Structural Warranties & Construction Insurance for Property Developers

Clarity in cover.
Confidence in construction.
We deliver independent and impartial advice to property developers across a range of insurance markets. We have a wealth of experience in protecting real estate assets, our clients benefit from our established relationships and connected advice across the insurance landscape.

From architects to developers to housing associations, we have worked with professionals across the sector who have been involved in the construction of large scale residential and commercial developments, prime & super-prime residential, new build, conversion, and refurbishment projects.

OUR SERVICES
LBB provides insurance and bond solutions to global property developers and professionals working within the UK real estate market.

10 & 12 Year Structural Warranties

• Approved by the Council of Mortgage Lenders


• Premium payment instalments can be spread over the duration of the build


• 10 or 12 year new build insurance against major structural damage caused by latent defects


• Can be taken out even if the project has started

Commercial Latent Defects Insurance
Commercial Latent Defects Insurance may protect against hidden defects that only become apparent after completion, subject to the policy terms. It can be relevant where defects affecting structural elements, waterproofing or other critical building components could be costly or difficult to address once an asset is occupied.
For commercial and mixed-use developments held for the long term, it is important to understand what latent defects insurance is, when you might need it, what it may protect against and how it differs from other construction risk arrangements.


Retention Bonds
Retention bonds are widely used on large scale commercial construction projects as an alternative to traditional cash retention. Where permitted under the contract, they allow retained sums to be released while providing employers and funders with equivalent security through a surety bond. For developers, contractors and asset owners, retention bonds help protect cash flow, reduce financial pressure during delivery, and maintain confidence that defects and contractual obligations will be addressed.

Bid Bonds
Bid Bonds provide financial assurance during the tender stage of major construction projects, protecting employers and project sponsors from the risks associated with withdrawn or non compliant bids. Commonly required on commercial and infrastructure schemes, a bid bond demonstrates that a contractor is financially credible and committed to entering into the contract if awarded, giving confidence to developers, funders and public sector bodies managing competitive procurement processes.

Advance Payment Bonds
Advance Payment Bonds are used to protect advance payments made to contractors before work begins or materials are supplied on major construction projects. Commonly required on complex or high value schemes, they give developers, funders and employers reassurance that upfront payments are safeguarded if contractual obligations are not met, supporting confidence at the early stages of project delivery.


Deposit Release Bonds
Deposit Release Bonds (DRBs) can provide a developer with a low-interest source of working capital. It is most suitable for developers who are paying a perceived higher rate of interest for their senior debt or wish to ‘top-up’ their funding without having to enter the mezzanine and junior debt markets.
Once a developer has acquired a deposit release bond, they can then deliver the bond to the appropriate obligee (purchaser) to protect their interests in the project. A DRB enables the developer to use the funds in escrow for the project’s remaining construction costs, as opposed to obtaining additional capital from traditional funding lines – which will result in a substantial saving for the developer.

Performance Bonds
Performance bonds are commonly used in construction projects to protect project owners from financial loss in case of contractor failure.
Our team specialises in securing you the right bond for your specific needs, so that you are adequately protected and supported through the process.
We will walk you through why you need a performance bond, the different types and which is most suitable for you, the costs and application process, and how quickly it can be put in place and for how long.


SECTION 106 Bonds
Bonds that secure the performance of a developer's contributions towards community infrastructure and affordable housing in line with planning permission granted.
Section 106 bonds are required by local planning authorities and are often conditional to projects being granted planning permission. These agreements ensure that the overall impact of a development on the local area is measured and mitigated through the inclusion of affordable housing and positive contributions to the community infrastructure.
The bond typically covers obligations that must be fulfiled during construction and after completion of the project.
At LBB, we support our developer and housebuilder clients through Section 106 requirements, helping to navigate the administration, costs and terms available for these bonds.

Why work with us?

Fast, personal, highly responsive support from first enquiry to certificate issuance and beyond – our consultants work as part of our clients’ delivery teams.

• Independent and regulated – access to every underwriter in the latent defects insurance market.


• Whole-of-market search – we find the most suitable provider and policy, saving clients time and money.


• Fluent in insurer language – streamlined communication that makes sure every requirement is met.


• Admin taken off your plate – a proactive, service-led approach without compromising on cover or value.


• Responses in hours, not days – well ahead of the typical 24–48 hour industry norm.


• One point of contact – a dedicated contact per case, backed by a joined-up customer service team.


• Clear, comparable options – presented so it is easy to choose the right provider for each project.


• Trusted by major developers – advising housebuilders and institutional developers on national pipelines, sometimes two years ahead of delivery.


• 70% repeat business – clients come back because the service delivers.

Our team has a wealth of experience from various backgrounds in construction and development, and we pride ourselves on our exceptional client service standards.

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