High Networth

Beach Hut Winter Maintenance Checklist

Beach Hut Winter Maintenance Checklist 1000 667 James Hallam

We recently published a guide to beach hut summer maintenance, which discussed how you can get your beach hut ready for the high season. In this post we will explore beach hut winter maintenance, with a checklist of tasks that will help you safely “close down” your hut for the winter months.

Why You Need to Winterise Your Hut

Taking care of any repairs or renovations now will make it less likely that you will have to make some more serious repairs in future. In winter, you could face:

  • High winds, heavy rains, low temperatures – unless you take the time to prepare, winter weather could cause some serious damage to your hut.
  • Risk of crime and theft – Remove any high value items that thieves may target while the area is less busy is an important part of winterising your hut.
  • Becoming a target of vandalism – Vandals may be more likely to target huts that look run-down and weatherbeaten.

Beach Hut Winter Maintenance Checklist

  1. Cleaning and Decluttering

You have heard of a spring clean? Well, now it is time for an autumn clean:

  • Remove all valuables, belongings, and perishables from your hut.
  • Give every surface a thorough clean. This will help prevent the build-up of mould and mildew over the winter, while also making next year’s spring clean a little easier.
  • Remember to secure any outdoor valuables too, such as furniture or BBQs.
  1. Repairing and Renovating

Prioritise small repairs now as it will help you avoid big repairs later:

  • Thoroughly inspect your hut for any potential issues
  • Look for leaks
  • Find and fix any loose fittings
  • Identify any signs of wear, tear, and rot
  • Oil hinges and other metal elements to help prevent rust
  1. Weatherproofing

Batten down the hatches! Look for ways to protect your hut from the harsh winter weather. This might involve:

  • Insulating the walls and ceiling, sealing any gaps in the windows and doors
  • Buying some shutters to protect any glass from sand and other debris.
  • Apply a fresh coat of weatherproof paint to the hut’s exterior, to protect it from the corrosive effects of sea salt.
  1. Security

Finally, think about ways you can keep your hut safe from criminals over the winter.

  • As we mentioned above, keeping your hut in pristine condition in itself could help deter vandals
  • Get extra locks for the exterior to make life harder for thieves
  • Remove any valuables to ensure that they will not find anything worth stealing even if they do break in
  1. Check Your Insurance

Your insurer may specify how you should care for your beach hut as a requirement of their specialist beach hut insurance policies. This might include taking certain measures to keep your hut safe from the elements, and from criminals, while it is unoccupied over the winter. It’s always recommended to:

  • Check your policy wording to make sure you are doing everything your insurer expects of you. If you do not, you may not be able to make a claim for damages should anything happen to your hut.
  • You could also use the end of the season as an opportunity to review your beach hut insurance. Are you getting all the cover you need, at a best price?

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your beach hut at a competitive price.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme and are experts in this market. We will endeavour to get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it, using our specialist beach hut scheme.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Old antique books

Rare Books & Collectables: A Market for 2025 and Beyond

Rare Books & Collectables: A Market for 2025 and Beyond 1000 664 James Hallam

In a world ruled by screens, something surprising is happening: rare books are booming. As e-readers and digital platforms dominate, collectors are turning toward tangible, timeless works of literature and history. This revival isn’t just nostalgia, it is a recognition of the enduring power of physical books as both cultural artefacts and investment assets.

The digital paradox

The more we live in a digital age, the more we crave permanence. Digital files are fleeting, subject to updates, deletions, or obsolescence. A first edition of The Great Gatsby, by contrast, is both enduring and irreplaceable. The feel of the paper, the scent of old leather, the sight of a dust jacket that has survived a century. These are experiences technology cannot replicate.

Collectors know this, and the numbers prove it. The global rare book market is now estimated at $2 billion, and is projected to increase to $2.8 billion by 2033.

What is driving the market

Certain categories are leading the charge:

  • Modern First Editions: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997), originally sold for £10.99, now commands upwards of £45,000. Recently an incredibly rare first edition of Tolkien’s The Hobbit sold at auction for £43,000.
  • Classic Literature: Early editions of Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Joyce, and Woolf are among the most reliable ‘blue-chip’ investments in the sector.
  • Manuscripts and Letters: Collectors are increasingly drawn to unique, personal artefacts – Austen’s correspondence, Wilde’s prison letters, Churchill’s wartime notes.
  • Emerging Collectables: Works by contemporary authors like Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, and even collectible graphic novels such as Maus and Sandman are creating new categories of demand.

