ICW has officially entered the Irish market, extending its structural warranty services beyond its established UK footprint. Operating under the brand ICW Europe, the company will provide comprehensive structural warranties to developers and housebuilders across Ireland, supported by a locally based team of building surveyors and support staff.
This strategic move builds on ICW’s significant growth in the UK, where it supplies a range of warranty products to property developers, housebuilders, and construction firms. In Ireland, ICW will offer a diverse portfolio of structural warranty solutions through its insurance arm. This includes:
- 10-Year Residential Warranties – Covering new builds, renovations, and retrospective projects.
- Commercial Building Warranties – Tailored for commercial or mixed-use developments.
- Affordable Housing Schemes – Providing 10- or 12-year coverage options.
Unlike some competitors, ICW bases its policy premiums on construction costs rather than property sale prices, offering more predictable pricing for developers. All policies are underwritten by A-rated insurers, ensuring robust financial backing.
The Irish structural warranty market has traditionally been served by a limited number of providers. While structural warranties are not a regulatory requirement, they are increasingly seen as essential for meeting lender expectations and managing long-term developer liability. This demand has been bolstered by ambitious housing targets set under the government’s Housing for All plan, making warranties a critical component of modern risk management for both developers and homebuyers.
Commenting on the expansion, ICW’s leadership expressed confidence in the move, noting the significant growth potential in Ireland. “Being able to bring our offering to the Irish market, where we see considerable potential for our building warranties, is a product of that endeavour, and we look forward to growing our footprint here,” said Spratt.
