Non-Standard Construction Mortgage

If a home you’re interested in buying has a steel frame, most lenders will see it as ‘non-standard construction’ – which usually means you need a specific type of mortgage. We can help you find a suitable product.

What is a non-standard construction mortgage?

The majority of houses in the UK are made of brick or stone, with a roof made from tile or slate. Properties that deviate from this ‘standard construction’ are treated with caution by mortgage lenders, as they could be seen as a more risky investment. 

Typical examples of non-standard construction are thatched homes, concrete properties, steel-framed houses and log cabins.

But as long as your chosen property is seen to be structurally sound, there will usually be a mortgage lender that will accept it. 

Are non-standard construction homes mortgageable?

Whether you can get a mortgage will depend on the specifics of the property. Some properties will not be accepted by the majority of lenders – such as post-war prefabricated homes, unless they have had significant structural work done to secure them. 

A steel framed home can be mortgageable, if it has been assessed by a structural engineer and is seen to be worth the asking price. 

What other things should I consider when buying a house with non-standard construction?

Getting a mortgage is just one aspect to consider when buying a non-standard construction property. You should also look into any maintenance requirements so that you understand the cost and impact of looking after the property in the long term. 

You may also find it more difficult or costly to find insurance for the property, so this is worth exploring before you buy.

If it has proved challenging to get a mortgage, that could affect the future sale of the property. Consider whether you are happy to risk a lengthy sale process when you decide to move elsewhere. 

Another thing to consider is how the construction type could affect the valuation. Could the property be undervalued because it is unusual and potentially harder to sell? You may make less money from your investment in the property, compared to a standard construction home, should property prices rise. 

Does it matter when the property was built?

Many post-war homes, which were not designed to last, were built with steel frames. Because of that, some lenders won’t accept properties built before the 1960s. Others are more strict and won’t look at homes constructed before 1990.

Generally, if a steel framed property has been designed and built in the last 20 years, it will be easier to find a mortgage deal.

Is it more difficult to get a non-standard mortgage? Are they more expensive?

It can be more difficult because there are fewer lenders to choose from, and you will need to meet their specific criteria. Again, because there are fewer providers in this market, it usually means that fees and rates are a little less competitive. You may also find remortgaging more challenging.

That said, many of the specialist lenders take a more bespoke approach and will underwrite the mortgage around you and your requirements. That way you will have a mortgage that works for you. We will work with you to find a mortgage we believe it suitable for your circumstances. 

How can a Mortgage Broker help?

It’s always a good idea to talk to a Mortgage Broker at the start of your property journey, and involve us at every step. If you fall in love with a non-standard construction property, we can explore the pros and cons with you and share our own experience in this area. 

Getting a non-standard construction mortgage does involve more research, but we do not charge anything extra to explore this on your behalf.

The mortgage you need will be largely down to the specifics of the property. There are so many different types, lenders and criteria to consider. We have an excellent track record in helping clients buy non-standard properties, so get in touch to find out more about how we can help.

Approved by the Openwork Partnership on 25.01.23