Beyond financial appreciation, rare books offer display value and cultural status. A carefully curated shelf can be as much a statement piece as fine art.

The responsibilities of collecting

As with silver, collecting rare books requires care and expertise. Authentication is critical -first editions can hinge on tiny details like misprints or publisher identifiers. Condition is equally important. A dust jacket can account for as much as 80% of a 20th-century book’s value, making preservation vital.

Books must be stored in controlled environments with stable temperature and humidity. Protection against light, pests, and pollutants is essential, as is professional conservation when restoration is needed.

Serious collectors must think about risk management. Specialised insurance policies, professional appraisals, and secure storage facilities are integral to protecting collections that can easily be worth tens of thousands.

Looking to the future

The rare book market is set to evolve in fascinating ways:

  • Demographics: Millennials and Gen Z collectors are increasingly drawn to physical authenticity. They are also broadening the scope of what is valued, placing greater emphasis on diverse voices, women authors, and global literature.
  • Technology: Far from replacing rare books, digital tools are enhancing the market. Online auction platforms, bibliographic databases, and even AI-powered analysis are making it easier to verify, trade, and value collections.
  • Institutions and Investors: Universities, museums, and private foundations are aggressively pursuing acquisitions, while wealthy individuals are increasingly treating books as part of a diversified investment portfolio.

Why collectors keep coming back

Rare books are more than financial assets. They are physical connections to history, creativity, and human thought. Whether it is a medieval manuscript, a Shakespeare folio, or a first edition of To Kill a Mockingbird, these objects embody our cultural heritage.

For investors, they also represent diversification. An asset class largely uncorrelated with traditional markets. But for collectors, the real return is something deeper: the joy of holding history in your hands.

At James Hallam, we understand that rare books are more than possessions. They are legacies. Our specialised insurance solutions protect these treasures ensuring that whether you own a single beloved volume or a comprehensive collection, your books will endure for generations to come.

Get in touch for help and advice

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

Scotch whiskey bottle

Whisky as an Investment – Collecting the Water of Life

Whisky as an Investment – Collecting the Water of Life 1000 663 James Hallam

For centuries, whisky has been celebrated as a drink to savour, a glass shared with friends, a marker of special occasions. But in recent years, it has become something more: an investment class in its own right. Rare bottles and vintage casks now sell for six-figure sums, and investors are increasingly treating whisky as seriously as fine art, classic cars, or Bordeaux wine.

From dram to asset

The shift didn’t happen overnight. In the 1960s and 70s, wealthy individuals began quietly purchasing casks for private enjoyment. By the 1990s, collectors were turning their attention to bottles from distilleries that had long since closed, like Brora or Port Ellen. When Japanese whiskies such as Hanyu and Yamazaki burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, the market began to take global shape.

Fast forward to today, and whisky has fully crossed into investment territory. Dedicated auction houses run specialist sales, investment funds now offer whisky portfolios, and global indices track the market’s performance. In the past decade alone, whisky prices have grown at rates of 15–20% annually, putting the market’s global value at around £10 billion.

What drives value

Like any alternative asset, whisky’s value depends on scarcity, quality, and story. Some of the most important drivers are:

  • Closed distilleries. Bottles from Port Ellen or Brora, long since shuttered, command extraordinary premiums.
  • Age and maturity. The longer the whisky rests in cask, the rarer and more valuable it becomes.
  • Critical acclaim. Glowing reviews from respected publications can elevate bottles into collector territory.
  • Packaging and provenance. Original boxes, intact labels, and certificates make a tangible difference to value.

Global tastes, global markets

One of the most fascinating aspects of whisky investment is how preferences vary across the world:

  • Scotland. Macallan continues to set records, while Islay’s peated whiskies inspire cult-like devotion.
  • Japan. Yamazaki and Hanyu dominate headlines, with boutique producers like Chichibu becoming instant collector favourites.
  • Emerging regions. From American bourbon to Irish single pot stills, and newer entrants in Taiwan, India and Australia, global expansion is fuelling new opportunities.

How whisky performs

The numbers speak volumes. The Rare Whisky Icon Index has risen nearly 500% since 2008, outperforming the FTSE 100, fine wine, and even classic cars. Japanese whisky has been the standout, showing almost 600% growth over the same period. Importantly, whisky’s correlation with traditional assets is low, making it a powerful tool for diversification.

Of course, performance has not been without bumps. During the 2008 financial crisis and again in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, prices dipped. But both times the market recovered swiftly, reinforcing whisky’s reputation for resilience.

