When buying property in the UK, understanding whether a home is built with "Standard Construction" or "Non-Standard Construction" materials is crucial—though note that flats are not classified this way. Standard construction homes, made with brick or stone walls and slate or tile roofs, tend to be more appealing to mortgage lenders and insurance providers. Non-standard construction properties, however, use materials like concrete, steel, or timber, which can pose challenges for financing and insurance. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between standard and non-standard construction, discuss the advantages and potential obstacles, and provide tips on assessing construction types for your next UK property investment.
Table of Contents
What Is Standard Construction?
Standard construction generally refers to houses built with brick or stone walls and slate or tiled roofs.
This type of construction adheres to modern, industry-accepted building standards, which is advantageous for homeowners. Homes built to these standards are often easier to finance through mortgages, easier to insure under building insurance, and tend to sell more readily on the market.
What Is Non-Standard Construction?
Non-standard construction, sometimes called non-traditional construction, encompasses homes built with materials other than brick, stone, slate, or tile. Common examples include:
- Concrete
- Timber
- British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF)
- Steel framed
- Prefabricated/modular components
- Clunch (a clay-rich soil mixture)
- Glass
- Cob (a mixture of clay, sand, and straw)
The use of these materials dates back to the housing shortages following World War I and World War II, when rapid construction methods and alternative materials were required to accommodate returning soldiers and growing families. As a result, many non-standard construction properties today are council-built homes or “kit homes.”
How to Determine if a Property is Non-Standard Construction
If you’re considering buying a property in the UK, identifying whether it falls under non-standard construction is essential. Directly asking the estate agent is a good starting point, though not all agents may have precise information.
Some websites provide a list of non-standard construction properties by council area. For examplehttps://nonstandardhouse.com/local-authority-non-traditional-housing-stock-lists
This web site offers downloadable Excel sheets listing non-standard construction homes by postcode and construction type for specific councils. This resource covers popular cities like Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Bristol, although areas like Manchester and Birmingham may be less comprehensive.
After an offer is accepted, hiring a Chartered Surveyor to perform a Survey Report (or home inspection) is another option. The surveyor can verify the materials used and indicate whether the property is classified as non-standard construction.
Challenges Associated with Non-Standard Construction
Non-standard construction homes are generally more affordable than standard-built homes but come with distinct challenges:
1) Financing Obstacles
Since non-standard materials often require extra maintenance (e.g., steel frames may rust, and modular joints can leak), mortgage lenders may view these properties as higher risk. Some properties even specify “cash buyers only,” indicating they are challenging to finance.
2) Insurance Issues
Non-standard construction homes can be costly to insure. Higher repair costs and uncertainty around non-standard risks mean that some insurance companies charge higher premiums or may even refuse to cover these homes.
Specialized insurance policies for non-standard homes are available but tend to be more expensive.
Is Non-Standard Construction Worth Buying?
For potential buyers, the affordability of non-standard construction homes may be appealing, especially as they often provide more space for the price. However, securing a PRC Certificate (Precast Reinforced Concrete Certificate) through certified maintenance can increase mortgage eligibility and property value.
When considering a non-standard home, inquire with the estate agent about the availability of a PRC Certificate. If one is not provided, weighing the trade-offs is key: non-standard properties are often ex-council homes, meaning they may be harder to sell in the future, despite offering more space. Before making a decision, consider all factors such as transport links, crime rates, school catchment areas, and budget to ensure the property meets your needs.
In the end, the most important factor is to understand the property’s long-term implications and to make a well-informed choice for your investment.
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