New Build Warranty Insurance
10 & 12-year structural warranty insurance for developers, builders, self-builders, contractors, and housing associations. Access to policies accepted by a wide range of UK mortgage providers. Powered by our LDI-Tech® platform for seamless project management.
Why Choose Our New Build Cover?
10 & 12-Year Warranties
Comprehensive structural warranties providing long-term protection for your investment
Broad Lender Acceptance
Access to policies accepted by a wide range of UK mortgage lenders and banks
For All Builders
Cover for developers, builders, housing associations, contractors, and self-builders
Fast Inspections
Professional technical inspections with quick turnaround times
Competitive Pricing
Market-leading rates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees
Expert Support
Dedicated technical team providing guidance throughout your project
What is a new build warranty?
A new build warranty (also called a structural warranty or latent defects insurance) is an insurance policy that protects a newly built home or development against defects in its design, workmanship or materials that appear after completion. It normally lasts 10 years from completion, with 12-year options available for some projects.
Most UK mortgage lenders expect a new home to have an acceptable new build warranty before they will lend on it, so arranging cover before work starts helps protect both your sale and your buyers.
How new build warranty cover works
Before and during the build
We review your plans and our surveyors carry out technical inspections at key stages of construction, helping spot problems early.
Years 1–2: defects period
In the first years after completion, the builder or developer is usually responsible for putting right defects, with the policy as a backstop depending on the policy wording.
Years 3–10 (or 12): structural cover
The insurer covers the cost of repairing major structural defects, such as problems with foundations, walls, roofs and floors, as set out in the policy.
Exact cover, limits and exclusions depend on the policy chosen. Your quote sets out the terms for your project.
Who needs new build warranty insurance?
- Developers and house builders selling new homes to buyers who need a mortgage
- Contractors building residential or mixed-use schemes
- Housing associations and build-to-rent investors
- Self-builders who want to secure a mortgage or sell in the future (see self build warranties)
- Projects already started or finished without cover (see retrospective warranties)
How to get a new build warranty quote
- Tell us about your project in our online quote form — it takes a few minutes.
- We review the details and send you a quotation.
- Once accepted, we book technical inspections around your build programme.
- On completion, the final certificate is issued so your buyers and lenders have the paperwork they need.
New build warranty FAQs
Do I need a new build warranty to sell a new home?
There is no law that requires one, but most UK mortgage lenders expect an acceptable new build warranty before lending on a new home. Without one, many buyers will struggle to get a mortgage.
How long does a new build warranty last?
Cover normally lasts 10 years from completion. 12-year cover is available for some projects, such as housing association and commercial schemes.
When should I arrange a new build warranty?
Ideally before work starts on site, so inspections can take place at each key stage. If building has already started or finished, a retrospective warranty may still be possible.
What does a new build warranty cover?
It covers the cost of putting right defects in the structure of the home, such as foundations, load-bearing walls, roofs and floors, within the terms, limits and exclusions of the policy.
Is a new build warranty the same as an NHBC warranty?
NHBC is one provider of new build warranties. Other providers, including Build Warranty, offer structural warranty policies for new homes. Check which policies your buyer's lender accepts.
Other Structural Warranty Products
Explore the rest of our structural warranty range with broad lender acceptance, or visit the hub for a side-by-side overview.
Need finance for your project?
Access development finance through our panel of trusted Build Warranty partners. One enquiry, multiple specialist lenders — no obligation.
Ready to Protect Your Project?
Get your free, no-obligation quote today and discover why we're the UK's No. 1 choice for construction warranties.