More than a drink

What makes whisky unique as an investment is that it combines craftsmanship, heritage, and culture in a way few assets can. Each bottle tells a story of a place, a distillery, sometimes even a single cask and collectors aren’t just buying liquid in a glass, but a piece of history.

The water of life has always carried meaning. Today, it carries financial weight too. For those willing to look beyond traditional assets, whisky may prove not just a pleasure to drink, but a portfolio’s secret ingredient.

Get in touch for help and advice

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

Original Hermes Birkin Bag, 2025 Credit: Lev Radin/Alamy News Live

Birkin No.1 – The Birth of a Cultural Icon

Birkin No.1 – The Birth of a Cultural Icon 1000 719 James Hallam

When Sotheby’s sold Jane Birkin’s own Hermès Birkin bag in 2025, it wasn’t just another high-profile auction. It was history. The original Birkin bag achieved a record-breaking £1.8 million. For collectors, it was the ultimate symbol of fashion crossing the line from accessory to blue-chip asset.

A bag born from chance

The Birkin’s origin story is one of those rare fashion legends that feels almost too good to be true. In 1983, Jane Birkin found herself on a flight from Paris to London, seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. Frustrated with her handbag’s lack of practicality, she confessed her wish for something more functional yet elegant. Dumas listened. Within a year, the Birkin was born.

That first version was a 35cm bag, crafted in natural leather with palladium hardware, its spacious interior making it as useful as it was beautiful. Jane carried it everywhere — to film premieres, markets, even on casual errands. Over time it developed the patina and wear that only comes from a life truly lived, making it even more fascinating to collectors.

From utility to investment

What started as a practical handbag evolved into the most coveted accessory in the world. Hermès played a key role in shaping its mystique. By limiting production, training only select artisans, and allowing only a handful of clients access each year, the Birkin became synonymous with exclusivity. Waiting lists stretched for years.

Celebrity culture amplified the allure. Victoria Beckham famously built a collection of over 100 Birkins, while Kim Kardashian’s posts showcasing rare versions reached millions. The bag became a fixture in popular culture, appearing on red carpets and even scripted into “Sex and the City.”

But beyond the glamour, the numbers speak for themselves. Studies have shown Birkins appreciating at an average annual rate of more than 12% – outperforming gold, stocks, and fine art at times. Rare models, especially those in exotic leathers or unusual colours, have sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

What drives value

Not every Birkin is destined for seven figures. Professional valuers look at a mix of factors:

  • Size – the smaller 25cm models often command the highest premiums.
  • Leather – cocodile, ostrich, and alligator add significant multiples to value.
  • Colour – neutrals like black and tan are highly liquid, while rare shades such as Rose Tyrien carry hefty premiums.
  • Condition – a store-fresh Birkin can fetch double one with heavy wear.

The no.1 sale – a market milestone

When Jane Birkin’s own bag came to auction, it was always going to draw attention. Provenance matters in luxury, and this was the genesis piece of an entire collecting category. Estimated at £800,000 – £1.2 million, it soared to £1.8 million after a tense 12-minute bidding war with international buyers on the line.

For the market, the sale did more than set a record. It validated what collectors and investors already knew: the Birkin is not just a handbag, it is an asset class.

Looking ahead

The Birkin market continues to evolve, shaped by:

  • New generations of collectors, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who view Birkins as investments first.
  • Digital innovation, from blockchain certificates to AI-driven valuation platforms.
  • Global demand, with Asia and the Middle East emerging as particularly influential markets.

Jane Birkin’s £1.8 million sale proved the handbag’s dual role as cultural icon and financial instrument. For discerning collectors, the real question now isn’t whether a Birkin is worth investing in – it’s how it fits into the portfolio of the future.

Get in touch for help and advice

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

Dedicated Claims Advocacy That Makes the Difference

Dedicated Claims Advocacy That Makes the Difference 1000 667 James Hallam

When life takes an unexpected turn, the true test of your insurance is not in the policy – it is in the claims service that stands behind it. At James Hallam Private Clients, claims handling is not outsourced or left as an afterthought. Our in-house team is built into the very heart of what we do, making up around 10% of our workforce. That is a scale and level of specialism that sets us apart from brokers without a dedicated claims function.

A specialist claims function built around you

  • Not an add-on: Our claims team is a core part of our model, not an optional extra.
  • Deep insurer relationships: Decades of collective experience and direct contacts with senior underwriters mean we can escalate matters quickly.
  • True partnership with brokers: Your Private Client Executive can focus on placing and protecting your cover, knowing we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you when things go wrong.

