5 Emerging Building Risks Every UK Property Owner Should Know About in 2026 Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance Block of Flats Unoccupied Home Insurance Residential Landlord Land Liability Commercial Property Lockup Garage Restaurant Takeaway Classic Car Mixed Use Tradesmen Why choose the Property Insurance Centre [...]
Who Is Responsible for Buildings Insurance in a Block of Flats? If you own, manage, or live in a block of flats, one of the most common questions is also one of the most important: who is actually responsible for arranging the building's insurance? In most cases, the answer is the freeholder. But it is not always that simple. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance Who Is Responsible for Buildings Insurance in a Block of Flats Depends on a Variety of Factors Depending on how the building is owned and managed, the responsibility may sit with the freeholder, a residents’ management company (RMC), a Right to Manage (RTM) company, or, in some cases, another party named in the [...]
Why Global Investors Keep Backing UK Rental Living A sector that has moved centre stage For global real estate capital, UK rental living has become more than a defensive play. It is now one of the clearest long-term conviction themes in the market. That covers more than traditional build-to-rent apartments. In practice, “rental living” now extends to multifamily housing, single-family rentals, purpose-built student accommodation, affordable housing, and later-living. What links them is simple: recurring income, structural undersupply and demand that is proving more resilient than many mainstream commercial sectors. The UK’s appeal is not hard to understand. The country combines deep capital markets, a large rental base, transparent legal structures and a chronic housing shortage. Even after the sharp repricing caused by higher interest rates, the core investment case has not weakened. In many ways, it has become stronger. This feature examines why. Get a Quote [...]
Landlord insurance in the UK in 2026 Landlord insurance has always been a mix of “boring but essential” (buildings, liability) and “only matters when it really matters” (escape of water, rent guarantee, legal expenses). In 2026, the mix shifts. The big story is that risk is being pushed towards landlords from two directions at once: Tenancy law change (a new system and different possession dynamics) Claims pressure (weather events, repair costs, longer reinstatement timelines) This article breaks down what that means in plain English, and what a sensible landlord does about it. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance 1. The policy shock in 2026: tenancy reform becomes “real” From 1 May 2026, the UK’s new tenancy regime is [...]
UK Budget 2025: What It Really Means for Landlords Rachel Reeves’ 2025 Budget is very clearly aimed at “taxing income from assets more like income from work” – and landlords are firmly in the crosshairs. Here’s a straight-talking breakdown of what’s changed, when it kicks in, and what it’s likely to mean for your portfolio and cashflow. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance 1. The big one: 2% tax rise on rental income From April 2027, tax on property income (including rental income) rises by 2 percentage points across the board. New property income rates will be: 22% for basic-rate taxpayers (up from 20%) 42% for higher-rate taxpayers (up from 40%) 47% for additional-rate taxpayers (up from 45%) This is on [...]
What Does Blocks of Flats Insurance Actually Cover (and Not Cover)? Blocks of flats insurance is one of those things everyone thinks they understand… right up until there’s a serious leak, fire or liability claim and people start asking: “Is that actually covered?” Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to what block of flats insurance usually covers – and just as importantly, what it usually does not. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance What is block of flats insurance in simple terms? Block of flats insurance is a specialist buildings policy designed to cover: The structure of the building (walls, roof, floors, communal areas, etc.) The freeholder / landlord / management company’s legal responsibilities Some financial losses connected to damage (like loss [...]
Passivhaus Insurance: What insurance does a Passivhaus need? Building or buying a Passivhaus in the UK doesn’t require exotic insurance—but it does demand smart choices and clear disclosure. From day-one site cover and JCT options on a new build or EnerPHit retrofit, through to the 10-year structural warranty at completion and a home policy that recognises “non-standard” fabric and renewables, the aim is simple: protect the works, the people, and the long-term performance you’ve invested in. This guide breaks down the essentials so you can insure a Passivhaus properly, avoid gaps, and keep premiums proportionate to the real risks. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance If you’re building (new build or EnerPHit retrofit) Site insurance / Contract Works [...]
Preparing for lift-off: Passivhaus social housing in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is finally catching a strong Passivhaus tailwind. With momentum building across housing associations and local authorities, the region is moving from pilots to pipelines: ultra-low-energy homes are starting to be treated as standard, not showcase one-offs. Get a Quote Main image and above photo courtesy of Deposit Photos Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance Passivhaus Social Housing - what’s changed? Two things: confidence and capacity. Confidence because early local schemes now have people living in them, with monitoring showing lower bills and better indoor comfort. Capacity because training—boosted by free designer and trades courses—has expanded the pool of teams who can actually deliver to the standard. Add to that [...]
