Aviva GCS merges teams to form new real estate and construction practice

Aviva’s Global Corporate and Specialty (GCS) business has launched a new and unified real estate and construction client practice.

The new arm brings together the insurer’s construction, latent defects and real estate teams under a single strategic vision.

As part of this shift, Aviva is expanding its appetite for sustainable construction of large commercial buildings through an enhanced mass timber proposition.

This means clients looking to build using mass timber in adherence with GCS risk management expertise will be able to obtain lead line offerings from Aviva on construction and latent defects.

The insurer also revealed that the practice will result in revised GCS real estate policy wording enhancements, allowing for more sustainable reinstatement of buildings, where policyholders are able to make repairs which reduce the likelihood of future damage.

Cover also supports energy efficiency improvements such as additional insulation and the installation of solar panels.

Matt Gordon, underwriting director for specialty and real estate, said: “Aviva GCS has united its real estate, construction and latent defects teams under one aligned strategy to keep pace with the fast-evolving world of real estate and construction – driven by accelerated build times, modern materials and complex regulation.

“Aviva has long been a leader in the real estate and construction market, having pioneered latent defects insurance in the UK over 40 years ago.

“Today, that legacy remains central to how we support sustainable development, uniquely enabling us to engage at design stage, before building even begins.

“Our enhanced mass timber proposition and tailored risk management solutions further reflect the future of the built environment - client focused, resilient and sustainable.”

Whole-account underwriting

Launching the new practice also enables whole-account underwriting, meaning clients will receive early engagement with underwriters, engineers and claims specialists.

The insurer added that this integrated approach is further strengthened by Aviva’s investment in Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS), enhancing risk engineering and management from the earliest stages of pre-construction design through to long-term asset management.

Gordon added: “This isn’t just a cosmetic change – it’s a fundamental shift in how we support clients and brokers. By aligning our teams and enhancing our proposition, we’re removing friction, enabling innovation and supporting sustainable development from foundation to finish.

“This joined up approach gives clients the confidence to build for the future, helping the industry get ready for a low-carbon world.”