Part Complete & Completed Developments: Can you warrant the risk?

Posted by BuildSafe1 on 15th October 2020 -

We recognise that the current market is ripe for consolidation and have been approached by a number of developers seeking insurance and finance advice regarding the acquisition of part-completed and near completed sites. If you find yourself in a similar situation, we would recommend you verify whether the site acquired has a warranty in place and if it’s possible to have the warranty transferred to you.

If not, it is imperative that you secure a new warranty, or depending on the stage of works, a retrospective warranty (completed home warranty) immediately. A retrospective policy is designed to cover completed properties which do not already have the benefit of a structural warranty and are required to allow the sale of units, asset re-finance and for peace of mind. Typically, developers that are acquiring part-complete or completed sites will at some stage require a finance facility (either at inception or exit) and the provider of that facility will want to know whether there is a warranty in place. If there isn’t, you won’t be able to draw down funds – so having a warranty is key.

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 don’t secure a warranty until after the build is structurally complete, can see the premiums increase by as much as 100% from the original cost.

 

Retrospective Warranty for Part Complete & Completed Developments: Why choose 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. Other benefits 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

 

ABOUT BUILDSAFE

BuildSafe is the trading style of London Belgravia Brokers. Our experts have over 40 years of experience in the property sector so you can be assured that we will handle your retrospective building warranty with good care. We manage the entire process, enabling you to focus on the day to day running of your project. We take away that pain by managing the process for you and ensuring you receive the best price for the most appropriate cover to meet your requirements whilst having an easy to reach team of experts on hand at all times.

To speak with one of our advisors regarding a retrospective warranty for part complete and completed developments, fill in our contact form or call us on  020 3701 0422