Working hand in hand with our brokers

Our claims team does not just manage paperwork – we partner directly with our Private Client brokers to secure the best outcomes.

Take a recent high-value loss (anonymised here). The claim was complicated by a late notification, which could easily have prejudiced the insurer’s position. Our claims team maintained regular contact with the client, ‘fighting their corner’. We managed to increase the settlement offer on one significant item and continue to press on another. Crucially, we worked with the placing broker – who leveraged their underwriter relationships – to push for a better overall settlement. That seamless collaboration is only possible when your broker has a dedicated, specialist claims team working side-by-side.

The breadth of claims we manage

From a collapsed drain claim settled at just £172 to major storm-related water ingress exceeding £125,000, through to fires, jewellery thefts, and liability incidents, the Private Clients claims team at James Hallam is trusted to manage a uniquely varied portfolio. Each case, large or small, gets the same meticulous attention.

Why a dedicated claims function matters

Many brokers stop at placing cover and simply pass claims back to the insurer. At James Hallam, we know that is where clients need us most. Our dedicated Private Client Claims Team offers a true in-house advocacy service, making the difference between a frustrating process and a positive resolution.

Here is how that plays out in practice:

  • Faster turnaround: we do not sit back and wait for updates. Our handlers pick up the phone to loss adjusters and underwriters, pushing for action when claims risk stalling.
  • Clear communication – insurance jargon can feel impenetrable. We break down exclusions, limits, and technical wording into plain English.
  • Evidence collation & preparation- clients often do not know what level of detail insurers require. We step in to gather valuations, photos, invoices and timelines, formatting them into professional evidence packs and where possible fielding questions and requests without having to trouble the client. In a six-figure jewellery theft, this preparation meant the loss adjuster could validate the claim quickly, avoiding weeks of back-and-forth.
  • Shielding clients in liability claims – when third parties are involved, clients can feel vulnerable. Our team guides in the appropriate responses and communications to third parties, liaising with solicitors, and protecting our clients from direct confrontation.
  • Uninsured loss recovery – if a loss which is not your fault falls within your excess, we can help you in preparing and presenting a claim to the responsible party.
  • Leveraging broker-insurer relationships – that is how we have increased settlement offers, persuaded insurers to accept client-preferred suppliers, and turned ‘no’ into ‘yes’.
  • Personal advocacy, every step – we are relentless advocates, ensuring our clients feel supported and never alone during the claims process.

Meet the team behind the advocacy

The team combines technical expertise with empathy and persistence, ensuring clients feel supported at every stage.

Savannah Armitage, Team Leader (Ipswich): Chartered Insurance Institute and BDMA qualified, Savannah is the principal handler for Private Client claims. With extensive experience across liability, property and motor, she has managed major losses involving high-value property, artwork, jewellery and international assets.

 

 

Jenna Warman (London): Based close to our London Private Client team, Jenna brings extensive property loss expertise and London Market experience, with a strong advocacy background in negotiating with insurers and loss adjusters.

 

 

Amelia Collings (Ipswich): The first of our in-house Claims Academy, she is progressing along the CILA route. Despite her early career stage, she has already delivered fantastic results for clients, including securing significantly enhanced settlements.

 

 

 

Real success stories – how we add value

We see a huge range of claims – from lost jewellery items to major fire and storm damage losses, through to complex liability disputes.

  • High-value jewellery theft: A client’s collection worth six figures was stolen in a targeted burglary. By coordinating valuations, pushing for recognition of sentimental value and ensuring their chosen jeweller was accepted by insurers, we secured a settlement of over £109,000 paid directly to their preferred supplier.
  • Bracelet loss: An insurer initially proposed £8,000 based on valuation. We fought for market comparable, obtained a specialist quote, and secured a cash settlement of £18,900 – more than double the starting offer.
  • International property fire: When a dehumidifier caused fire and smoke damage abroad, we worked across markets and jurisdictions to keep the claim moving. We coordinated with overseas adjusters, chased building insurers, and pushed through delays until a £46,000+ settlement was agreed.
  • Third-party liability: A gate collapsed onto a passing vehicle, exposing our client to a potential liability claim. We immediately stepped in to shield the client from direct correspondence, took control of communications with the injured party’s representatives, and ensured liability was properly investigated and defended.

