Bricks, Mortar, and Mortgages: Why Lenders Care About Construction
6 October 2025
Did you know that the way a property is built can influence whether you get a mortgage, and on what terms?
From traditional brick houses to quirky barn conversions or ultra-modern eco homes, lenders consider construction type carefully because it can affect a property’s value, durability, and resale potential.
We want to help you understand these differences before you fall in love with a home to save you, stress, time, and disappointment.
Standard Construction
These are homes built from brick or stone walls with a tiled or slate roof. Lenders like them because they’re tried and tested — straightforward to maintain, sell, and insure.
Most UK homes are built this way, which makes them the easiest properties for lenders to approve.
Surveyors will still check for:
Signs of damp or subsidence
The condition of the roof
Any age-related issues
If everything’s in good shape, you’ll usually find the mortgage process smooth.
Non-Standard Construction
Anything that falls outside the above description — such as timber frames, concrete panels, steel structures, thatched roofs, or eco-friendly alternatives — often needs closer inspection. Lenders may see these as a higher risk simply because they’re less common or have different maintenance needs.
By being open and upfront about construction early on, you can avoid surprises later in the process.
Timber Frames and Prefabricated Homes
These can sometimes make lenders pause due to historic durability concerns. The good news is that modern timber-frame homes are often as strong and reliable as brick homes, providing they come with a recognised structural warranty.
Concrete, Steel, and Other Non-Standard Builds
Many homes built after WWII used precast concrete panels or steel frames to meet housing needs quickly. Over time, some of these construction types developed a reputation for structural issues or costly maintenance.
Mortgage approval for these homes often depends on:
A detailed structural survey
Evidence of proper upkeep or renovations
A lender experienced with non-standard construction
Eco-Friendly and Modern Methods of Construction
From modular homes to straw bale builds and other sustainable materials, green construction is on the rise. While innovative and future-focused, these builds are still seen as “non-standard” by some lenders, with questions around long-term durability — but this could change as eco homes become more common.
Conversions
Whether it’s a barn, chapel, or historic mill, these properties come with unique charm, but also unique paperwork.
Lenders typically ask for:
Building regulation and planning sign-offs
Structural surveys confirming the conversion’s integrity
Leasehold details (if applicable), including the remaining lease term
Practical Tips
Check construction details early on: When viewing a property, don’t be afraid to ask the estate agent if it’s standard or non-standard construction (if this information wasn’t shared in the online listing). It’s important you know the property type from the outset to steer your mortgage application – for example, this affects whether an automatic valuation is sufficient or whether the property you’re buying requires a physical valuation.
Invest in a full survey: Particularly for unusual or converted homes — this detailed information is required by lenders to assess the structural integrity of a property, identify potential issues, and future repair costs.
Use the right lender: We’ll guide you toward lenders who understand your chosen property type.
Ask questions: Learn more about the homebuying process to help reduce unexpected issues.
Being organised: We can help gather the right paperwork to keep both you and your lender reassured.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a classic brick home or the innovation of a modern eco build, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
With the right support, you can approach your mortgage application with confidence and clarity.
If you’d like help securing a mortgage for any type of property — standard or non-standard — we’d be delighted to arrange a friendly chat with one of our advisers.
