Mixed-Use Property Insurance. Shop Downstairs. Flats Upstairs. One Policy.
Did a standard insurer decline your building because of the business downstairs? You're not alone. Most mainstream insurers either do residential or commercial, not both. That's where we come in.
50+
Insurers
ISR
Specialists
Direct
Broker Access
Recognition
At Tank Insurance, we've placed cover for dozens of mixed-use properties across Australia. Whether it's a retail shop with flats above, a cafe with a single residence on the top floor, or a larger block with multiple tenants and commercial space at street level, we know how to get these properties covered.
MARKET GAP
Why Mixed-Use Properties Get Declined
Mixed-use buildings don't fit neatly into standard home or business insurance policies. A property with a takeaway shop on the ground floor and two residential units above presents a different risk profile to a standalone house or a purely commercial building.
01
Mainstream Appetite
Most mainstream insurers won't touch them because they only have appetite for either purely residential or purely commercial, not both.
02
Risk Profiling
hospitality tenants downstairs (like cafes or takeaways) change the risk for the residential units above, which standard underwriters aren't equipped to price.
03
Policy Structure
Standard home policies typically exclude buildings with any commercial activity, leaving property owners without a basic insurance solution.
04
Specialist Access
A broker with access to specialist markets can find underwriters who specifically have appetite for buildings with higher-risk tenants.
COVERAGE SCOPE
What We Cover
We secure tailored protection for the unique combination of commercial and residential risks under one roof.
Retail, office, or hospitality on the ground floor with residential above. This is the most common type of mixed-use property we see.
Cafes, restaurants, and takeaways are no problem. We work with underwriters who have appetite for food businesses, including commercial kitchens.
We can cover the building, loss of rent, and liability for both the commercial and residential portions under a single policy where possible.
For properties valued over $5M, or where standard business packs aren't suitable, we have access to Industrial Special Risks (ISR) markets.
THE TANK SUBMISSION
How We Get Cover for Higher-Risk Properties
Risk Presentation
We highlight fire safety measures like sprinklers, extinguishers, and fire blankets to insurers.
Cooking Standards
We detail deep frying and commercial cooking setups to secure better terms for food-based sites.
Security Protocols
Full mapping of CCTV, alarms, and external lighting to satisfy underwriter requirements.
POLICY INCLUSIONS
What Mixed-Use Property Insurance Covers
A comprehensive policy that protects your physical asset and your income streams.
Usually Covered
Not Typically Covered
COMPLEX ASSETS
High-Value or Hard-to-Place Properties
Broader Limits
ISR policies are designed for larger assets with higher limits than standard business packs.
Specialist Markets
Access to underwriters like Pen, AXIS, and The Barn who focus on complex commercial assets.
Separate Liability
We ensure both your asset and your liability are covered properly, as ISR usually handles the asset only.
RISK FACTORS
Key Considerations for Mixed-Use Owners
Insurers look at several key factors when assessing a mixed-use property. Understanding these helps in securing better terms.
SUPPORT
Frequently Asked Questions
Residential tenants should have contents insurance for their personal possessions. Commercial tenants should have public liability and typically glass cover as well, which is often required by the lease.
Tenant Changes: If your commercial tenant changes their business (e.g., retail to takeaway) without notifying the insurer, it can void your cover.
Vacancy: Commercial vacancy clauses are often stricter than residential ones. If your shop sits empty for too long, cover may be restricted.
Flood vs Water: In Australia, flood (rising water from a watercourse) is treated differently to escape of liquid. Flood cover is often an optional add-on.
For the residential portion, loss of rent is usually covered if the apartment becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event like fire or storm.
For the commercial portion, you typically need business interruption or a specific loss of rent extension. This protects your income if your commercial tenant can't operate and therefore can't pay rent.
Get Cover for Your Mixed-Use Property
If you've been declined elsewhere, have a high-risk tenant, or just want to make sure your property is properly covered, get in touch.