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Most homes in the UK are built of brick and block with a tiled roof — what lenders call “standard construction.” But plenty of properties are built differently, and these “non-standard construction” homes could be trickier to mortgage. Here’s what you need to know.
What counts as non-standard
Non-standard construction covers a wide range: timber-framed homes, steel-framed properties, concrete construction, thatched roofs, cob or stone walls, converted buildings, and many period or unusual properties. Anything that departs from conventional brick-and-tile could fall into this category, and lenders assess each type differently.
Why lenders are cautious
Lenders can be more cautious with non-standard construction because these properties may be harder to value, potentially more expensive to maintain or insure, and in some cases harder to resell. That caution translates into stricter criteria — and not every lender will consider every type of construction. Some specialise in exactly these properties.
It’s about finding the right lender
The key point is that a non-standard property doesn’t mean a mortgage is impossible — it means finding the right lender matters more than usual. Some lenders are perfectly comfortable with timber-frame or period stone properties, while others won’t touch them. This is precisely the kind of situation where a wide range of products from High Street lenders and specialist products not available direct could make a real difference.
The role of the survey
For a non-standard property, the lender’s assessment of the building is especially important. A more detailed survey may be needed to satisfy the lender about the property’s condition and construction. It’s also worth arranging your own thorough survey for peace of mind, given the specialist nature of these buildings.
Get specialist advice
If you’re buying an unusual or non-standard property, specialist advice could save a great deal of frustration. We can help identify lenders comfortable with your property type and guide you through the process.
