Three in five HNW property owners left high and dry by water damage – Ecclesiastical

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed that 60% of high net worth (HNW) property owners have experienced an escape of water incident in the last five years.  

In the annual survey of 250 HNW individuals, almost a third (33%) also reported seeing fine art damaged as a result of the leaks, which dropped slightly to 27% in secondary homes.

Meanwhile, the loss of irreplaceable items – those with an emotional connection rather than any monetary value – was higher in second homes (31%) than in main properties (27%). 

With second homes less likely to be visited regularly, escape of water can take place over a long period of time and have a significant impact on properties if not detected, therefore causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. 

Sarah Willoughby, art and private client business director at Ecclesiastical, said: “We know escape of water incidents can be really distressing for homeowners.

“On top of the cost, there is the potential inconvenience of having to relocate to alternative property while works take place, as well as the emotional toll of losing potentially priceless and sentimental items. Even small leaks can lead to significant damage to walls, ceilings, floors, electrics and contents, especially if they go unnoticed – which can be a real issue in second homes.”

Common causes

The survey also revealed that nearly half (45%) of escape of water incidents at primary residences and 43% at secondary homes were caused by burst pipes due to freezing. 

Other common causes for primary residences revealed included leaks from sanitary fittings at 37%, blocked drains at 27% and leaks from hot tubs or pools at 26%.

In primary properties, more than half (54%) stated they had found physical evidence of water running in their properties when detecting the leak. 

Joanne State, operations manager at Leaksafe, said: “We see the damage that leaks cause all day, every day and although leak detection systems can’t stop leaks, they act as early warning systems that can dramatically change the outcome of a leak in a property.   

“Clients are often concerned that installation of a leak detection system will be destructive or disruptive, but this isn’t the case. In most homes installation of a leak detection system is straightforward and completed within a day, are easy to manage and homeowners benefit from the peace of mind that comes with the protection the system provides.”