Buying or remortgaging a property built using non traditional materials can sometimes make finding a suitable mortgage more difficult. Some lenders have strict criteria around construction type, property condition, resale potential and valuation.
This does not necessarily mean the property cannot be mortgaged.
SynergiseUK can introduce you to specialist mortgage brokers with experience in non standard construction mortgages. They can assess the property and your circumstances before approaching lenders whose criteria may be more appropriate.
SynergiseUK is not a mortgage broker or lender and does not provide mortgage advice. We introduce clients to independent specialist providers who can assess their requirements and provide advice where appropriate.
What Is a Non Standard Construction Mortgage?
Most mainstream mortgage lenders regard a traditionally constructed property as one built primarily from brick or stone walls with a tiled or slate roof.
Properties built differently may be classified as non standard construction.
This can include:
- Timber frame properties
- Steel frame houses
- Concrete and reinforced concrete properties
- Precast reinforced concrete (PRC) homes
- System-built properties
- Prefabricated homes
- Thatched properties
- Properties with flat or predominantly flat roofs
- Modular homes
- Barn conversions
- Converted churches, schools and commercial buildings
- Some eco and modern method of construction properties
- Properties incorporating unusual building materials
There is no single definition used by every lender. A construction type accepted by one lender may fall outside another lender's criteria.
If you are considering a property with an unusual construction method, you can Start Your Enquiry and we can begin the process of introducing you to a specialist who understands this area of mortgage lending.
Can You Get a Mortgage on a Non Standard Construction Property?
Potentially, yes.
The availability of a mortgage will depend on both the applicant and the property. Lenders may look particularly closely at the construction method and whether the property represents acceptable security for the mortgage.
A specialist mortgage broker can identify lenders willing to consider the particular construction type rather than making applications to lenders whose criteria are unlikely to fit.
What might a lender consider?
Depending on the property, this could include:
- The construction method and materials
- Age of the property
- Current structural condition
- Any previous structural repairs
- Remaining expected lifespan
- Availability of suitable buildings insurance
- Mortgage valuation
- Structural or specialist survey findings
- Resale potential and future marketability
- Loan to value (LTV)
- Deposit or equity available
Your income, affordability, credit history and wider financial circumstances will also form part of the lender's assessment.
Mortgages for Different Construction Types
Timber Frame Mortgages
Timber frame construction is relatively common, particularly in certain parts of the UK. Mortgage availability can depend on the property's age, external materials, condition and the specific form of construction.
Some lenders are comfortable with particular timber frame properties while others apply restrictions.
Steel Frame Mortgages
Steel framed homes can require a more specialist approach. Lenders may consider the particular construction system, its age, condition and whether there is any evidence of corrosion or structural deterioration.
A suitable survey may be particularly important.
Concrete and PRC Property Mortgages
Concrete properties cover a wide range of construction systems.
Some precast reinforced concrete (PRC) properties have historically experienced structural issues. Where an affected property has undergone an approved repair scheme, lenders may require appropriate evidence or certification before considering an application.
Acceptance varies considerably between lenders.
Thatched and Flat Roof Properties
A thatched roof or significant area of flat roofing may result in a property being treated differently by some mortgage lenders.
The lender may consider the roof's condition, expected lifespan, maintenance requirements and insurance availability.
Converted and Unusual Buildings
Barns, churches, schools and former commercial premises can create distinctive homes, but their unusual construction or original use may mean they fall outside standard mortgage criteria.
Specialist lenders may take a more individual view of these properties.
Why Can Non Standard Properties Be Harder to Mortgage?
A mortgage lender is not only assessing whether you can afford the mortgage. It also needs to consider the property being used as security.
With an unusual property, concerns can include:
- Structural durability
- Cost and availability of repairs
- Availability of specialist contractors
- Buildings insurance
- Future resale demand
- Difficulty obtaining comparable property valuations
This can result in some lenders declining the property even where the applicant would otherwise meet their mortgage criteria.
A decline from one lender therefore does not automatically mean that another lender will reach the same decision.
Surveys and Valuations
The valuation can be particularly important when applying for a mortgage on a non standard construction property.
A lender's standard mortgage valuation is primarily undertaken for the lender's benefit. Depending on the construction type, further investigation may be recommended or required.
This could include a more detailed building survey or specialist structural report.
