Homeowners across Denmark are facing sharp increases in housing insurance premiums, especially those who live in protected historic properties. The sudden hikes, in some cases exceeding 150%, have left many families unsure if they can afford to stay in their homes.
Rising Costs Hit Owners of Protected Buildings
In Svinninge near Faaborg, Katrine and Thomas Juellund-Falkensten live in a four-winged farmhouse from 1850, complete with thatched roof and protected status. Their insurance premium has jumped by 25,000 kroner in a single year, now costing them 78,000 kroner annually—about 6,500 kroner each month. For the couple, both with average incomes, the increase feels unsustainable.
They are not alone. Owners of listed homes across the country report similar jumps in premiums, a trend that has intensified in recent months.
Other Homeowners Also Face Steep Increases
In Djursland, Ib Jespersgaard and Karen Bjerg Petersen, owners of the protected Vistoft Mill, saw their annual insurance rise from 33,130 to 86,117 kroner—a 160 percent hike. Their insurance company, Købstædernes Forsikring, explained that the balance between coverage and risk was no longer acceptable.
The company admits it’s becoming increasingly difficult to insure protected buildings. Reconstruction costs after damage can be enormous, since such properties must follow historical restoration rules set by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces (Slots- og Kulturstyrelsen).
Why It’s So Expensive
According to the industry organization Forsikring & Pension, insurance companies usually know in advance what damages will cost to repair. But that is not the case with protected buildings. The Ministry’s agency decides how each building must be restored, extending repair times and driving up costs.
When a house is both old and protected, even replacing a roof tile often requires specific materials and craftsmanship that are rare and costly. That adds to the risk for insurance firms and explains part of the steep premiums.
For homeowners planning to buy or renovate historic houses, understanding these risks has become crucial. Many now research carefully before buying a house in Denmark.
Limited Options and Growing Concern
Fewer insurance companies are willing to cover heritage properties. The Juellund-Falkensten family, insured by Alm. Brand, tried to find another provider but failed. Birthe Iuel, director of the organization Historiske Huse, says the market for insurance on protected homes has almost vanished.
She warns that conditions have become so restrictive that owning one of these buildings is “almost hopeless.” Some fear that soon only wealthy buyers will be able to afford such homes.
Authorities Seek Solutions
Alm. Brand explains the price increases by pointing to high restoration costs and more complex claims compared to ordinary homes. The company also sees stricter enforcement from the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces influencing prices. Yet, the agency denies any changes in law or practice that could justify the increases.
Because of growing complaints, culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt met in December with Historiske Huse and Forsikring & Pension to find answers. The group discussed how unpredictable restoration requirements make it hard for insurers to estimate potential costs.
Working Group to Propose Fixes
Following the meeting, the culture minister created a working group to quickly propose ways to protect homeowners from overwhelming insurance costs. The aim is to prevent ordinary families from being priced out of their historic houses.
Meanwhile, many owners continue to negotiate with insurers or hope for government intervention before new contracts take effect in the new year.
For the couple in Svinninge, the situation remains uncertain. They can still pay their premiums but worry that soon, only those with significant capital will be able to live in such historically valuable homes.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Buying a House in Denmark – Everything You Need to Know
The Danish Dream: Home Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Pars husforsikring er steget med 25.000 om året – og de er ikke alene
