Buying a Home with a CRL Structural Warranty in 2025: What UK Buyers Need to Know

Purchasing a residential property with a CRL structural warranty can introduce unexpected complications—especially when it comes to securing a mortgage in 2025. Whether you’re dealing with new builds, completed homes, or bespoke properties, your mortgage approval may depend on whether the warranty provider is on the lender’s list of acceptable warranty schemes.

Many buyers and developers are finding their applications delayed or denied due to policies around providers like CRL Management Ltd, Ark Insurance, ICW Residential New Build UK, and ABC+ Warranty.

This guide will help you:

• Understand what a CRL warranty is
• Learn why certain lenders reject it
• Review which lenders accept CRL in 2025
• Explore alternatives like Build-Zone Structural Warranty, LABC Warranty, and International Construction Warranties Ltd
• Learn how to proceed if your mortgage is declined

This is article is updated as of May 8 2025

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Warranty acceptance policies may vary between lenders and are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified mortgage adviser or solicitor before making decisions based on structural warranties or lender requirements. Refer to the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance relevant to your transaction.

What Is a CRL Warranty and Why Is It a Problem?

CRL Management Ltd previously issued structural warranties for new builds and conversions. However, due to regulatory and financial issues, most lenders no longer accept CRL-backed warranties.

Other providers in similar situations include:

• Ark Residential New Build Latent Defects Insurance
• Homeproof New Build 10 Residential Warranty (via Aedis Group)
• ABC+ Warranty
• Castle 10 / Checkmate
• Ark Insurance Group / Ark Insurance Build Warranty Group
• Building Life Plans (Lifeplans Limited, Building Lifeplans Limited)

If your warranty was issued by any of these or lacks sufficient backing, lenders may require additional evidence such as a Professional Consultant’s Certificate (PCC) or structural defects indemnity insurance.

Structural Warranty Options That Are Still Accepted

Many lenders now accept only warranties from providers with strong underwriting, sufficient professional indemnity cover, and regulatory compliance. These include:

• NHBC (National House-Building Council)
• LABC Warranty / LABC Hallmark / LABC New Home Warranty
• Premier Guarantee
• Advantage Structural Warranty
• Build-Zone
• International Construction Warranties (ICW)
• BOPAS (Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme)
• Protek New Home Warranty
• Zurich Municipal (legacy policies only)

Specialist schemes like FMB Insurance, Self-Build Zone, Trenwick International, Ward Cole, and Protek Q Assure may be considered on a case-by-case basis—particularly for retrospective or self-build projects.

What If the Warranty Is Retrospective or the Property Is Completed?

If your property is already built or part of a continuous structure (such as a detached garage connected by foundations), and your warranty was issued post-construction, lenders will request:

• Full warranty policy documentation
• Confirmation of valid PI cover
• Proof of periodic build-stage inspections
• Scheme administrator credentials
• Review of risks associated with flat roofs, non-standard construction, or shared facilities

Warranties from Castle 10, BuildCare Combined Structural Warranty, Aedis Warranties Ltd, Homeproof, and other less common providers are more likely to be challenged unless supported by a PCC or upgraded coverage.

Can I Still Get a Mortgage?

Yes, even with a non-standard or retrospective warranty. However, expect additional underwriting checks and longer processing times.

To improve your chances:

1. Replace or Supplement the Warranty
   Some providers may allow you to upgrade or replace your cover—even post-build.
2. Work with a Specialist Broker or Adviser
   A broker familiar with providers such as  help present your case more clearly to underwriters.
3. Provide Supporting Documentation
   This may include a Professional Consultant’s Certificate, old policy details from Zurich Municipal, or endorsements from former underwriters like Aon Benfield, Allianz Guarantee, or Thomas Miller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are 5-year warranties accepted?

A: Rarely. Most lenders require a 10-year structural defects insurance policy. A 5-year warranty might be accepted only with extra protection in place.

Q: What if my warranty provider no longer exists?

A: You may still qualify for a mortgage using a PCC or alternative structural indemnity cover, provided the issuer had adequate PI insurance.

Q: Can I mortgage a self-build home with a non-standard warranty?

A: Yes, but it’s essential to work with a broker experienced in schemes like Self-Build Zone, LABC Warranty, and Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS).

Final Advice

Buying a property with a structural warranty from CRL, Ark Insurance, or other non-standard providers doesn’t mean your mortgage is doomed—but it does mean you’ll need expert help.

Our team of specialist advisers is here to help you navigate these challenges.

We’ll assess your warranty, liaise with lenders, and help you secure finance—even in complex or retrospective warranty cases.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation review of your structural warranty situation and mortgage options.