That is the James Hallam difference – dedicated claims specialists, embedded within Private Clients, ensuring our brokers can focus on what they do best while our clients receive the very best in claims advocacy.

wasps nest

Pest Prevention and Protection: Safeguarding Your High-Value Properties

Pest Prevention and Protection: Safeguarding Your High-Value Properties 1000 667 James Hallam

When we think of risks to our home we may think of fire, flood, or theft. Yet one of the most overlooked threats comes from something much smaller but no less damaging: pests. From mice chewing through wiring in heritage properties to wood-boring insects weakening period timber beams, infestations can cause significant financial, health, and reputational harm if they aren’t dealt with quickly.

In this article we look at why pest prevention matters for your valuable assets, the signs to watch for, and the practical steps you can take to keep your property safe, pest-free, and protected.

Or you can view our brochure on here: Pest Prevention and Protection.

The hidden costs of pests in properties

It is easy to underestimate how much impact a few pests can have on your property, but once they have made themselves at home, the costs can mount quickly and reach substantial sums. Rats and mice gnaw electrical wiring raising fire risks that could result in losses of hundreds of thousands of pounds, while woodworm and other beetles can weaken original timber floors, period furniture, and heritage building elements worth significant amounts. Beyond structural concerns, rodents spread diseases like leptospirosis, cockroaches are linked to asthma and allergies, and even bedbugs and fleas can trigger secondary infections that create health risks for occupants.

Why winter is a critical season for premium properties

Although pests can appear year-round, autumn and winter bring extra risks. As temperatures fall, rodents, spiders, and insects seek warmth indoors. Lofts, garages, and wall cavities make perfect shelters.

For owners of country houses and estates, this means being extra vigilant when the cold sets in. Seal gaps, store food securely, and keep clutter to a minimum. For landlords, seasonal inspections or even a professional pest control contract, are well worth the investment to protect valuable assets.

Pest problems signs in your property

Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

  • Bees ans wasps: increased number of bees and wasps in a specific area, visible entry points such as holes or cracks in structures, and the presence of buzzing sounds.
  • Rodents: droppings in cupboards, gnawed food packaging, scratching at night.
  • Insects: trails of ants in kitchens, clusters of small holes in timber, or moth damage to fabrics and furnishings.
  • Spiders and silverfish: usually found in damp or undisturbed areas like lofts, wine cellars, or basements.
  • Moths: tiny holes in clothing, textiles, or carpets, often with webbing or larvae nearby.

Make it a habit to check storage areas, lofts, and less-used corners regularly, especially in winter. For larger properties or multiple holdings, consider professional inspection services.

Proactive steps to reduce your risk

  • Seal entry points: block gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and rooflines – particularly important in period properties with traditional construction methods.
  • Stay clean and tidy: store food in sealed containers, clear up crumbs quickly, and take rubbish out regularly.
  • Control moisture: pests love damp conditions – fix leaks and use dehumidifiers in basements, wine cellars, and period buildings prone to moisture issues.
  • Schedule regular checks: keep an eye on lofts, garages, cellars, and outbuildings. For multiple properties, consider systematic inspection schedules.
  • Call in the experts: for serious infestations, a professional pest control service with experience in high-end properties is the safest solution.

Taking action now to protect your home

Pest prevention can make a significant difference to your safety, finances, and peace of mind. A clean, pest-free home is healthier, easier to insure, and more enjoyable to live in – while maintaining its value.

By staying proactive – sealing gaps, keeping food secure, reducing clutter, and scheduling inspections – you will be protecting your home from avoidable risks.

Get in touch for help and advice

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

interior design walk in closet

Fashion’s Shifting Value – Why Your Wardrobe May Be Underinsured

Fashion’s Shifting Value – Why Your Wardrobe May Be Underinsured 1000 667 James Hallam

When most people think about wealth, they picture property portfolios, fine art collections, or perhaps a cellar of rare wines. Increasingly, however, another category is stepping into the spotlight: wardrobes. Clothing, shoes, and handbags are no longer just expressions of taste, they are significant financial assets. Yet, despite their rising values, many clients remain underinsured, leaving themselves vulnerable in the event of a total loss.

Fashion as an investment class

The idea of clothes and accessories as investments may once have sounded frivolous. Today, it’s anything but. The global luxury resale market is booming, valued at around $32 billion in 2022 and set to be worth more than $52 billion by 2026. Platforms like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal have normalised buying and selling designer goods, while a new generation views luxury fashion not as a depreciating indulgence, but as an appreciating asset.

