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What is new-build home insurance?
New build home insurance is a type of buildings insurance that covers the physical structure of a newly constructed home and its permanent fixtures, protecting against damage from events like fire, flood, or subsidence.
Usually, a property is considered to be a new-build if it’s been built or converted within the past two years and hasn’t been owned or lived in by anyone else.
While new builds often come with a 10-year structural warranty, buildings insurance is still necessary, especially for mortgages and to cover events not included in the warranty.
You should buy home insurance for a new build once you’ve exchanged contracts, as you’ll be responsible for anything that’s not covered by the developer's warranty.
What does new-build insurance cover?
Buildings insurance for new-build properties works much like standard buildings insurance, protecting the physical structure of your home and permanent fixtures—such as fitted kitchens, bathroom suites, or built-in wardrobes—if they are damaged by unexpected events beyond your control.
You are insured for the ‘rebuild cost’, which covers the expense of rebuilding your property from scratch. This includes materials and labour but not the value of the land itself, so it’s usually less than what you paid for the home. For example, if a fire destroys your new-build home, your insurance would pay to rebuild the house itself and replace things like the fitted kitchen, but not the land it sits on.
Many policies also allow optional extras to broaden your coverage:
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Usually covered as standard
Fire – e.g. a kitchen fire spreading to the rest of the house
Flood – e.g. heavy rain causing water damage to your ground floor
Storms – e.g. roof tiles blown off during high winds
Subsidence or heave – e.g. foundations shifting due to soil movement
Burst or frozen pipes – e.g. water flooding the home after a pipe bursts in winter
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Sometimes offered as extras
Outbuildings – e.g. a detached garage or shed
Gardens – e.g. fences or decking damaged in a storm
Swimming pools and ponds – e.g. damage to a newly installed pool
Patios – e.g. cracks or displacement from extreme weather
Accidental damage – e.g. knocking over a radiator while moving furniture
Alternative accommodation – e.g. staying in a rented home while your house is rebuilt
What is the NHBC Buildmark certificate?
The NHBC Buildmark is a warranty and insurance scheme for new-build homes in the UK, provided by the National House Building Council (NHBC). When you buy a new-build property covered by Buildmark, it gives you protection against certain problems for up to 10 years after completion:
First 2 years: The builder is responsible for fixing most defects in workmanship or materials. For example, if your kitchen cabinets are installed incorrectly or plaster cracks appear, the builder must repair them.
Years 3–10: NHBC covers major structural defects that affect the safety or stability of the building, such as subsidence, foundation failure, or roof collapse.
You’ll also be covered if you lose your deposit because your builders went bankrupt or insolvent – up to either 10% of the purchase price or £100,000, whichever is lower
Buyers of new build homes still need home insurance, even if they have a NHBC Buildmark certificate.
Buildings insurance: Covers accidental damage to the physical structure (walls, roof, fixtures) from events like fire, flood, storms, or burst pipes. This is separate from NHBC Buildmark. Buildmark does not cover accidental damage, it only covers defects or structural problems.
Contents insurance: Covers your personal belongings inside the home. Buildmark does not cover contents at all.
📌 Here’s an example:
If a storm blows off your roof, your buildings insurance pays for repairs. NHBC Buildmark wouldn’t cover it.
If, however, you notice a sagging roof beam due to a structural fault within the first 10 years, NHBC Buildmark may step in to repair it.
What makes up the rebuild value?
Your home insurance rebuild value is the estimated cost to rebuild your property from scratch, including materials, labour, and permanent fixtures—but not the land itself. Accurately calculating this is crucial to avoid being underinsured, which could leave you paying out of pocket after a claim.
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Key Factors
Age of the property
Older homes may use materials that are harder or more expensive to source. For example, restoring original timber beams or brickwork can add to the cost.
Building materials
Non-standard or high-end materials—such as stone walls, slate roofs, or timber frames—often cost more to repair or replace and may require specialist builders.
Size of the property
The number of rooms, doors, and windows indicates the scale of the building, affecting both materials and labour costs. Larger homes generally have higher rebuild values.
Permanent fixtures and fittings
Built-in kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, or fireplaces are included in the rebuild cost, as replacing them can be expensive.
Special features
Conservatories, extensions, outbuildings, garages, and unique architectural details can increase rebuild costs.
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How to avoid underinsurance
Use online rebuild calculators or tools Many insurers and independent websites offer home rebuild cost calculators to give a realistic estimate based on your property type, age, and materials. For example: BCIC Rebuilding Cost Guidance
Update sums insured regularly Rebuild costs can increase over time due to inflation or renovations. Review and adjust your insurance at least annually or after any improvements (like a new extension or loft conversion).
Factor in extensions or improvements Adding a garage, conservatory, or bespoke fixtures can significantly increase rebuild costs, so update your policy accordingly.
Check policy limits Make sure your sum insured covers the full rebuild cost, not just the market value of your home. Underestimating could leave you liable for the difference if you need to rebuild.
How much does new-build insurance cost?
The cost of home insurance for new-build properties in the UK varies based on several factors, including the type of cover, property location, and individual circumstances.
Average insurance costs:
Combined buildings and contents insurance
£252
.93^
Buildings-only insurance
£204
.78^
Contents-only insurance
£78
.03^
How do I get cheaper new-build home insurance?
