Skip to main content

Specialist assessments for every block type.

When a block is underinsured, the average clause reduces every claim - and every leaseholder shares the consequence. A specialist assessment establishes the correct declared value and protects all parties under the policy.

Request an AssessmentOur Services
London block of flats, reinstatement cost assessment

Specialist reinstatement cost assessments for blocks of flats across the UK.

Blocks of Flats

Why block assessments are complex.

Blocks of flats involve cost elements that generic calculators and market-value approaches overlook entirely. Shared structures, communal services and leaseholder obligations create a unique risk profile that requires specialist assessment.

  • 01Shared structures — External fabric, roof, foundations and structural elements shared between all leaseholders must be valued at full rebuild cost, not apportioned.
  • 02Communal services — Lifts, boiler plant, communal lighting, entry systems and shared M&E infrastructure all carry reinstatement costs that generic tools miss.
  • 03Leaseholder obligations — A wrong declared value triggers the average clause and reduces every leaseholder's claim, not just the freeholder's. The legal exposure falls on whoever arranged the insurance.

What's Included in a Block Assessment

  • Full structural reinstatement cost - walls, roof, foundations, external fabric
  • Communal areas and shared circulation space
  • Lifts, plant rooms and shared M&E services
  • Professional fees - architects, engineers, project managers
  • Demolition and site clearance costs
  • VAT correctly applied to each element
  • BCIS-indexed figure with annual uplift schedule
  • Broker-ready report in 24 hours
Request a Block Assessment
Blocks of Flats

What we assess.

Purpose-built apartment blocks

Purpose-built apartment blocks

Modern and traditional flat developments across the UK, assessed to current BCIS construction cost indices.

Learn more
Converted houses

Converted houses

Victorian and Edwardian houses converted into flats. Shared areas, services and original fabric all require assessment.

Learn more
Mansion blocks

Mansion blocks

Large-scale residential buildings with multiple units and extensive communal facilities.

Learn more
Mixed-use developments

Mixed-use developments

Buildings with residential flats above commercial or retail premises. Residential and commercial elements itemised separately for correct VAT treatment and service-charge recharging.

Learn more
Leasehold estates

Leasehold estates

Multiple buildings on a single estate under common management or ownership, with a consolidated portfolio schedule.

Learn more
Portfolio instructions

Portfolio instructions

Multiple blocks assessed under a single instruction with individual reports and a consolidated schedule. Staggered scheduling keeps all blocks on a compliant review cycle simultaneously.

Learn more

Managing multiple blocks? Our portfolio assessment service covers all properties under a single instruction with a consolidated compliance schedule.

Client Feedback

What Our Customers Say

Managing agents, freeholders and property professionals across the UK.

Caroline F.

Caroline F.

Managing Agent Director, London

Google review

“Looking forward to working with Stearling Reinstatement to give us reliable rebuild cost quotes across our managed portfolio.”

Sarah L.

Sarah L.

Block Manager, Bristol

Google review

“Stearling Reinstatement had a RICS report back to us in 24 hours. The shortfall was significant and the broker corrected it before renewal.”

Priya N.

Priya N.

Portfolio Manager, Birmingham

Google review

“Handles all our assessments on a rolling three-year cycle. Takes the compliance burden completely off our desk.”

James R.

James R.

Freeholder, Manchester

Google review

“Straightforward process and the report was exactly what our insurer needed. Will be using Stearling Reinstatement at every renewal going forward.”

David M.

David M.

RTM Director, Leeds

Google review

“Our previous sum insured was badly out of date. Stearling Reinstatement gave us a RICS-backed figure we could actually rely on.”

Emma T.

Emma T.

Property Director, Edinburgh

Google review

“Quick turnaround and a clear report. Exactly what we needed ahead of renewal.”

Oliver K.

Oliver K.

Senior Block Manager, Cardiff

Google review

“Confident the buildings we manage are now properly insured. Stearling Reinstatement made the whole process simple.”

Rachel B.

Rachel B.

Insurance Broker, Birmingham

Google review

“The RICS certificate meant our underwriters accepted the sum insured without question. Great to have a reliable partner for reinstatement assessments.”

Tom H.

Tom H.

Portfolio Landlord, London

Google review

“Very professional service. Report arrived the next day and gave me the confidence my properties are correctly covered.”

Natalie W.

Natalie W.

Managing Agent, Bristol

Google review

“We now instruct Stearling Reinstatement as standard across all our blocks. It has become a routine part of our renewal process.”

Chris P.

Chris P.

Commercial Property Manager, Glasgow

Google review

“Solid, no-fuss service. The report is clear and our insurer accepted it immediately.”

Fiona D.

Fiona D.

Leaseholder Representative, Sheffield

Google review

“Finally feel confident our block is covered for the right amount. Stearling Reinstatement explained everything clearly.”

RICS-Regulated Assessments

Get Started. No Obligation Required.

Tell us your property and we'll send a written fee estimate no contract, no commitment. If you proceed, your broker-ready RICS report is with you in 24 hours.

Get a QuoteView Services

Why Stearling Reinstatement

Specialist only

Reinstatement cost assessments no general surveying, no distractions.

RICS regulated

Every assessment supervised by a RICS-registered member.

24-hr turnaround

Desktop assessments delivered within 24 hours of instruction.

PI insured

Professional indemnity cover on every instruction.

FAQ

Common questions.

Common questions about reinstatement cost assessments for blocks of flats.

Blocks of flats carry rebuild costs that generic online calculators miss entirely communal areas, lifts, shared services, external fabric, professional fees, and VAT on partial-damage repairs. A RICS-regulated reinstatement cost assessment captures every cost layer specific to your block. When multiple leaseholders share one insurance policy, a wrong declared value puts every one of them at risk simultaneously.

If the declared value in a buildings insurance policy is inadequate at claim time, the insurer applies the average clause and reduces every payout proportionally. A block insured for 70% of its true reinstatement cost has every claim escape of water, fire, subsidence paid at 70p in the pound. An up-to-date reinstatement cost assessment (rebuild cost assessment) is the primary protection against this.

A RICS-regulated reinstatement cost assessment for a block covers demolition and site clearance, structure, external envelope, communal areas, lifts, building services, professional fees, statutory fees, and VAT where applicable. It produces a single declared value covering the full cost of rebuilding the block from cleared ground the figure your insurer needs at renewal.

Yes particularly for central-London blocks where market value substantially exceeds reinstatement cost. Owners insuring toward market value pay inflated premiums every year for unnecessary cover. A professional reinstatement cost assessment right-sizes the declared value in both directions, removing overpayment as well as underinsurance risk.

Yes. We regularly work with managing agents, RTM companies and resident management companies commissioning reinstatement cost assessments on behalf of freeholders. If you manage multiple blocks, our portfolio reinstatement cost assessment service covers every property under a single instruction with a consolidated summary schedule.

RICS guidance requires a formal reinstatement cost assessment at least every three years, with annual BCIS-indexed inflation adjustment in between. Our 3-Year Protection Plan covers both requirements under one instruction full reinstatement cost assessment in year one, indexed rebuild cost updates before each renewal, no re-instructing required.