A Wake-Up Call for UK Property Owners: Only 7% Are Correctly Insured Recent data drawn from over 43,000 comprehensive property assessments reveals a startling reality: only 7% of UK properties are insured accurately, while 70% are underinsured and 23% are over-insured. This points to a widespread miscalibration in property insurance cover, carrying serious financial risks for property owners, insurers, and stakeholders across the built environment. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance The Numbers Behind the Claims That Affect UK Property Owners The data shows that: 7% of properties had sums insured that matched estimated rebuild costs. 70% were underinsured, meaning the insured sum was too low. 23% were overinsured, with sums insured higher than necessary. While there has [...]
Landlords warned: bolting Awaab’s Law onto existing policies won’t workUK focus • Social housing now, PRS next • Practical steps + insurance implicationsThe Housing Ombudsman has warned landlords not to create “Frankenstein procedures” by simply bolting Awaab’s Law onto existing repairs or complaints policies. Translation: this isn’t a tweak—it’s an end-to-end operating change.Below is a clear, practical guide to what the law requires, why bolt-ons will fail, what to change operationally, and how insurance fits in. Additionally, an opinion piece in The Guardian newspaper raises the question about: "Some tenants can now force landlords to make their home liveable. What about the thousands who can’t?" Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance What Awaab’s Law actually requires (Phase 1 from 27 [...]
How Retrofitting Affects Property Insurance in the UK Retrofitting—whether to improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, or strengthen climate resilience—has a direct effect on property insurance. In the UK, the impact depends on the type of retrofit, the quality of the work, and how insurers assess the change in risk profile. Strategic Insight from Industry Commentary An article published on 14th August 2025 on Inside Housing states, “Now is the time to stop looking at retrofit in isolation,” urges social housing landlords and property owners to embed retrofit strategies within broader asset management programmes, rather than treating them as one-off projects. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance This integrated approach ensures that retrofits align with ongoing maintenance, budget planning, [...]
Today, on 4th August 2025, I felt inspired to write this article as we still have power for the moment, even though the headline in the Belfast Telegraph says, "Power cuts across NI and flights cancelled as Storm Floris weather warning in force." In the UK, the BBC's headline states: "Trains cancelled and events called off as Storm Floris brings wind and rain to the UK."
Will Universal Credit Pay Your Tenant’s Rent? The Answer Isn’t Simple If you're a landlord, you've probably asked yourself: “Will Universal Credit cover my tenant’s rent?” The short answer? Sometimes. The long answer? Let’s break it down. What Is Universal Credit and How Does It Affect Rent? Universal Credit (UC) is a monthly payment from the government designed to help people with living costs, including housing. For tenants renting privately, a portion of their UC payment can go toward rent. But that money usually goes directly to the tenant, not the landlord. That’s where things can get complicated. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance Tenants Are Paid Directly—But That Doesn’t Mean You Get Paid Universal Credit is designed [...]
Unoccupied Commercial Property Owners Insurance Specialists, Est. 1976 Listen to What Is Unoccupied Commercial Property Owners Insurance explained by one of our directors What Is Unoccupied Commercial Property Owners Insurance? here are some important points regarding unoccupied commercial property owners' insurance. When your commercial property becomes empty, such as in between lease, your policy will provide cover for limited perils. The insurer will also place some important conditions on the policy that you must comply with. Failure to comply with these conditions in the event of a claim may result in claims being declined or not settled in full. When your commercial property becomes unoccupied, you should check the coverage and steps to comply with the new conditions. You must also ensure that the building has an up-to-date electrical certificate, even if the building is empty and the electrics are switched off. To [...]
Residential Landlord's Insurance Specialists, Est. 1976 Listen to What is Residential Landlord's Insurance explained by one of our directors What Is Residential Landlord's Insurance? A landlord will have numerous responsibilities to their tenant. Not least, they will have a responsibility to have the correct insurance in place, whilst exercising a Duty of Care to any one on the premises. A landlord must ensure all Gas and Electrical Installation are compliant with the law, such as annual checks on a Gas Boiler. Insurance for Residential Landlords is also essential, especially when faced with a trip or fall, the correct Liability cover should be in place. To Discover What Residential Landlord's Insurance Is Either Listen To The Audio Above Or Read This Short Informative Article Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many [...]
Commercial Property Owners Insurance Specialists, Est. 1976 Listen to Commercial Property Owners Insurance explained by one of our directors What Is Commercial Property Owners Insurance? Having adequate insurance cover for your Commercial Building is essential. If you are responsible for a Commercial Building it is imperative you choose the correct policy and pay close attention to the Conditions of the Policy. This is especially the case if you let the commercial premises to your tenant – for example, you must ensure that there an operating Fire Alarm or current Electrical Certificate in place – don’t take the chance of leaving this to your tenant even if there is an agreement your tenant. This can lead to repudiated claims Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of an insurance policy for a typical small or medium-sized business. To Discover What Commercial Property [...]
Business and Retail Insurance Specialists, Est. 1976 Listen to Business and Retail Insurance explained by one of our directors What Is Business and Retail Insurance? Business Owners are well aware of the importance of having the correct insurance policy for their business. Business Owners not only have to think about insuring their stock or contents, but will also have to consider having the correct Liability Cover on the policy. If you are a business owner, you should also consider having a Legal Expenses Policy in place. This can be added to the main business policy or taken out as a separate stand-alone policy. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a Insurance Policy for a typical small or medium sized business. To Discover What Business And Retail Insurance Is Either Listen To The Audio Above Or Read This Short Informative [...]