Handbags are among the most striking examples of this shift. A Hermès Birkin, once bought and tucked away in a wardrobe, can now command several multiples of its original purchase price. Chanel’s Classic Flap has surged in value over the past decade, while Dior’s couture ensembles and rare McQueen pieces frequently achieve six-figure sums at auction. Even sneakers, once dismissed as everyday wear, have crossed firmly into the category of collectible assets, with certain limited editions fetching thousands of pounds.

This transformation has changed how wardrobes should be viewed: not merely as personal effects, but as collections that, in financial terms, can rival wine cellars or art portfolios.

Why underinsurance is so common

Common issues include:

  • Outdated valuations – Many policies still record items at their purchase price rather than today’s market value. A pair of designer shoes or a handbag bought for £5,000 a few years ago might be worth double or triple that now, yet the insurance schedule has not kept pace.
  • Caps on personal effects – Home insurance contents policies will have a set limit of cover for clothing and accessories and will include an individual item limit. This cover may be inadequate for wardrobes containing multiple handbags, couture, or luxury shoe collections.
  • Limited portability. Many policies restrict cover once an item leaves the home, yet luxury fashion is meant to be worn, at events, on travels, even on loan.
  • Lack of specialist expertise – General contents policies are not designed with fashion in mind, and without accurate, independent valuations, insurers may rely on incomplete or outdated information. This can lead to settlements that fall far short of the true replacement or resale value of a collection.

The cumulative effect is that many clients are left unknowingly underinsured, despite believing their contents policy is sufficient.

How to protect your wardrobe

The luxury resale market shows no sign of slowing. Designers are deliberately limiting production to fuel scarcity, while vintage pieces gain cultural cachet through celebrity endorsement and social media visibility. Emerging designers are already achieving collectible status, and categories like sneakers and streetwear continue to expand. So what can you do to protect your wardrobe?

Commission proper valuations

Independent fashion valuers can provide detailed, up-to-date assessments that reflect secondary market demand, condition, rarity, and provenance. This ensures your insurance reflects true market value rather than outdated purchase prices. For significant collections, valuations should be refreshed annually.

Implement risk management practices

Complementary steps such as secure storage, photographic documentation, and digital inventories can streamline claims processes. Clients should also exercise discretion in what is shared publicly online, reducing exposure to opportunistic theft.

Choose high net worth insurance

High-net-worth policies go far beyond the limits of standard contents cover. Key features may include:

  • Agreed value settlements – giving certainty over what will be paid in the event of a claim.
  • Worldwide cover – essential for clients who travel with their wardrobes.
  • Automatic appreciation provisions – recognising that items can rise sharply in value between valuations.
  • Pairs and sets cover – ensuring a collection retains its integrity if one piece is lost.

For high-net-worth individuals, wardrobes have become part of the alternative asset landscape, sitting alongside art, jewellery, and wine in terms of both value and importance. Protecting them requires the same diligence and specialist approach. This is where we can make a real difference by ensuring your wardrobe is accurately insured to reflect its true value.

Get in touch for help and advice

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

Where Can I Put My Shepherd’s Hut?

Where Can I Put My Shepherd’s Hut? 1000 666 James Hallam

If you buy a shepherd’s hut, are there any rules about where you can, and cannot, put it?

In this post we will outline the regulations, along with some best practices guidelines, for where you might put your shepherd’s hut.

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?

If you buy a shepherd’s hut and you intend to put it on your own land, there may be some scenarios when you do not need planning permission:

  • If the hut is just for garden use – If only you and your family will be using the hut, whether as storage space, as extra living space, or as a garden office, then you may not need planning permission.
  • If the hut is a temporary structure – If the hut is not fixed on the land – if it has wheels, for instance, or no permanent foundations – then it may be considered a temporary structure. Temporary structures typically do not require planning permission.

When Do You Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?

There are some occasions when you may need to get planning permission:

  • If the hut is a full-time dwelling – If the hut is to be used as a permanent or a main residence, then planning permission may be necessary.
  • If you will be letting the hut – Planning permission may also be necessary if you intend to allow members of the public to use your hut as a holiday let.
  • Boundaries and protected land – If you live in a conservation area, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, then you may need to get planning permission for any changes you make to your property. Similarly, you may need permission if you buy a larger hut, or if you intend to place it near your property’s boundaries.

In any case, whether or not you need planning permission may ultimately depend on the local authority’s specific rules.

Read our full guide to planning permission and shepherd’s huts.

