Own a character property? Protecting a piece of history with a trusted Broker

If you own a character home, you possess a piece of history.

Have a watch of our video to find out what’s included in our heritage home insurance, and why it’s specially made to protect your character home.

A great commitment

Your character home holds your story, your home’s history, and your country’s heritage. It also contains your family, your collections, your antiques, sentimental items, and your everyday possessions.

Owning a piece of history adds to the fragility of your life.

Your home insurance should protect the comforts of your home, for your peace of mind.

It is a precious thing to replace.

What can go wrong with a character property?

·         Bad advice

·         Thatch fires

·         Escape of water

·         Wear & Tear

·         Under insurance

·         Seasonal changes

·         Outbuilding issues

So, it’s important to have the right cover.

Owning a thatched or listed graded building comes with unique responsibilities and challenges, particularly when securing the right insurance. These properties often feature distinctive materials, construction techniques, and historical significance, which set them apart from standard homes.

As trusted specialist insurance brokers, we understand these complexities and can tailor a policy that reflects the specific needs of such properties. We can ensure that the coverage accounts for factors like the high cost of traditional materials, specialist labour, and compliance with conservation regulations, which are often required for repairs or restoration.

Specialist buildings often demand specialised care and expertise. Ultimately, it is not the listed status alone which that drives up the cost of rebuilding such properties. The expense is influenced by the need for traditional building materials, specialised labour, and factors such as location, timing and unexpected additional fees.

Repairs and renovations may need permission.

Owners of listed buildings must work closely with their local authority’s Conservation Officer, who has the power to approve or deny any alterations or renovations. In some instances, the authority may require the use of traditional methods and materials, which can significantly increase costs.

For example, rather than simply ordering bricks from a local DIY store to repair a garden wall damaged by flooding, owners might be compelled to import stone from a specific quarry to meet conservation requirements. You may also need to consider the specialist trades required to employ period rebuilding techniques, source reclaimed original materials, or replicate specific features of the property.

Did you know that listed properties typically take twice as long to rebuild as a standard property1 .

Remember the cost of rebuilding your character home is different from the market value. The total rebuilding value represents the sum needed to clear the site of debris, cover architect and surveyor fees, and reconstruct the property to its original state before the loss occurred. The building’s sum insured is often greater than its market value, particularly in rural settings.

Keeping on top of things

Regularly review and maintain your building to prevent issues from getting worse. Be vigilant

Keeping an eye on things is especially important for a historic building, due to its unique vulnerabilities and significant cultural value. Unlike modern structures, historic properties often rely on traditional construction techniques and materials that can degrade over time if not properly cared for. Regular inspections are essential to identify and address issues such as damp, wood rot, or structural weaknesses before they escalate into more serious problems.

Additionally, staying proactive ensures compliance with conservation regulations and helps preserve the building’s historical integrity. As mentioned, any necessary repairs or alterations must often be undertaken with approval from conservation authorities, using specific methods and materials.

Why use us?

·         Over 20 years of expertise in this unique, niche market.

·         In-house claims team to support you should you need to make a claim

·         Dedicated advisers can find specialist policies to meet your needs

As a specialist broker, we can provide guidance on potential risks unique to these properties, such as the increased fire risk associated with thatched roofs or the structural vulnerabilities of older buildings. We have access to bespoke insurance products designed to address these risks comprehensively, offering owners peace of mind.

By working with our team as trusted experts, you can avoid the pitfalls of inadequate or generic insurance policies and safeguard your historic property and heritage for future generations.

History is precious.

We want to help you to preserve it.