Block of Flats Insurance Specialists, Est. 1976 Listen to Block of Flats Insurance explained by one of our directors How Does Insurance Work In A Block Of Flats? Insuring your property under the correct type of policy is essential. Whether you are a Leaseholder of a converted house with 2 flats, or an owner of a flat within a purpose built block of flats with 20 other flats owners or tenants, a property owners policy will cater for the building only. Occupants will then need to consider a Contents Policy or Tenants Contents policy should they require cover for their belongings and include Liability Cover from within their own unit. To Discover How Does Insurance Work In A Block Of Flats Either Listen To The Audio Above Or Read This Short Informative Article Get a Quote [...]
7 Best Manchester Block of Flats Insurance Tips Manchester’s property market continues to be a hotspot for buy-to-let investors, driven by strong demand, rising rents, and significant regeneration across the city. With a growing population of professionals, students, and young families, rental demand remains robust, especially in areas close to the city centre, such as Ancoats, Salford Quays, and the Northern Quarter. If you wish to be part of this and need to understand the most important Manchester block of flats insurance pointers, that can help you make wise decision, read on. According to Zoopla’s February 2025 UK Rental Market Report, Manchester saw average rents rise by 9.1% year-on-year, placing it among the top-performing cities for rental growth in the UK. This rental increase, coupled with relatively affordable property prices compared to London or the South East, provides attractive yields for landlords, often between 5–7% depending on the location [...]
Buying Blocks of Flats Insurance in London: Key Risks and Costs When it comes to buying blocks of flats insurance in London, the market is becoming more complex for a number of reasons. In London, block of flats insurance comes with unique challenges and considerations compared to the rest of the UK. There are articles in the media that illustrate some of these issues. For example, This Is Money journalist, Ed Magnus, wrote a piece in 2024, entitled, "Plaster fell off our leasehold block of flats: The council says it's dangerous, can we force the freeholder to fix it?" Plus, of course, the issue of home insurance and block of flats insurance costs, which in the UK increased by 21% year-on-year between July and September 2024, according to a report from Compare the Market. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof [...]
How a Liability Claim Can Ruin Your Business – And How to Protect Yourself No matter how well you run your business, a single liability claim can have devastating consequences. From financial losses to reputational damage, legal battles, and even the risk of shutting down, the impact can be severe. Whether you're a small business owner, contractor, or entrepreneur, understanding liability risks is crucial for survival. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance 1. The Financial Toll of a Liability Claim A lawsuit can lead to crippling legal expenses, compensation payouts, and increased insurance premiums. Even if you win, the costs of defending yourself can be enormous. For businesses without the right insurance coverage, this can mean dipping into [...]
What Perils Are Covered by Commercial Property Insurance? Commercial property insurance is essential for businesses to protect their assets from unforeseen events. Whether you own an office building, a retail store, a warehouse, or a manufacturing facility, this type of coverage safeguards your physical assets, ensuring financial stability in the face of damage or loss. But what exactly does commercial property insurance cover? Let’s break down the perils typically included in standard policies and additional coverages that businesses might consider. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance What Perils Are Covered by Commercial Property Insurance? #Video https://youtube.com/shorts/tmPh0RfIc1M Common Perils Covered by Commercial Property Insurance Most commercial property insurance policies cover a broad range of risks, often referred to as [...]
Can I Insure a Partially Empty Block of Flats in the UK? If you own a block of flats with vacant units, you might be wondering whether standard property insurance will cover you. In the UK, insuring a partially empty block of flats is possible, but there are important factors to consider. Why Does Vacancy Affect Insurance? Empty properties pose higher risks, including: Security concerns – Unoccupied units are more vulnerable to vandalism, break-ins, and squatting. Maintenance issues – Leaks, dampness, or structural problems may go unnoticed. Fire risks – An unoccupied space can become a target for arson or suffer unnoticed electrical faults. Because of these risks, many standard building insurance policies may not fully cover an unoccupied flat for extended periods, typically beyond 30-60 days. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of [...]
Can I Insure My Block of Flats if I'm Not the Freeholder? The quick answer is yes, you can insure your block of flats even if you’re not the freeholder, but the process and your responsibilities depend on your ownership type and lease agreement. Steps to Take Check the Lease Agreement: This document will outline who is responsible for insuring the building. Speak with the Freeholder or Managing Agent: Ask for details about the current insurance policy and how costs are allocated. Seek Professional Advice: If you suspect the freeholder is failing to insure the property adequately, consult a legal expert or surveyor. Get a Quote Insurance under one roof We are specialists in many types of insurance https://youtube.com/shorts/mTOdqzVQidU Key Considerations When Insuring a Block of Flats [...]