Is It Legal to Put a Shepherd’s Hut on My Own Property?

If you want to put your shepherd’s hut on your own land, first make sure it is legal for you to do so. To do this, you need to consider:

Land Ownership
You must legally own the land you intend to place the hut. If you share the land, or if you are leasing it, you will first need permission from any other landowners. And as we said above, you may need to get permission if you wish to place the hut near your property boundaries. You may also need to consider access rights, particularly if you are placing the hut on agricultural land, or near somebody else’s property.

Shepherd’s Hut Size
Generally speaking, your shepherd’s hut must not exceed 2.5 metres in height if you are placing it within two metres of a boundary. Also, the hut should not fill more than 50% of the available land outside of your house. If the size of your hut means you do not meet these requirements, then you may need to get permission before you can install the hut.

Utility Connection
If your shepherd’s hut will have gas, electricity, and running water, then you will need to ensure that everything complies with all relevant safety standards.

Shepherd’s Hut Usage
Once again, if you intend to let the hut to holidaymakers, then you may need to register the hut for business use with your local council. As part of this, you may have to ensure your hut complies with all relevant business and tax regulations for your area.

Can You Put a Shepherd’s Hut on Agricultural Land?

You can put your shepherd’s hut on agricultural land. But depending on how you intend to use the hut, you may need to get permission first.

If you will be using the hut for agricultural purposes – to store equipment, for example, or as accommodation for agricultural workers – then you may not need any permission.

Yet if you intend to use the hut for any other purposes, even if it is just as a place for you and your family to hang out, then you may need to get change of land use approval. If you want to let your home to holidaymakers, for example, you will probably have to register the land for commercial use.

Finally, as we mentioned above, if the agricultural land is part of a protected area, there may be strict regulations in place for what you can and cannot do with the land.

Contact your local authority for more information about putting shepherd’s huts on agricultural land.

Getting The Right Insurance For Your Shepherd’s Hut

The way you use your shepherd’s hut – and where you put it – can affect the sort of cover you will need for your property.

If your shepherd’s hut is in your back garden, and it is for garden use only, then it is possible that your existing home insurance policy will extend to covering your shepherd’s hut. Check your policy wording to be sure, though.

But if you will be using your shepherd’s hut for agricultural or business purposes – such as to rent it out to holidaymakers – then you will need specialist shepherd’s hut insurance to cover the added risks you will face.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, wherever you build it, and however you use it.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025

Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025 1000 667 James Hallam

Growing numbers of Brits are buying beach huts across the country. If you are looking to buy your first beach hut, this post will provide a step-by-step guide to the process, from your initial research to the final sale.

Research Your Beach Hut Location

Where do you want your beach hut to be based? Somewhere close to you, so that you can escape to it every weekend throughout the summer? Or somewhere further away, so that you can base your full family holiday around your beach hut?

One thing to consider is that the prices of beach huts will vary across the country. So it might be worth deciding your budget before you pick your location.

Make a shortlist of possible locations, and be sure to spend some time in each location before you make any final decisions. Take in the local amenities, and try to get a feel for the atmosphere and the community in the area.

Finally, contact the local council. Certain councils might impose certain restrictions on beach hut ownership, and you may have to get their permission before you make any changes to the hut.

Should You Buy a Freehold or Leasehold Beach Hut?

You may have to choose between a freehold or a leasehold beach hut:

  • Freehold – You own both the structure and the land it is built on. This would give you the freedom to do essentially anything with the hut. However, freehold beach huts tend to be expensive, and comparatively rare.
  • Leasehold – These are managed by local councils, and there are often tight restrictions on how you can use the hut, along with lengthy waiting lists to get a hut. Some councils only allow local residents to purchase their leasehold beach huts, but others will be a bit more flexible. The upside is that leasehold beach huts tend to be a lot cheaper than freehold beach huts.

Choose Your Hut

Once you have a budget and a location in mind, it is time to choose your beach hut.

If you want to get a leasehold beach hut, you will have to purchase it through the local council.

If you want to buy a freehold beach hut, you will have to do so through other channels, such as:

  • Find an estate agent that specialises in beach huts in your target area
  • Get in touch with the local beach hut association
  • Check online marketplaces, such as Facebook and eBay
  • Look at local classified ads in newspapers and newsagents

Be sure to view any potential hut before you agree to buy it. Get an idea of its condition, and think about whether you would need to do any work before you could start using the hut. Also think about how close it is to the nearest facilities and amenities. And perhaps most important of all, does it have a good view?

