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Insurance for Homebuyers

Insurance isn't always exciting — until you need it. Here's what to consider during a purchase, and when each type of cover should start.

Available to work with 99% of UK mortgage lenders
The three types to know

Do I need insurance when buying a house?

Not always legally required — but the right cover can protect you from unexpected costs during the purchase and from day one of ownership.

Optional — often worth it

Home Buyers Insurance

Helps reimburse some upfront costs if your purchase falls through for reasons beyond your control.

Usually required by lender

Buildings Insurance

Covers the structure of the property. Most lenders require it from exchange of contracts.

Optional — recommended

Contents Insurance

Protects your belongings inside the home. Useful as soon as you move items in.

Home Buyers Insurance

What is it?

A specialist policy designed to reduce the financial sting if your purchase doesn't complete. Sometimes called “home buyer protection insurance”.

Typical coverage includes

  • Survey and valuation fees
  • Conveyancing legal fees (check policy wording)
  • Search fees
  • Mortgage arrangement fees (policy dependent)

Tip: Policies vary. Always check the reasons you're covered for, limits and exclusions.

When should you get it?

  1. Buy it early — before you start paying for surveys/searches.
  2. Keep your policy documents handy during the transaction.
  3. If something goes wrong, notify the insurer quickly.

Typical cost: often around £50–£150 as a one-off payment (policy dependent).

From day one of ownership

Buildings & Contents Insurance

The essentials for protecting your property and belongings.

Buildings insurance

Walls, roof, floors & permanent fixtures

Most lenders require this from exchange of contracts. You become responsible at exchange, not completion — check start date carefully.

  • Fire, smoke, storm, flood
  • Escape of water
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Subsidence (usually with conditions)
Contents insurance

Furniture, electronics, clothes & valuables

Protects your belongings inside the home. Many insurers offer combined buildings + contents at a discount.

  • Theft / burglary
  • Fire / flood damage
  • Accidental damage (optional)
  • Valuables cover (limits apply)
Typical annual costs

Rough cost guide

Typical ranges only — your price depends on property value, location, cover limits and personal circumstances.

Home buyers insurance

£80–£120

one-off

Buildings insurance

£200–£350

per year

Contents insurance

£50–£200

per year

Speak to a conveyancing expert

Want to sanity-check what you need?

We'll talk it through — no pressure. Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat 10am–5pm.

Get a quote Call 0330 043 9795