Over the past 12-18 months, we’ve seen a clear shift in how insurers approach Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), particularly within the Robust design category.
The market remains selective. But importantly, it’s maturing.
Well-structured, purpose-built SDA assets are not only insurable, they’re increasingly understood by the right insurers.
Property: stability returning for quality assets
Property insurance for SDA has begun to stabilise, particularly across well-designed portfolios.
Insurers remain focused on the fundamentals. Accurate rebuild values, asset durability and catastrophe exposure are still under scrutiny. But purpose-built Robust dwellings, especially single-resident designs, are now being viewed more favourably than older group housing models.
Where we’re seeing the best outcomes is with assets that are clearly managed, professionally maintained and supported by a defined risk management approach. These are the portfolios that are achieving workable, sustainable insurance terms.
Liability: still tight, but navigable
Liability remains the more constrained class.
Insurer appetite is concentrated among a small group of specialist markets, and outcomes are driven less by size and more by structure.
The key factor is clarity.
Clear separation between property ownership, SDA provision, and SIL or care services is critical. Where these lines are blurred, underwriting becomes more complex and options narrow quickly. Where they are well defined, outcomes improve.
What’s working in today’s market
Across both property and liability, a consistent pattern is emerging. The following characteristics are delivering stronger insurance outcomes:
• Purpose-built Robust SDA, rather than retrofits
• Single-resident or low-density models
• Clear contractual separation from care and support services
• Strong asset management, with documented maintenance and risk frameworks
These are not just “nice to have” features. They are increasingly expected.
The takeaway for investors and developers
Robust SDA is continuing to evolve into an institutional-grade asset class.
But it needs to be structured, managed and insured with that in mind.
Insurance is no longer a back-end consideration. It’s a key part of the asset strategy, and engaging early with the right advisers and markets can materially influence outcomes.
Through our underwriting relationships and partnership with the SDA Alliance, we are seeing property and liability outcomes that are often 30–40% below broader market pricing, and in some cases more.
For any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