Finalising the Sale

If you are looking to purchase a leasehold beach hut, then you will pay whatever price the council wants you to pay.

But if you are looking to buy a freehold beach hut, you might be able to make an offer. Just remember that the current owner might have a lot of interest in their hut, so they may be considering multiple offers alongside yours.

If they accept your offer, you can then agree on the terms of your sale. This mainly means agreeing on a completion date, but you may also be able to agree on including certain items in the sale, such as fixtures, fittings, and furniture.

It may be useful to hire a solicitor to ensure that all of the paperwork is in order, and that you are not overlooking anything major. After this, it will just be a case of making the payment on your agreed terms, and getting all the documents and the keys on your completion date.

Taking Care Of Your Beach Hut

Once you have bought your beach hut, you will have to commit to ongoing maintenance. There are a number of reasons to do this:

  • It will keep your beach hut in good condition, ensuring that it will always remain a pleasant place to spend time.
  • It will help to protect your beach hut from the elements. A fresh coat of paint now and then can form an effective barrier against wind and rain over the winter.
  • Thieves and vandals may be more likely to target beaten and weathered beach huts. Keep yours in good condition and it might deter them.
  • Your insurer may require you to perform certain maintenance as part of your beach hut insurance

Read our essential guide to beach hut maintenance.

Get The Right Cover For Your Beach Hut

Just like any investment, it is a good idea to get adequate insurance cover for your beach hut.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

 

Do You Pay Council Tax on a Shepherd’s Hut?

Do You Pay Council Tax on a Shepherd’s Hut? 1000 563 James Hallam

The tax you pay on your shepherd’s hut will depend on where it is located, and how you use it.

In this post we will discuss some situations in which you may need to pay council tax, or other kinds of tax, on your shepherd’s hut.

When Do You Pay Council Tax on a Shepherd’s Hut?

If the shepherd’s hut is on your own land – that is, in the garden attached to your main family residence – and if only you or your family use it, then you will probably not have to pay council tax on it. But if you or anyone else uses the hut as their primary residence, then council tax may apply.

You may also have to pay council tax if the shepherd’s hut is located on a plot of land that is not part of your main residence. In this case, the local council may treat your shepherd’s hut as a second home, or an unoccupied property, and tax you accordingly.

Contact your local council for more information about the council tax rules in your area. Let them know where your shepherd’s hut is located, and how you use it, and they can advise you on the tax you will need to pay. They will also advise you on whether or not you need to register your shepherd’s hut with the local authority.

Do You Have To Pay Council Tax If You Let Out Your Shepherd’s Hut?

You may also have to pay council tax on the hut if you let it to holidaymakers. This may depend on whether or not the shepherd’s hut is located on land that is part of your primary residence, or if it is located on a separate plot of land.

Other Taxes to Pay If You Let Your Shepherd’s Hut to Holidaymakers

If you let your shepherd’s hut to holidaymakers, you may also have to pay certain business rates, including income tax, VAT, and capital gains tax. The tax you pay, and the amount you owe, will depend on how much income you make from letting your shepherd’s hut. The number of nights your shepherd’s hut is available to let each year can also determine the business rates you will need to pay.

Read the full government guidance on business rates for self-catering and holiday let accommodation.

Tax Relief For Shepherd’s Hut

If you let your shepherd’s hut to holidaymakers, and you do not live in it yourself, then it may qualify as a Furnished Holiday Letting (FHL).

To be classed as an FHL, your shepherd’s hut must meet certain criteria:

  • It must be furnished by you.
  • The hut must be available to let for at least 210 days of the first tax year you start letting. It does not matter whether or not you have bookings for the entire 210 days.
  • You must not allow for stays longer than 31 days.
  • The hut must be commercially let as a holiday property for at least 105 days of the year. Any time you, your friends, or your family spends in the hut for free or at reduced rates do not count towards this total.

If your shepherd’s hut does qualify as an FHL, you can get a range of benefits:

  • Capital gains tax relief.
  • Capital allowances for any furniture, equipment, and fixtures you purchase and fit.
  • Any rental income can count as earnings for pension purchases.

Read the government’s full guide to FHLs, the eligibility, and the possible tax relief.

Get The Insurance Cover You Need For Your Shepherd’s Hut

No matter how you use your shepherd’s hut – whether for a garden office, as a personal getaway, or as a rental property – it is important that you get the right insurance for your property.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, wherever it is located, and however you use it.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.