Ireland emerging as some of the areas most exposed to underinsurance. Based on the latest RCA analysis, 70% of properties in the UK are underinsured overall, while 23% are overinsured. That leaves only a small minority covered for the right amount, reinforcing the scale of the challeng

Commercial properties across the UK face a growing risk of underinsurance in 2026 as rebuild costs and compliance requirements continue to change. Rising rebuild costs, regulatory change and more complex rebuilding requirements can leave even well-managed portfolios underinsured if sums insured are not kept up to date. “Commercial reinstatement is inherently more complicated than domestic rebuilding,” said Gautham Rajendar, Technical Lead for Commercial Properties at...

Materials inflation has eased. Labour costs remain elevated and that is where reinstatement values can shift most quickly. Recent government data shows materials price growth easing, with the “All Work” materials index rose 3.3% in the year to December 2025. However, construction earnings data and insurer commentary continue to highlight labour shortages and sustained pay growth. Where skilled trades are constrained, repair and reinstatement costs can remain under pressure. “

If you’ve ever seen “desktop” and “site” rebuild cost assessments and thought, “Right… but what’s the actual difference — and does it matter?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we’re most often asked by people coming to us for the first time. And the honest answer is: both options can be the right one – it just depends on the building, the level of complexity, and what you need the valuation to stand up to. What do “desktop” and “site” actually mean? A desktop rebui

Renewal season is approaching, and for many property owners, that means one crucial question: does your current sum insured still reflect today’s rebuild cost? In 2026, the answer is often “no.” With rebuild costs still rising and insurers tightening their focus on valuation accuracy, renewal reviews are now essential to avoiding both underinsurance and unnecessary premium spend. To understand the scale of inaccurate property insurance in the UK, take a look at our latest inf

Construction costs across the UK remain high as we enter winter 2026. While inflation has slowed in the broader economy, rebuild costs continue to rise – driven by elevated labour rates, material inputs, and regulatory pressures. For property owners and insurance professionals, this means one thing: regular, data-driven review of sums insured is more critical than ever. Rebuild costs still rising “While the headline rate might look moderate, the detail tells a different story

Possession rules in England changed in May 2026. If you need to regain possession of a property, the steps depend on the circumstances. It’s also worth checking what your policy covers if rent goes unpaid. Three types of cover support this: Rent Guarantee Insurance Landlord Legal Expenses Insurance Loss of Rent Insurance RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com is a RICS-regulated company and offers expert guidance on a major risk many landlords miss: underinsurance. If your building is in

Thatched properties are some of the most beautiful homes in the UK, full of history, character, and craftsmanship. But they’re also among the most complex when it comes to insurance. Because every thatched home is unique, estimating what it would cost to rebuild can be difficult. Most people run to free online calculators, which are even more of a risk. If your building's insurance hasn’t been reviewed for a while, there’s a real risk it no longer reflects the true rebuild co

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. Its first phase of reforms for England’s private rented sector took effect on 1 May 2026. Other measures are being introduced in stages, and some changes to housing standards have separate implementation timelines. While much of the attention has centred on tenant protections and the end of “no-fault” evictions, the law could also reshape the financial landscape for landlords and insurers, particularly whe

Landlord insurance quotes in the UK can vary a lot – not only in price, but in what they actually cover. Before you compare policies or look for the lowest premium, it helps to understand what drives those costs and how to make a fair comparison. A key factor is your property’s rebuild cost – the amount every insurer uses to set your premium. If that figure is wrong, the rest of your cover can quickly fall apart. Recent data from over 43,000 assessments by RebuildCostASSESSME

Landlord insurance add-ons: are they really protecting you? Landlord insurance can include add-ons for unpaid rent, legal costs, accidental damage and urgent repairs. Each is designed for a different risk. Understanding what each covers can help landlords choose protection that fits their property and tenancy. Rebuild cost is most relevant to buildings cover. If the sum insured is too low and the policy includes an average clause, a buildings claim may be reduced. Rent guaran

Inaccurate building insurance continues to pose significant risks across the UK, with the latest property insurance infographic from...

The government has confirmed that a Building Safety Levy will come into effect on 1 October 2026 . It’s part of the ongoing reforms...

Protecting your investment the right way At RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com, our mission is clear: to eradicate inaccurate building sums insured across the UK. This problem affects more landlords than many realise. 76% of UK properties are underinsured. As a result, many landlords risk financial loss and may even breach their mortgage terms. This guide gives landlords the clarity they need. If you are letting a flat for the first time, or managing several properties, it explains wh

RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com has released a new guide revealing how construction labour shortages are driving up rebuild costs and leaving a...

What’s included in a commercial building insurance valuation? Y ou probably already know that rebuild cost is a key figure when looking...

If you’re in the middle of comparing quotes for commercial building insurance – whether it’s for a renewal or a newly acquired property –...

The 79% wake-up call: Most commercial properties are underinsured Our data shows that 79% of commercial properties in the UK are...

If your fire insurance quote was quick and easy to get, it might not cover the real risks your property faces. Many commercial property owners believe that their policy will do until a claim reveals the gaps. In 2021, UK insurers paid out £1.3 billion in fire-related property claims. Yet 69% of commercial buildings are still underinsured. The main reason? The rebuild cost used in the quote is often too low. Many fire insurance quotes miss key details, such as: Accurate rebuil

Understanding commercial property insurance: more than just a policy Whether you run a busy shop or work from a spare room at home,...

Many landlords think that passing insurance costs to tenants protects them from risk. But what if this approach is leaving you exposed to legal and financial problems? It’s common for landlords to take out building insurance and then recover the cost from tenants through a clause in the lease, often called “insurance rent.” This might seem simple, but it can lead to unexpected issues. Even if the tenant pays, the landlord usually remains legally responsible for the building.

