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 rebu
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