Can You Get a Mortgage on a Single Skin Wall House?

Are you interested in buying a non-standard construction like a concrete build or a timber frame property? If yes, then this article is for you. There are various things that you need to consider before buying a single skin construction. Single skin wall construction is a type of construction that was popular in the Victorian era and known for building the external wall by using a single course of brick. Single skin wall mortgage or single brick construction mortgage falls under the non-standard property niche, which could restrict you on the choice of the mortgage lender. Getting a mortgage on a non-standard construction is complicated as the mortgage lender needs to understand the risks before considering any mortgage application. Luckily we have a network of mortgage brokers who can help you with single skin property mortgages. 

Use our quiz for Single Skin Wall Mortgages

Post Topics:

• Why is it difficult to get a mortgage on single skin wall construction?

• Types of single skin property
• Factors that can impact your mortgage application for a non-conventional construction
• Next Steps: Single Skin Wall Mortgages
• FAQ

Why is it difficult to get a mortgage on single skin wall construction?

It is difficult because there are many issues associated with this construction type, and therefore most of the mortgage lenders get concerned about the resale value of the single skin brick property. The lenders think that they may struggle to recoup their finance in case of repossession. New builds are not constructed using this non-standard method because they don’t meet modern-day building regulations. According to an article published in financial times, these constructions are considered potentially unstable, thermally inefficient, and prone to sound transmissions, water penetration, and condensation.

On the other hand, some lenders still think that these constructions would have good future value. There is always a chance of getting a good amount of mortgage on these old building, just you need to be aware of the right bank/building society which can approve the amount. It is important to understand that some lenders also base their decision of mortgage on the location of the particular property. At needingadvice.co.uk Ltd, we have mortgage brokers specialising in single skin wall mortgages and could help you find the most suitable mortgage deal. 

 Types of single skin property

The property could be valued high and low based on its construction. Here we will tell you about the different construction types that could help you know about your current property as per its build.

• Single Brick Construction
• Single Skin Construction
• Single Brick Extensions
• Single Brick Walls
• Single Skin Brick Walls
• Single Skin Breeze Block Construction

It is important to know if the property that interests you comes under any of these elements discussed above; if yes, please feel free to inquire with us for a non-standard construction mortgage. We will work with you to start your mortgage application.  These mortgages are different than mortgages on live/work unit.

Factors that can impact your mortgage application for a non-conventional construction

Non-conventional constructions are defined as certain properties that are classed as hard to mortgage properties and could be declined by most lenders. These property includes Pre Reinforced Concrete(PRC), Steel frame, poured concrete, single skin brickwork, modern timber frame, period timber frame and thatch, flat roofs, flats over shops, dodgy leasehold ground rents and underpinned propertiesProperties that have undergone underpinning, which is the pr... More. 

• Credit History: Clean credit history is always a plus point while applying for a mortgage
• Income Type: Lenders prefer borrowers to be in full-time employment, but specialist lenders could offer mortgages for business ownersand self-employed professionals.
• Age: Some banks could have an upper age limit for different types of mortgages; some specific lenders could offer you a loan irrespective of age. 
• Outgoings: If you have significant outgoings like outstanding loans and dependent children, it could impact your borrowing amount.
•  Deposit Amount: The lesser the deposit amount, means there is a lower chance to obtain a mortgage from lenders. Some lenders suggest that you have to put the bare maximum amount to offset the risk if you apply for a single skin mortgage. 

If your profile does not meet the above criteria, its important to consult a financial adviserbefore starting the application. With this type of mortgage, the approachable lenders are limited, but with the help of a specialised mortgage broker, you can get the mortgage at your favourable terms. 

Next Steps:

Finally, suppose you are interested in buying a house with single skin construction. In that case, we will suggest you contact a mortgage broker who is specialised in non-standard property mortgages to get the more clear picture. In case of any doubts, you can contact us or go through the FAQs below.

What a Surveyor Looks For on a Single Skin Wall Property

Most single skin wall mortgage applications are decided by the valuation report, not the credit checkA check of a borrower's credit history, which is used by mor... More. A standard mortgage valuation on this type of property will usually be escalated to a full building survey, and the surveyor’s comments are what the lender’s underwriter reads before deciding whether the property is acceptable security. Knowing what they are looking at lets you gather the right evidence before you apply rather than after a decline.

Which parts of the structure are load bearing

The first thing a surveyor establishes is whether the single skin element is structural or an outbuilding-style addition. A single skin rear extension, garage conversion, or utility room attached to an otherwise cavity-built house is treated very differently from a whole dwelling built in 4.5 inch solid brickwork. If only a small non-habitable section is single skin, many mainstream lenders will still consider the property, sometimes with a retention. If the main living accommodation is single skin throughout, the case usually needs a lender that publishes criteria for non-standard construction.

Evidence of damp management and remedial work

Because a single skin wall has no cavity, there is no physical break to stop moisture travelling from outside to inside. Surveyors specifically look for tide marks at skirting level, blown plaster, spalling brickwork, and the condition of any external render or tanking. If remedial work has been carried out, keep the paperwork: a dated damp-proofing guarantee, the contractor’s specification, and any insurance-backed warranty are all things an underwriter can put on file. Undocumented work is treated as no work at all.

Structural reports and engineer sign-off

Where a surveyor flags cracking, bowing, or wall tie failure, the lender will normally ask for a report from a structural engineer who is a member of a recognised professional body before going further. Commissioning that report yourself, ahead of the application, is often faster than waiting for the lender to request it. It also means you know the outcome before you commit to a purchase.

Practical steps before you apply

Ask the estate agent for the construction type in writing, request any previous survey the vendorThe person or company selling the property. More holds, and check whether the property has ever been mortgaged before, since a prior lender’s acceptance is a useful indicator. An independent broker can then approach lenders whose published construction criteria fit the property, rather than submitting speculatively and collecting a hard credit search for nothing.

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