Case Study: Insurance secured in under a day – protecting a £2m+ riverside property sale and the entire chain

Protecting property chains and client relationships

High value property transactions can be complex and time-sensitive. When unexpected challenges arise - such as securing insurance for properties with unique risks - they can threaten not just one sale, but entire chains. For buying agents, estate agents, and law firms, having a trusted insurance partner is critical to keeping deals on track.

The challenge

An estate agent contacted us urgently: a £2 million-plus riverside property at the bottom of a large chain couldn’t secure insurance. The issue? The home was built in 2019, making it ineligible for Flood Re, which only applies to properties built before 2009. Without cover, the entire chain, including a £1.4 million property at the top, was at risk of collapsing, jeopardising significant transactions for buyers, sellers, agents, and law firms.

Our solution

When other brokers, including the selling agents own broker, failed to secure insurance that met lender requirements, Howden Private Client stepped in. Within hours, we:

• Assessed the property’s flood risk profile.
• Leveraged our specialist market access to secure comprehensive cover.
• Delivered a policy in under a day, ensuring lender requirements were met and the sale could proceed.

Outcome

Our swift action saved not only the sale of the riverside property but also the onward purchases in the chain. By removing the insurance barrier, we protected substantial sums and preserved business for all parties involved.

Key takeaway

When property transactions involve high-value homes and complex risks, delays in securing insurance can derail entire chains. Partnering with Howden Private Client gives property professionals the confidence that solutions will be found quickly - helping you protect deals, reputations, and client relationships.

Why partner with Howden Private Client?

• Speed & certainty: We act fast when time-sensitive transactions are on the line.
• Specialist expertise: From flood risk to subsidence, listed buildings, and complex financial histories, we can help secure cover.
• Trusted Partnership: We work alongside buying agents, estate agents, and law firms to navigate challenges and protect your client’s purchase- because insurance should never derail a sale.

Make Howden your go-to broker for complex property transactions and contact us today.

Agent feedback

“My experience with George Seatter at Howden during two completions was outstanding. I was involved in a property chain worth over £3 million - two significant lifestyle changes for the buyer and seller. At the bottom of the chain, a buyer needed insurance for a second home on the banks of the River Thames. Despite the property being rated low flood risk, the ‘second home’ factor meant three brokers - including one linked to a large corporate - couldn’t secure a policy. Without this, the entire chain couldn’t exchange.

After a sleepless night, I recalled George’s name on LinkedIn as someone highly regarded for solving complex cases. A call to him at 9 a.m. resulted in a policy acceptable to both the buyer and their solicitor by 4 p.m. the same day. Exceptional work, matched by clear communication and the trust George built with the buyer and their broker. This enabled us to move to exchange and completion.

This experience reinforces how vital it is to have a strong team in the property world. I will recommend George on all future transactions to homeowners and conveyancing solicitors.

Thank you from everyone involved—you saved the day.”

Sue Healey, Kingsley Evans

“I worked with George on a recent deal where the buyer needed flood insurance for a riverside property. George was able to find bespoke cover which provided assurance for the buyer and enabled a smooth transaction. “

Sion Colenso, Knight Frank