What is a Certibuild Structural Warranty?

WHAT IS A CERTIBUILD STRUCTURAL WARRANTY?

If you are a developer or self-builder, you will already know that buyers and mortgage lenders want assurance that a new property is structurally sound. A structural warranty is the primary way of providing that assurance. But not all structural warranties work the same way, and not all providers are the same.

This post explains what a structural warranty is, when you need one, and how CertiBuild issues them.

WHAT A STRUCTURAL WARRANTY COVERS

A structural warranty is a form of latent defects insurance. It covers the cost of repairing or rectifying structural defects that arise after a property is built and handed over. The cover period is typically 10 years.

The types of defects covered generally include the structural elements of the building: foundations, external walls, roofs, floors, and load-bearing elements. Cosmetic issues, general wear and tear, and routine maintenance are not covered.

For buyers, a structural warranty provides reassurance that if something goes seriously wrong with the structure of the property, there is a mechanism to address it. For developers, it is the standard certification route required by lenders.

WHEN DO DEVELOPERS NEED ONE?

Mortgage lenders require evidence of structural certification on new-build properties before they will lend. Structural warranties are accepted across the full UK mortgage lending market and are the default route lenders expect.

For smaller, lower-risk new builds within certain geographic areas, there is an alternative: a Professional Consultant Certificate, or PCC. A PCC is issued by a suitably qualified professional who has inspected the build and can certify it. PCCs are accepted by the majority of mainstream lenders, but not all, and most lenders impose conditions around scheme size and type. Always confirm PCC acceptance with your specific lender before proceeding.

For most developers operating at any meaningful scale, or for developments outside a local inspection area, a structural warranty is the more straightforward and universally accepted route.

HOW CERTIBUILD ISSUES STRUCTURAL WARRANTIES

CertiBuild Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Acrisure Eleven Network Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 314593). This is the regulatory foundation that allows CertiBuild to issue structural warranties to developers anywhere in the UK.

CertiBuild warranties are available for developments across the UK, and are accepted across the UK mortgage lending market. The process is designed to be straightforward and faster than many of the larger mainstream providers, with a team that understands the construction process from the ground up through its relationship with Yorkshire Building Control.

WHY THE REGULATORY BACKGROUND MATTERS

When developers choose a warranty provider, the regulatory status of that provider matters. A warranty is only as strong as the company standing behind it. The fact that CertiBuild issues warranties as an Appointed Representative of Acrisure Eleven Network Ltd, which is FCA-authorised, means the underwriting meets the standards regulators require of financial services products.

This is not a detail buried in the small print. It is the reason lenders accept these warranties across the market and why buyers can rely on the cover they receive.

THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT

The Building Safety Act 2022 includes provisions that, when implemented, will require developers to provide 15-year structural warranties for new residential builds in England. This is contained in Section 144 of the Act, which remains uncommenced as of mid-2026. Implementation is not expected before 2027-2028.

When Section 144 does come into force, the market for structural warranties will expand considerably. Developers who already have a warranty provider relationship in place will be better positioned than those starting from scratch.

CertiBuild is already trading in this space. We issue structural warranties now, under full regulatory authorisation, for developments anywhere in the UK.

IF YOU ARE A DEVELOPER OR SELF-BUILDER

If you have a development coming up and want to understand whether a CertiBuild Structural Warranty is the right route, the starting point is a conversation. We can tell you quickly what the process involves, what documentation is needed, and what the timeline looks like.

Get in touch at certibuild.co.uk - use the enquiry form to get a quote for your development or to find out how we can help.