Structural Warranty Insurance
12 Year Social Housing Warranty
A social housing warranty is a 10-12 year structural insurance policy that protects affordable and social housing schemes against latent defects, and is now a standard requirement for funders, registered providers and housing associations across the UK.
The sector has historically relied on a small group of established warranty providers, which has naturally shaped pricing, flexibility and procurement routes for developers and housing associations delivering affordable homes.
Our approach centres on giving housing associations and their delivery partners clear, accessible comparisons between insurers, enabling them to choose cover that is robust, lender-approved and suitable for the scale and risk profile of their programme. Whether acting directly for the HA or supporting the developer or contractor delivering homes on their behalf, we ensure warranty decisions are aligned with both immediate procurement needs and long-term operational responsibilities.
Ensuring that social or affordable housing schemes are appropriately insured is of paramount importance and something that J3 are committed to delivering for their clients. To find out more on how we are helping Housing Associations and associated parties navigate the affordable housing warranty market.
Social housing | 10 or 12 year structural warranty
J3 Advisory is trusted by developers, housing associations and contractors across the UK to source and advise on the most appropriate structural warranty policies for social and affordable housing schemes, ensuring projects move forward with confidence and clarity.
Why use J3 Advisory?
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider J3 Advisory for arranging social housing warranties and insurance on your next project:
We only work with ‘A’ rated, UK based insurers for structural warranties and latent defects insurance. Given that the period of cover for a structural warranty is ten or twelve years, it’s essential to ensure that the insurer’s underwriter holds a financial rating from one of the UK’s ratings agencies. While no one can completely guarantee the solvency of any entity, these ratings provide a robust evaluation of a company’s creditworthiness and give assurance that the insurer is reputable and likely to remain operational throughout the duration of the policy should it need to be called upon.
The structural warranty and latent defects insurance cover we arrange is accepted by leading banks and building societies, which means buyers can obtain a mortgage to purchase a home from you.
A Tailored Service for Developers
At J3 Advisory, we understand the market and recognise that no two developments are the same. That’s why we go beyond simply arranging structural warranties and latent defects insurance. We carefully identify the right insurers for your specific needs, handle all aspects of policy arrangement, and manage queries on your behalf to ensure a smooth process. Our dedicated after-sales service means we continue to support you after the policy is in place, proactively addressing any issues and ensuring everything stays on track, so you can focus on delivering your development with confidence.
Social housing warranty FAQs
What is a social housing warranty?
A social housing warranty ( also known as a housing association warranty) is a first-party insurance designed to safeguard newly constructed or converted properties designated for social or affordable rent against hidden or underlying defects. Social housing warranties are used by registered landlords, housing authorities, builders and developers.
This type of warranty can also be extended to cover properties participating in shared ownership or equity schemes.
How long does a social housing warranty last?
The duration of a social housing warranty can vary depending on the provider and the specific policy; however, it usually ranges from 10 to 12 years.
What are the features of social housing warranties?
There are many features of a social housing warranty which are appealing to a developer, but they usually include the choice of either 10 or 12 years of cover, with a one or two year defect period and additional cover is available for loss of rent.
Premiums are priced competitively as the scheme is subject to regular technical audits.
This policy is also recognised by UK Finance, and they are fully transferable to all future owners.
How much does a social housing warranty cost?
The cost of a social housing warranty depends on factors such as the size of the project, location, and the level of cover required. However, it’s fair to say that the cost is usually around 1.5% of the Gross Development Value, or GDP. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from different providers to compare prices. To get an indicative cost, use our warranty calculator .