Why Structural Warranties Like CRL Still Matter?

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?

CRL (Construction Register Limited) was a provider of structural defects insurance policies covering everything from standard homes to detached garages and flats with Modern Methods of Construction. Their policies often spanned 10 years, similar to mainstream offerings like the NHBC Zurich Municipal Premier Guarantee or the LABC New Home Warranty Premier.

Warranties from CRL were typically underwritten by lesser-known firms such as International General Insurance Company, Titanium Insurance Company, or Casualty & General Insurance Company Europe. These underwriters were not always rated by major agencies, leading to lender reluctance and challenges during property sales.

Why Some Lenders Reject CRL Warranties

The UK mortgage landscape demands strong, reputable residential housing warranty insurance backed by secure, solvent underwriters. CRL and similar schemes have faced increased scrutiny for the following reasons:

Underwriter Instability

Warranties underwritten by smaller or offshore entities like Casualty General, Titanium Insurance Company, or Elite Insurance Company lack the credit ratings of major insurers such as Allianz Global or Zurich Municipal.

Absence from the Lenders’ Handbook

Lenders refer to the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook, specifically Question 19.13, to determine which warranty schemes are acceptable. Many CRL policies, and similar ones from Build Assure, Aedis Group, or Protek Group, are not listed—making approval unlikely without further investigation.

Cladding and Safety Issues

In the wake of cladding fire safety concerns and interim fire safety measures pre-remediation, lenders have intensified requirements for warranties to cover reasonable costs, professional indemnity insurance, and robust safety for occupiers options. Many older warranties lack this coverage.

Accepted and Declined Warranty Providers in 2025

The UK housing market is seeing a divergence in accepted warranty schemes. Below is a current list based on public data from lenders and warranty providers.

What Lenders Say: UK Finance Handbook Reference

The UK Finance Lenders Handbook – Question 19.13 outlines whether a mortgage lender accepts a warranty scheme. Examples

• Lloyds Bank plc and TSB Bank plc: Accept only NHBC, LABC, and Zurich-backed warranties
• Bank of Scotland: Excludes CRL and others not listed in the Handbook
• CHL Mortgages: May consider alternative warranties if backed by sufficient PI cover
• Bank Ltd, Bank plc: Vary by lender policy; some may accept retrospective warranties

Retrospective Warranties and Completed Properties

If your property has already been built and the warranty was added retrospectively, lenders will require:

• Detailed policy wording
• Proof of sufficient professional indemnity cover
• Confirmation of scheme administrator legitimacy
• Review of insurance figures, especially for properties with flat roofs, shared facilities, or in non-standard construction zones

Warranties issued through Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme, Ark Residential New Build Latent Defects Scheme, or older Zurich Municipal Rebuild products may need to be evaluated by underwriters or lender legal panels.

Options if Your Mortgage Is Declined

1. Replace the Warranty

Warranties from Aedis Group, ABC+, LABC, or Zurich Municipal may be purchased post-build, though this may involve extra reasonable costs or remedial costs.

2. Use a Specialist Broker

A mortgage broker familiar with non-standard warranties, scheme administrators, and ad-hoc providers (e.g. Build-Zone, Protek, ICW) can liaise directly with lenders and clarify title deedsLegal documents that prove ownership of a property., warranty cover, and mortgage term restrictions.

3. Appeal with Documentation

Providing backup from an entity like Aon Benfield, Sennocke International Insurance Services Limited, or even historic documents from Ark Insurance Build Assure may help—especially if the warranty includes coverage for safety issues, completed housing, or cladding concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between 5-year and 10-year warranties?

A 10-year structural defects insurance policy is standard and widely accepted. A 5-year warranty may only offer limited protection and is often declined by major lenders unless supported by other forms of insurance or indemnity.

What if the warranty provider has been dissolved?

Lenders may accept alternative documents, such as a Professional Consultant’s Certificate, if the issuing body was covered by valid professional indemnity insurance at the time.

Can I get a mortgage with a retrospective warranty?

Yes, but expect additional lender enquiries and a time for review. It’s important to ensure the property has been subject to periodic checks, especially for Modern Methods of Construction.

What To Do Next

If your mortgage is at risk due to warranty issues:

• Book a consultation with a mortgage broker experienced in Buildzone, LABC, Advantage, or ICW
• Download our guide to acceptable warranty cover for residential property mortgages in 2025
• Request a review of your warranty at Oakfield House, Ascot House, or other approved assessment offices

This could be the difference between successful financing and a failed sale.