Non Standard Construction Mortgage - Get a Deal Today
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Summary
Non-Standard Construction Mortgage - Get a Deal Today!
Buying or remortgaging a non-standard property? It’s possible. Lenders look closely at materials, condition and reports. “Non-standard” can include steel or timber frames, PRC (pre-cast reinforced concrete), concrete types (e.g., Wimpey No-Fines), thatch, cob, non-traditional panels, heavy cladding, flat roofs and some system-built homes. We explain criteria, surveys and documents in plain English and map clear next steps. CeMAP-qualified, FCA-regulated advisers. Rated 5★ with 2,500+ Trustpilot reviews and 5/5 on Google.
What you’ll get (quick overview)
Eligibility made simple: which construction types lenders consider, and common exclusions.
LTV and deposit guidance: typical maximums for higher-risk builds (varies by lender).
Survey roadmap: when a full building survey, structural engineer’s report or specialist warranty is required.
Paperwork decoded: PRC repair certificates, guarantees, EWS1/PAS 9980 (for cladding), warranties and insurance proof.
Costs in plain English: rates, fees and true monthly impact shown side by side.
Paths to approval: repair-then-remortgage, specialist lenders, or alternative structures where suitable.
When to speak to an adviser
- The valuer has flagged “non-standard construction” or requested extra reports.
- The property is PRC and needs (or has had) an approved repair scheme.
- It’s a flat with cladding where EWS1/PAS 9980 evidence may be needed.
- The roof is thatched/flat, or there’s past movement, subsidence or non-standard foundations.
- You were declined elsewhere, need a higher LTV, or have a tight timeline.
Trust & transparency
CeMAP-qualified advisers. FCA-regulated. UK-wide support. Rated 5★ with 2,500+ Trustpilot reviews and 5/5 on Google.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
What is a non-standard construction mortgage? And how do you identify non-standard construction?
It’s easier to tell you what standard construction is – then everything else is non-standard. It’s essentially anything that’s not built of brick or stone with slate or tile for the roof.
Typical non-standard construction properties include those with thatched roofs, wooden houses like Essex weatherboard properties, prefabricated homes and large acreage properties with annexes. Flat roofs potentially can be a problem if they have a big surface area.
What does a ‘prefabricated’ house mean?
A prefabricated home is built offsite and transported and put together in sections. Thousands of prefab homes were put up in post-1945 Britain. They came up with this wonderful idea of creating prefabricated concrete buildings – a quick way to solve the housing shortage following the Blitz.
There are modern versions about today, but they’re obviously very different. Modern manufacturing has moved on massively since 1945. You see new prefabs on all of those house building TV programmes and they are of a much higher standard and last a lot longer.
The original 1945 ones were only built to last ten years, to see out the shortage – yet you can still see them around today.
FAQ’s for Non-Standard Construction Mortgages
Barn conversions are often considered new builds, especially if substantial work is involved. Lenders typically look for warranties and planning department approvals to consider mortgage eligibility for these properties.
Yes, but it can be challenging. Prefabricated homes, especially older models, may require renovations and certifications to be eligible for mortgages. Some specialist lenders may consider these properties, focusing on their condition and the valuer’s report.
Yes, a full structural survey or Homebuyer survey is advisable. These inspections can uncover potential issues, ensuring you’re aware of the property’s condition, which influences lender evaluations.
Expect to pay for valuation fees and possibly higher product fees, as high street lenders might not offer free valuations for non-standard properties. Survey costs are also common, ranging from £600 to £900 depending on the property.
Non-standard construction refers to properties built with materials not traditionally used, such as thatched roofs, wooden or prefabricated homes. Essentially, if it isn’t brick or stone with a slate or tiled roof, it’s non-standard. This can affect mortgage availability and terms.
It all depends. Going back to the prefab one, that would be difficult. But some of the criteria engines that we use allow prefabricated homes if they’ve been renovated. It’s possible to put a wrap around the outside which insulates it better, makes it cosmetically look a bit better but also strengthens the structure. If that work done comes with certification, then a lot of lenders – including mainstream ones – will allow that. The mortgage broker’s worst phrase is “down to valuer comments”. That means mortgage approval depends on whether the valuer thinks the property is definitely worth what you’re paying. If that work hasn’t been done on a prefab then only a handful of lenders will look at it – not high street lenders, but specialist lenders. On the other types of houses like thatched roofs, weatherboard etc, there are plenty of lenders out there that will look at these. It all boils down to the individual property, the condition and those “valuer’s comments”.How difficult is it to get a non standard construction mortgage?
