Aviva’s Global Corporate & Specialty (GCS) division has launched a consolidated client practice under the banner of “Real Estate & Construction,” merging its construction, latent defects, and real estate operations into a single framework.
The transition moves away from the former “Property Investors” designation, introducing a coordinated strategy across pre-construction, active build, and post-completion phases.
As part of the changes, Aviva also extended its underwriting appetite to support sustainable construction through an expanded mass timber proposition. Clients using mass timber and engaging with Aviva’s risk management protocols can access lead-line coverage on both construction and latent defect policies. Coverage is also available for completed structures.
Aviva’s updated model supports whole-account underwriting, enabling early engagement with underwriters, engineers, and claims specialists. This structure is designed to provide continuity and transparency throughout the life of a project.
Matt Gordon (pictured above), underwriting director for specialty & real estate at Aviva, said the alignment of the teams under a single strategy is intended to meet the demands of modern real estate development.
“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,” Gordon said.
The unified proposition is underpinned by the insurer’s investment in Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS), which offers technical support from early-stage planning through to asset operation. A key focus is on mitigating latent defects – issues in design, material, or workmanship that may not emerge until after construction is complete.
The revised structure also allows Aviva to offer wider coverage through its GCS portfolio, which includes financial lines, legal indemnities, mergers and acquisitions, and overseas political violence and terrorism.
The new policy wording under the GCS Real Estate line includes provisions for sustainable reinstatement. This enables policyholders to make repairs in ways that lower future risk, and to upgrade energy performance features such as insulation or solar panel installations.
Mass timber, which can reduce embodied carbon by up to 50% compared to reinforced concrete, forms a central part of Aviva’s enhanced offering. The insurer said this initiative supports clients working toward net-zero targets.
In addition to risk engineering and sustainability efforts, the unified Real Estate & Construction proposition is supported by Aviva’s UK Multinational Hub and broader global capabilities. Clients with cross-border or complex exposures can access insurance support in over 180 jurisdictions, with a maximum capacity of £2 billion.
In support of its broader sustainability and resilience agenda, Aviva has also partnered with the University of Exeter to fund a four-year PhD project aimed at improving risk management in offshore wind construction and operations.
Aviva has taken further steps to integrate environmental and biodiversity considerations into its strategy by collaborating with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Through this partnership, the insurer has called for the UK to establish 'nature-positive pathways' – a framework that incorporates biodiversity into financial and economic decision-making.
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