Here are our top tips for cheaper new build home insurance:
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Pay annually
It's cheaper to pay for your insurance annually, rather than monthly, as you won’t pay interest
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Build no claims discount
A history of not claiming on your insurance is usually rewarded with a discount on your premiums
Our expert says…
While new-build homes are usually well built and don’t often have problems, the NHBC certificate protects you if it was shoddily built. However, don’t be lulled into thinking you do not need separate insurance. Even brand new homes can face unforeseen events such as fires or flooding.
Recent data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) shows that in the first quarter of 2025, insurers paid out £886 million for domestic property claims, a 20% increase from Q1 2024. Claims for damage to homes from adverse weather totalled £226 million in the first quarter of 2025, a 55% increase from the previous quarter. In the first half of 2025, subsidence-related insurance claims totalled £153 million, with an average payout of £17,264 per claim.
These figures underscore the significant impact of adverse weather conditions and subsidence on home insurance claims, highlighting the importance of getting proper home insurance cover to avoid nasty surprises. The annual premium that 51% of our customers paid in July 2024 was £252.93
^ and you can compare quotes in minutes to get the right insurance for your new-build home.
David McDermottroe Insurance & Personal Finance Expert
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Do I need home insurance on a new-build?
While home insurance isn’t legally required, it might be a condition of your mortgage agreement. Even if it’s not, home insurance is highly recommended for new-build properties.
Although new-builds come with a warranty covering defects in construction, this won’t protect against everyday risks such as fire, flooding, or other accidental damage.
It’s also wise to consider contents insurance to protect the items inside your home. This can cover furniture, electronics, and appliances—items that can be costly to replace and are well worth safeguarding.
Are new homes cheaper to insure?
Yes, new homes are generally cheaper to insure than older properties. This is primarily due to the modern construction standards, updated safety features, and the use of contemporary materials that reduce the risk of damage.
But the cost of your home insurance depends on many factors, including your location and the size of your home.
What are the advantages of buying a new-build?
Buying a new-build comes with several advantages that can also make insurance more affordable. Modern construction built to the latest standards reduces the risk of structural issues, giving you peace of mind and insurers confidence in your home.
Many new-builds include built-in safety features such as fire alarms, security systems, and updated wiring. These enhancements not only protect your family but can also lower your insurance premiums. As with older properties, having buildings insurance may be a condition of your mortgage offer.
New-build homes typically come with warranty protection covering structural defects. While this doesn’t replace standard home insurance, it can make your property less risky in the eyes of insurers.
Finally, lower maintenance and rebuild costs mean fewer claims for wear-and-tear, while energy-efficient features help prevent issues like frozen pipes. Fewer hazards and modern features combined mean lower risks—and often lower insurance costs.
The Government’s First Homes Scheme is a UK initiative aimed at helping first-time buyers purchase a home at a discounted price. The scheme includes the purchase of new build homes.
What is the National House-Building Council (NHBC)?
The NHBC is an independent body which provides warranties and certification for new homes. It also supplies inspectors for building regulations.
It is a non-profit distributing company, which means it is bound to put all its profits back into running its services. NHBC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).
What happens if my house doesn’t have an NHBC Buildmark certificate?
The National House-Building Council (NHBC) Buildmark certificate is a warranty and insurance policy that covers most newly built homes for structural defects and other issues.
Most new-build properties come with a certificate, either from NHBC or one of the two other organisations that provide similar warranties. It is unusual for a newly built home not to have one, and buying a property without a warranty carries more risk.
Without a Buildmark (or equivalent) certificate, you won’t be automatically protected against construction flaws. If you’re buying a new home, you should look for one that comes with a NHBC certificate or similar – be very wary of buying a property that isn’t part of a scheme.
Can I get the Buildmark certificate on a new conversion?
Yes, but there are some important limitations.
The NHBC Buildmark warranty is primarily designed for newly built homes, not conversions. However, conversions may be eligible if they meet NHBC’s technical standards and the builder is registered with NHBC.
Even when eligible, the coverage is often more limited than for a standard new-build, typically focusing on structural elements rather than all aspects of the property.
Older properties or those completed by non-registered builders generally cannot obtain Buildmark, so in these cases, alternative warranties or comprehensive home insurance are necessary to ensure adequate protection.
What level of cover do I have with Buildmark?
The National House-Building Council (NHBC) Buildmark certificate is a warranty and insurance policy that covers most newly built homes for structural defects and other issues.
In the first two years, the building company will put right any physical damage that occurs to your home as a result of it failing to build to the NHBC’s technical specifications. If it fails to do this then the NHBC will help under its resolution service.
In years three to 10, Buildmark provides insurance that should protect your home from damage that results from the property not being built to NHBC requirements. It does not cover accidental damage not arising from building issues or the damage or theft of contents.
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No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
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Is home insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy home insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
Up to £15, which you can withdraw as a pre-paid Mastercard or a gift card for brands like Sainsbury's and Amazon.co.uk
Free Days Out pass (worth £180), which gives free entry to a range of UK attractions
Cashback of up to 10% when you spend at brands including eBay, Just Eat and Argos
To earn SuperSaveClub rewards on purchases you must:
Sign up to SuperSaveClub (it's free)
Be signed in to your account when you make the purchase
More information can be found on our SuperSaveClub homepage.
Is home insurance eligible for Price Promise?
Yes, home insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
refund the difference
give you a gift card worth up to £20
Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found on our Price Promise page.
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025 by
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Data based on the median premium of building and contents insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in October 2025.
Accurate as of 12 December 2025.
Data based on the median premium of buildings insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in October 2025.
Data based on the median premium of contents insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in October 2025.