Yes, Buy to Let mortgages are possible for non-standard constructions, but lender approval hinges on property resale value and risk perceptions. Specialist lenders often have the necessary expertise.
No, initial consultations with a mortgage broker are free. Fees are typically charged only when you proceed with a mortgage they secure, ensuring you’re informed before any financial commitment.
A mortgage broker can access multiple lenders, including specialists not available on the high street. They provide guidance and help navigate the complex application process, especially for properties with unique construction types.
It varies by property type and condition. Renovated properties with proper certification attract more lenders. Mortgage approval often depends on valuer assessments and the specific property’s marketability.
Valuer comments significantly impact mortgage approvals. Lenders rely on these to assess property value and risks. Positive comments can ease approval, while concerns may require additional steps or specialist lenders.
Are barn conversions classed as new builds?
Again, it depends. Lenders will look at how much work’s been done and whether it comes with warranties. If you have warranties then lenders are more than happy to look at those.
Most barn conversions are going to need a lot of work to be made into a home, so yes, they would generally be classed as a new build. Lenders would want to see warranties and details of when the work was done and that it’s been signed off by the planning department.
Can you get a Buy to Let mortgage on non-standard construction?
Yes. Usually there would be the same criteria on a Buy to Let as a residential mortgage. Again, it comes down to the lender and the valuer. What they’re really interested in is whether that property is going to be re-saleable if the lender has to repossess it for any reason.
Yes, there can be additional fees, including valuation and survey costs. Lenders might also apply unique product fees due to the higher perceived risks of non-standard constructions.
Construction type affects lender willingness and mortgage terms. Non-standard properties often need specialist lenders who understand these types of constructions and are willing to assess them beyond typical criteria.
A prefabricated house is constructed offsite and assembled on location. These homes can be mortgage-eligible if they meet modern building standards and come with necessary certifications for insulation and structure.
Non-standard properties include those with unusual materials like prefabricated homes, thatched or flat roofs, Essex weatherboard homes, and timber-framed houses. Their unique nature requires careful lender consideration.
Lenders might refuse due to higher risks associated with resale and building materials. If a property’s condition or valuer comments indicate issues, lenders may seek specialist assessments or improvements for reconsideration.
What costs are involved with non-standard construction mortgages or properties?
One difference is that you might have to pay for your valuation. The main high street lenders offer free valuations, but if we can’t approach those because of the type of construction, you might be looking at some of the smaller lenders. With certain banks and building societies you have to pay valuation fees.
There might be other product fees that you wouldn’t normally see, but to be fair to building societies, they don’t charge some of the bigger ‘product fees’ so it balances itself out.
Another cost to check out if you’re buying a non-standard construction property is the survey. I would definitely advise you to get a full structural survey or Homebuyer survey. That way, you know what you’re getting into. You will know if there are any problems, and that gives you protection. I myself bought an Essex Weatherboard house many years ago and it was a prerequisite from the lender that I had to get a full structural survey.
So there are definitely costs that you wouldn’t necessarily have with a standard property. A full structural survey could be £600 to £900 depending on the property.
How can a mortgage broker help with a non-standard construction mortgage?
A good mortgage broker will have access to plenty of lenders. We can choose from 98 lenders, from high street brands through to the more obscure lenders for properties or situations which aren’t palatable to the high street lenders.
We will also take time to answer all your questions. I have clients who email me Rightmove links or documentation for a property and just ask me to run an eye over it. I’m obviously never going to tell you whether it’s a good buy or not – that’s beyond my skills – but I can definitely answer questions about that property or suggest questions that you need to ask about it.
If it’s a non-standard construction mortgage we can help – we see properties and mortgages day in, day out.
Does it cost for an initial consultation with you?
Absolutely not. I’m always upfront with my clients – we do charge fees but those are on the mortgage you are offered.
That initial chat and building up the relationship is all free of charge. We only charge if you actually decide to go ahead with the mortgage we find for you.