It’s a common assumption that a free online rebuild cost calculator will give you an accurate idea of how much to insure your home for....

The cost to rebuild your property isn't just about bricks and mortar, it's shaped by a number of key factors that many homeowners overlook. If your current insurance cover is based on guesswork or outdated figures, you could be exposed to the risk of underinsurance. Understanding what contributes to your rebuild cost is essential to ensure your policy is accurate and effective. Why rebuild cost accuracy matters Your rebuild cost represents the amount it would take to reconstr

The impact of 'Liberation Day' on the world's stock markets has been immediate and significant, but how will Trump's tariffs affect...

Commercial property insurance coverage protects buildings from risks like fire, floods, and damage. But having a policy doesn’t always mean full protection. The type of policy and how accurate your rebuild costs are will determine if you have enough insurance. This will help you avoid a costly shortfall later. Many think buildings insurance for commercial property covers everything, but policies differ. Some only cover the building. Others add business interruption insurance

Finding low cost commercial insurance is a top priority for many business owners and landlords. But while saving money is important, it’s just as crucial to make sure your policy gives you the right protection. The cheapest option might not cover everything you need – especially when it comes to rebuild costs, liability cover, and policy exclusions. With insurance prices going up and many businesses at risk of being underinsured, knowing what affects your commercial building

How do you cut 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions without sacrificing efficiency? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t involve giving up your morning...

Once upon a time, Goldilocks wandered into the home of three unsuspecting bears… but this time, she wasn’t tasting porridge – she was...

Thinking about renovating your home? Whether it’s a sleek new kitchen, an expansive loft conversion, or even just a luxurious marble...

Owning a commercial property comes with risks. Without the right commercial landlord insurance, a single event could lead to expensive repairs, legal claims, or lost rental income. Fires, storms, and vandalism can cause costly damage. If a tenant or visitor makes a legal claim, landlords may face large payouts. Without proper insurance, these costs could seriously affect your business. A common issue is underinsurance - when a policy does not cover the full cost of rebuilding

When looking into insurance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information out there. That’s why our guides are here to answer common questions about property insurance in a clear and simple way. This guide focuses on the key things you need to know about commercial building insurance. Let’s start with the basics... What is commercial building insurance? It is an essential safeguard for property owners. This insurance protects you from unexpected events that could lead

When it comes to protecting your home, the type of construction plays a big role in determining the kind of insurance you need. Many homeowners are familiar with standard construction homes, built with brick walls and tiled or slate roofs. But if your home falls into the category of a non-standard build, finding the right insurance can be a bit more complex. With unique properties, such as steel-framed houses or timber-framed cottages, standard insurance policies may not prov

Is building insurance a legal requirement or just a recommended safeguard? You’re not the only person to ask this question. With all the costs involved with owning a home these days, home insurance can feel like just another frustrating expense. You might also be asking yourself whether it’s worth it at all. Couldn’t you save a few pennies by doing away with it? You’ve come to the right place. This blog will help clarify when buildings insurance may be required, the differe

It’s easy to feel a bit lost when trying to pick the right home insurance cover. With so much fine print and a range of add-ons and extras on offer, it’s hard to know what’s right for your property. Do you need every additional feature, or are there some that you could skip to save on premiums? And most importantly, how do you choose the right type of cover to protect your home without stretching your budget? We know how puzzling all the insurance jargon can be. That’s why we

Everyone knows that renovations can be just as stressful as they are exciting. Undertaking any home improvement project comes with risks, and one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is poor workmanship. Shoddy construction or faulty installations can lead to significant problems and costly repairs. Unfortunately, many homeowners assume that their insurance coverage will protect them from these risks, but it's important to understand what’s covered and what’s not. Ensuring

Imagine your boiler breaking down on a cold winter night, or a sudden burst pipe flooding your home. These things aren’t just inconvenient — they’re the kinds of emergencies that demand immediate attention. That’s where home emergency cover (sometimes called ‘home assistance cover’) comes in. It’s a much-needed safety net that ensures you can address these unexpected disasters without delays or out-of-pocket costs. Read on to find out if this extra layer of protection is rig

When it comes time to insure your new home or choose a new insurance policy for your existing property, you’re probably going to Google search ‘best home insurance’ or something similar. That search query is going to throw up a lot of responses including the terms ‘building insurance’ and ‘home insurance’. And then the confusion begins. What is building insurance vs home insurance? Aren’t they the same thing? Or do I need two different policies? How much is this going to cos

When your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire, flood, or another unexpected disaster, finding somewhere else to stay can be really stressful (and expensive!). This is where alternative accommodation insurance comes in handy, providing financial protection if the worst happens. But does your buildings insurance cover this, or do you need a separate policy? In this post, we’ll look at the importance of alternative accommodation cover, discuss the types of accommodation avail

Understanding your sum insured for home insurance is one of the most important aspects of your insurance policy. After all, it’s the amount you’ll rely on if something goes wrong, like a fire, flood, or other unexpected event. Getting this right means the difference between being fully covered or facing a hefty financial shortfall. Many homeowners mistakenly think they’re covered for the property’s market value, but that’s not always the case. In this blog, we’ll explain why

Buying a home, whether it’s your first home or not, is a really exciting time. But before you can move in and get settled, there are a few things you need to take care of! One of these is insurance. Building insurance when buying a house is an essential step in protecting your new investment. It covers the cost of rebuilding your home if it's damaged by events like fire, storms, or even vandalism. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of becoming a homeowner, arr