Home insurance premiums fall overall but rise sharply in Northern Ireland

The latest home insurance price index from Go.Compare has shown that while the average cost of home insurance fell 1.7% in the last quarter, some parts of the UK have seen premiums rise.

Homeowners in Northern Ireland recorded the sharpest increase, with the median cost of a combined buildings and contents policy rising 12% between Q2 and Q3 2025 from £419 to £466.

Premiums also edged up in the North East, South West and West Midlands, while costs fell in Greater London, Scotland and the East Midlands.

The data highlights the geographical disparities in home insurance pricing, with regional risk profiles continuing to influence costs.

Location is not the only factor affecting home insurance premiums. The index shows that property size, type and the age of the policyholder all play a significant role.

Those living in five-bedroom homes pay the highest premiums at an average of £421, while one-bedroom properties average £168.

Go.Compare home insurance expert Nathan Blackler said: “When you ask an insurer for a quote, they take into account a whole range of factors and when it comes to the age of the policyholder, the older they are, the less of a risk they pose.

“This is because old homeowners statistically make fewer claims or generally claim for smaller amounts, and they tend to be home during the day and night, lowering the risk of burglary.

“But it isn’t the only thing they consider – houses tend to be more expensive to insure than flats or bungalows because they’re usually larger, and have higher rebuild costs along with more contents.

“While you can’t change any of these factors to save money on your home insurance premiums, there are some ways you can make sure you are getting the right policy for you at the best price.

“Shopping around is always the best way to start – using a comparison website allows you to see a range of policies at once and helps you get the right cover.”

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