Structural warranties for small sites and infill
New build warranty cover for SME developers - single plots, garden land, backland and infill sites, and small schemes of up to around ten homes.
- Instant response
- Insurer quotes usually within one working day of your proposal
- UK FCA Regulated Broker
- No broker fee to pay
- Single plots to full estates
SME developers
Small site warranties that fit the way you build
Small sites are where many developers start and where many stay. The homes still need the same structural warranty as those on a large estate, because the buyers' lenders ask the same questions whatever the size of the site.
- Your development lender. Many development finance lenders want the warranty arranged, or at least a provider lined up, before they release funds.
- Builder registration. Most providers register the developer first, looking at experience, finances and track record, and then register each site. We help you through both.
- Tight sites. Infill and garden plots often bring party walls, neighbouring foundations, trees, drains and restricted access. Providers want to know how these are dealt with.
- The ground. Former gardens and backland can hide made ground or old foundations. A ground investigation up front avoids surprises at the first inspection.
Typical small sites
Warranty cover for small housing schemes
Single plots and infill
One or two houses squeezed into a gap in a street, or built in the garden of an existing home. Each gets its own certificate, ready for the sale.
Backland and brownfield
Land behind existing houses, old yards and garage sites. Providers look closely at previous uses, access and ground conditions before they quote.
Schemes of 2 to 10 homes
Small groups of houses, often with a few flats. Registered as one site, inspected as the homes go up and certificated plot by plot.
Getting a quote
What providers ask for on a small site
You do not need everything on day one, but the more you can send, the quicker providers can give firm terms.
- Developer and contractor names, and the site address
- Number of homes, their type and floor areas
- The total build cost of the homes
- Planning permission, architect's plans and elevations
- Structural calculations and a ground investigation report
Useful too: building control reports if you have started, company accounts and details of homes you have built before. First scheme? Providers will still look at it, although they will usually ask more about the architect, engineer and contractor you are using.
Buying a small site?
Talk to us before you exchange on the land. We can tell you what the providers will want to see, so the warranty does not hold up your start or your funding.
Small site warranty questions
Can a first-time developer get a structural warranty?
Yes, usually. Providers will want to know more about the team - the architect, the structural engineer and the contractor - and may ask for more information before they register you. Experience elsewhere in construction helps.
Does my development finance lender need the warranty in place?
Many do. Some want the warranty registered before the first drawdown, others want to see that a provider has agreed terms. Check your facility letter and give us the lender's requirements when you enquire.
Does a single infill house need a warranty?
If it is being sold, most buyers' lenders will expect one, or in some cases a professional consultant's certificate. A single house is registered and inspected in the same way as a larger site.
Why does a small site cost more per home?
Providers have minimum premiums and fixed inspection and administration fees. Spread over one or two homes these make up more of the total, so a small site can work out above the rough guide of around 1% of the rebuild cost (with no broker fee on top - we are paid by commission from the provider).
Get a small site warranty quote
Tell us about the site and the homes you plan to build. We will come back with the providers likely to cover it and what they will need to see.
- Takes under a minute
- Instant reply by email with your reference
- Insurer quotes usually within one working day of your completed proposal
- Sites anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Free and no obligation
Already filled in a proposal form? Email it to us or send it on WhatsApp with any drawings you have and we will take it from there.
