Home Insurance for First-Time Buyers (UK) — Compare Quotes in Minutes

Buying your first home is exciting — but home insurance can feel confusing at the same time. The key is understanding what you actually need (buildings, contents, or both), then comparing providers using accurate details.

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What you'll need to start a quote

•Property postcode
•Property type (house/flat) + approximate rebuild value if known
•Whether you need buildings, contents, or both
•Any recent claims (yes/no)

Who this page is for

This page is for UK first-time buyers who:

are arranging home insurance for the first time
want a simple explanation of buildings vs contents cover
want to compare options quickly before moving in
want to avoid common mistakes that cause underinsurance

If you're buying a rental property, see our landlord insurance guide instead. If the property will be empty before you move in (for example, during renovations), you may need unoccupied home insurance to cover the interim period.

Buildings vs contents: what's the difference?

Home insurance is often split into two parts:

Buildings insurance covers the structure of the property (for example, walls, roof, permanent fixtures).
Contents insurance covers belongings inside the home (for example, furniture, electronics, clothing).

Some people buy both together, while others only need one part depending on their situation. If you have a mortgage, your lender may require buildings insurance — check your mortgage terms.

What affects first-time buyer home insurance prices?

Prices can vary by provider, but common factors include:

property type (house, flat, detached/terraced)
postcode and local claim history
rebuild cost and property construction type
security features (locks, alarms)
whether the property is occupied or left empty
claims history (property or personal)
cover level, excess, and optional extras

Comparing can help because different providers price the same details differently. If you want to spread the cost, check pay monthly home insurance options. For more guidance, see our main home insurance hub.

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Practical tips before you buy

Don't confuse rebuild value with market value
Make sure your cover amount reflects what you actually need
Review excess amounts and what's excluded
Consider accidental damage only if it fits your situation
Keep your details accurate — it matters if you ever need to claim

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FAQs: Home insurance for first-time buyers (UK)

Do first-time buyers need home insurance?

It's not usually legally required, but if you have a mortgage your lender may require buildings insurance. Many buyers choose cover to protect the property and belongings.

Should I get buildings and contents together?

It depends on your situation. Some first-time buyers buy combined cover, while others choose one part only.

What is "rebuild value"?

Rebuild value is the estimated cost to rebuild the property if it were destroyed. It's different from the market price.

When should my policy start?

Most first-time buyers arrange cover to start from exchange or completion (depending on circumstances). Check what your lender or solicitor recommends.

Will previous claims affect my quote?

They can. Providers may price differently based on claims history.

Is accidental damage worth it?

It depends. Some people value it for peace of mind, but it can increase cost. Compare what's included.

What details do I need to compare?

Typically your postcode, property type, cover type (buildings/contents), and any claims history.

What's the fastest way to check options?

Start a quote journey with accurate details and compare the cover breakdown and total cost.

Ready to compare home insurance?

Start your quote online now and view options available from UK providers.

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How we created this page (transparency)

This page was created to help UK first-time buyers understand home insurance basics and what to check when comparing options. It is reviewed for clarity and updated as needed to stay accurate and useful.

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Important information

MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.