SynergiseUK can also introduce clients to specialist Surveyors where additional property assessment is required.
How Specialist Mortgage Brokers Can Help
Specialist brokers can assess both your circumstances and the construction type before considering suitable lenders.
This can be particularly useful because lender criteria for unusual properties can differ significantly.
A specialist may help by:
- Identifying lenders that consider the particular construction method
- Reviewing available property and survey information
- Assessing appropriate loan to value options
- Understanding lender valuation requirements
- Presenting more complex cases clearly to lenders
- Comparing suitable mortgage options across the market available to them
All mortgages remain subject to status, affordability, valuation and individual lender criteria.
Who May Need a Non Standard Construction Mortgage?
Specialist assistance may be worth considering if you are:
- Buying an unusual or non traditionally built home
- Purchasing a former council property with system-built construction
- Buying a timber, steel or concrete framed house
- Remortgaging an existing non standard property
- Purchasing a converted building
- Investing in a non standard property as a landlord
- Buying a property previously declined by a mainstream lender
- Dealing with a valuation that has identified an unusual construction method
Both residential and buy to let mortgages may be available, depending on the property, applicant and lender criteria.
Buying a Property That Has Previously Been Declined
A mortgage application can sometimes encounter problems only after the lender's valuation identifies the property's construction.
If this happens, it can be useful to establish exactly why the property was considered unacceptable before approaching another lender.
Repeated applications without understanding the underlying issue may waste valuable time, particularly where you are already progressing with a purchase.
A broker experienced in non standard property mortgages can review the available information and determine which lenders may be worth approaching.
How It Works
1. Tell us about the property
Provide some basic information about the property, construction type and what you are looking to achieve.
2. We identify a suitable specialist
SynergiseUK introduces you to an independent mortgage specialist with relevant experience.
3. Your circumstances are reviewed
The specialist can assess the property, your financial circumstances and the available documentation.
4. Suitable lenders can be considered
Where appropriate, the broker can identify lenders whose criteria may accommodate the property and manage the mortgage application.
If you already know the construction type or have a survey or valuation available, this information may help the specialist understand the case more quickly.
Why Choose SynergiseUK?
Non standard properties often require specialist knowledge rather than a standard approach.
SynergiseUK gives you access to a network of independent specialists covering mortgages, property, insurance, surveying, legal services and related areas.
Our role is straightforward. We understand what you need and introduce you to an appropriate specialist who can assist.
There is no obligation to proceed simply because an introduction has been made.
Speak to a Specialist About Your Property
If you are buying or remortgaging a property with non standard construction, specialist knowledge can make it easier to understand which lenders may consider the property.
Start Your Enquiry or use the enquiry section below to tell us what you are looking to achieve. SynergiseUK can then introduce you to an independent specialist who can discuss the property and your mortgage requirements.
Enquire today with no obligation.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Frequently asked Q&A's
Any property not built with traditional brick and block walls and tiled roofs.
Yes, many lenders accept timber frame with suitable condition.
Some are — acceptance depends on the specific concrete system used.
Often yes, lenders may require enhanced valuation reports.
Sometimes, loan-to-value limits can be lower.
Yes, specialist lenders support refinancing.
Yes, some lenders accept non-standard construction for investment properties.
Yes, older non-standard properties are assessed carefully.
Yes, subject to construction quality and lender criteria.
We introduce you to brokers who specialise in complex property types.
A mortgage is a long-term financial commitment and is not suitable for everyone.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Interest rates may be fixed or variable. If you take a variable or tracker mortgage, your repayments could increase if interest rates rise. Changes to your personal circumstances — such as loss of income, illness, or increased living costs — could also affect your ability to meet repayments.
Mortgages often involve additional costs, including arrangement fees, legal fees, valuation fees, early repayment charges, and other lender or adviser fees. Extending the mortgage term may reduce monthly payments but can result in paying more interest overall and remaining in debt for longer.
You should carefully consider affordability now and in the future and seek professional advice before proceeding.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
No. SynergiseUK does not provide mortgage advice or lending decisions.
We act solely as a referral platform, introducing potential customers to authorised mortgage advisers or lenders.
Any advice, affordability assessment, credit checks, and mortgage recommendations will be provided directly by the authorised provider, who is responsible for ensuring the product is suitable for your circumstances and compliant with Financial Conduct Authority regulations.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
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