If you’re coming to the end of a development or have a property that has been built in the last ten years which does not have a structural warranty in place, lenders are unlikely to grant mortgages to prospective buyers
A retrospective structural defects insurance policy is designed to cover completed units that have not benefitted from being inspected throughout the build period. It is a requirement for all lenders and mortgage companies, so it is the key component for the sale of units.
A completed or part-completed property is viewed as a greater risk from the underwriters perspective, as the insurer has not had the opportunity to inspect and oversee key phases of the build. The increase of perceived risk for the insurer directly links to the premium cost of the warranty.
Instances where developers do not secure a warranty until after the build is structurally complete, can see the premiums increase by as much as 100% from the original cost.
Case Study
Situation
Senior broker Jamie Milne was appointed to help a leading developer in South East England secure a retrospective structural defects warranty for a 26-unit scheme with a total construction value of £7m project. Time was of the essence with this project, and it required a collaborative approach between the various stakeholders across different time zones.
Solution
Jamie obtained a broad range of commercially attractive quotes from insurance providers who were happy to offer terms on the project and not demand wide-reaching and unrealistic technical requirements that would compromise the site’s integrity.
Why choose a retrospective structural defects insurance from BuildSafe?
Part-complete and completed projects present a greater challenge to place in the insurance market. Knowing who to go to, how to present the risk and obtaining appropriate terms in a timely fashion with a cost-effective rate of premium is precisely why UK property developers choose BuildSafe to arrange their building warranties.
The company’s experts have over 40 years of experience in the property sector so you can be assured that they will handle your retrospective building warranty with good care. BuildSafe manages the entire process, enabling you to focus on the day to day running of your project.
Other benefits of its retrospective building warranty include:
- All warranties are fully compliant with the Council of Mortgage Lenders
- Accepted by all high street lenders
- Enables sale of units – Without a warranty, you will not be able to sell a house, where the purchaser intends to raise a mortgage
- First-party, 10-year insurance against major structural damage
- Cover available immediately after a satisfactory building survey.
To speak with one of BuildSafe’s advisors regarding a retrospective warranty for part complete and completed developments, fill in our contact form or call us on 020 3701 0422.
