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.