Self-Build Insurance and Warranty in Ireland — Site Cover, Structural Warranty, and Latent Defects
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Three insurance products most Irish self-builders need: site insurance during build (€800–€2,500/year, covers fire, theft, and public liability on site), structural warranty from a provider such as HomeBond or Premier Guarantee (€2,500–€5,000 for a 150 m² house, covers structural defects for 10 years), and 10-year latent defects insurance (€2,500–€4,500, often wrapped into the warranty, pays out if a hidden defect threatens the structure). Strictly, structural warranty is not mandatory for an owner-occupier build, but most mortgage lenders require it for a self-build mortgage, and a BCAR-compliant finish is much easier to evidence with a warranty. Get quotes at least 8 weeks before you need cover; insurers inspect the site and the design before binding. Public liability during the build is typically €150–€500/year and is advisable.
TL;DR
Three insurance products most self-builders need: site insurance during build (€800–€2,500/year), structural warranty (€2,500–€5,000, HomeBond or Premier Guarantee), and 10-year latent defects cover (sometimes wrapped into the warranty).
Most mortgage lenders require a structural warranty for a self-build. Strictly, you don't need one for owner-occupier builds, but you will not get a self-build mortgage without it.
Get quotes at least 8 weeks before you need cover. Insurers inspect the site and the design before binding.
When this matters most
You're at the pre-construction phase and need to budget for and arrange cover.
When this doesn't apply
Your build is finished, the warranty is in place, and you're in the maintenance phase.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a structural warranty for a self-build in Ireland?
Strictly, no. But most mortgage lenders require it. HomeBond, Premier Guarantee, and Build-Zone are the main Irish providers. €2,500–€5,000 for a 150 m² house, 10-year cover.
What is latent defects insurance?
Insurance that pays out if a hidden defect is discovered within 10 years (commonly) that threatens the structure or makes the house uninhabitable. Often wrapped into a structural warranty.
How much does self-build site insurance cost?
€800–€2,500 per year during the build, depending on the projected build cost and the construction type. Covers fire, theft, weather damage, and public liability.
What is HomeBond?
An Irish structural warranty provider. Costs €2,500–€5,000 for a 150 m² house; covers structural defects for 10 years. Most mortgage lenders accept HomeBond for self-build mortgages.
Sources
HomeBond, Structural warranty policy details. https://www.homebond.ie/
Premier Guarantee, Self-build warranty. https://www.premierguarantee.com/
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a structural warranty for a self-build in Ireland?
Strictly, no. But most mortgage lenders require it. HomeBond, Premier Guarantee, and Build-Zone are the main Irish providers. €2,500–€5,000 for a 150 m² house, 10-year cover.
What is latent defects insurance?
Insurance that pays out if a hidden defect is discovered within 10 years (commonly) that threatens the structure or makes the house uninhabitable. Often wrapped into a structural warranty.
How much does self-build site insurance cost?
€800–€2,500 per year during the build, depending on the projected build cost and the construction type. Covers fire, theft, weather damage, and public liability.
What is HomeBond?
An Irish structural warranty provider. Costs €2,500–€5,000 for a 150 m² house; covers structural defects for 10 years. Most mortgage lenders accept HomeBond for self-build mortgages.