Semi Detached Outbuilding/ Barn Insurance

Kat_McKenna

Hi,
We are in the process of buying an old cottage that benefits from a Detached barn / outbuilding garage across the road from us.
This barn is split with us owning one side and the other side being owned by another property with a party wall between,
Our solicitor has advised that we require a Deed of Mutual Obligation to be put in place. i.e. The deed contains covenants in respect of repair, support and protection, as well as the grant by each party of simple rights of access.Which basically means we are both responsible for maintaining the upkeep of our side of the property and can't let out roof fall down etc, or wall collapse.
However the other party do not want to sign this.
Is there any insurance that could cover our side of the outbuilding?
Thanks,
Kathryn

Sandtree

How do the deeds show the property? One continuous area including the outbuildings? Two areas on either side of the road? Just the main dwelling and the barn isnt on them?

Normal Home insurance typically covers outbuildings, though there can be some limitations like needing to be standard construction and not covering escape of water from plumbing etc.  How it is shown on the deeds could could complicate things. It should be something a decent broker can deal with if the direct insurers have problems.. may be worth checking with one in a more rural area who is used to dealing with properties with outbuildings or straddling roads etc.

davidmcn

It's not clear what you want the insurance to cover. If you mean the risks arising from you not having formal rights of access or obligations of support etc in the title deeds, you might be able to get title indemnity insurance, and that's something to ask your solicitor about (as they'll be able to advise you on exactly what the risks need covered, and generally the insurers only talk to solicitors anyway).

Kat_McKenna

The deeds show two separate properties, one the cottage and the second the barn / garage with our area of ownership defined. Ultimately my concern was the extent of impact of the neighbour not agreeing to this agreement / deed. i.e. if we developed the inside of the outbuilding while they left theirs to wreck and ruin, or would we be protected against that by insuring our side of the property. If the Deed of Mutual Obligation is solely to allow us rights onto their side for scaffolding etc then that shouldn't be an issue as long as the work was mutually beneficial wouldn't we be protected against the Party Wall Act?

Thanks you for all your help

Sandtree

The potential construction work is another complication but outside of that it is the same as any other terrace building... your insurance would cover you for insured perils like flood, fire, storm. If they felt that your neighbours negligence had caused/contributed to your losses they would consider recovery action from them. If they get their money back then its a "non-fault claim" and if they don't or decide its not economical to pursue etc then its a "fault" claim... I use "" as fault in Home claims is not as strong of a concept as it is with Motor.

HelenCWright

I am trying to insure two dwellings on the same deeds. One a four bed house that we live in and the other a detached renovated 3 bed barn. The barn is currently let on a short hold tenancy. The house and outbuildings are Grade 2 listed. I have been told by a broker that I cannot insure them separately. We only want building cover. Is this correct? Our quote for this year is 90% higher than last year.

dunstonh

care:  2020 thread revival.

I am trying to insure two dwellings on the same deeds. One a four bed house that we live in and the other a detached renovated 3 bed barn. The barn is currently let on a short hold tenancy. The house and outbuildings are Grade 2 listed. I have been told by a broker that I cannot insure them separately. We only want building cover. Is this correct? Our quote for this year is 90% higher than last year

Normally, you would use someone like NFU in this case and have everything covered under one policy.   You are non-standard.  So, looking at policies aimed at the mainstream market is not going to help you.   

for reference, we have barns, stables etc and grade 2 listed.   So, know the hassle it is to get insurance and the cost.    Over £2500 a year (although that includes contents and some farm and equestrian equipment)