Listed buildings are properties recognised for their special architectural or historic importance. Over 90% of these buildings in the UK are Grade II, meaning they are significant but come with restrictions on modifications and repairs.
Getting a mortgage for a Grade II listed building is possible but differs from financing a typical modern home. Lenders often examine your situation more closely, usually requiring a professional valuation to determine whether the property can be easily sold.
Overall, the total value of all residential mortgage loans in the UK slightly fell by 0.1% from the previous quarter to £1,657.6 billion, 1.1% lower than the previous year. The amount of new mortgage loans also dropped by 13.4% from the previous quarter to £54.0 billion, a decrease of 33.8% from last year.
Each lender will assess the risks and make their decision. However, with the assistance of an experienced broker who can strengthen your application and explore your options, you still have a good chance of getting approved.
Post Topics
Understanding Grade 2 Listed Building
What is a Grade II listed building?
Can I get a mortgage for a Grade 2 listed property?
Why are Grade II listed buildings a problem for lenders?
Maximum Loan to value on listed property mortgages
Mortgage term on Grade II Listed buildings
What else should I look out for with regard to grade 2 listed property mortgages?
Bad Credit and Grade 2 Building Mortgage
Repairing, maintenance and developing a Grade II listed building
Understanding Grade 2 Listed Building
In this helpful guide, we’ll delve deeper into what owning a Grade II listed building means and the challenges you may face when applying for a mortgage on such a property.
What is a Grade II listed building?
In the rich tapestry of England’s architectural heritage, buildings that hold a special architectural allure and are deemed worthy of preservation are classified as Grade II listed properties. These structures, often built before 1700 and remaining close to their original state, are a testament to the country’s historical legacy.
If you’re the proud owner of such a Grade II listed building, you’re not just living in a home but a piece of history. However, navigating the mortgage landscape for these properties can be a unique challenge.
Grade II listed buildings comprise 92% of all listed structures in the UK. These buildings are not just old; they’re symbols of our national heritage, each with its own story to tell. From quaint thatched cottages to grand Victorian townhouses, these buildings reflect the architectural styles and historical periods they originated from.
At NeedingAdvice.co.uk, Ltd, we’ve fielded numerous inquiries about securing a mortgage for Grade II listed buildings across England and Wales. So, whether you’re considering buying a Grade II-listed property or looking for advice on managing your existing mortgage, we’re here to help.
Can I get a mortgage for a Grade 2 listed property?
Yes, you can get a mortgage on a grade 2 listed buildingA building that is considered to be of special interest and ..., but you need to consult a mortgage lender who can provide you with the best mortgage deal. Many homeowners dream of living in a grade 2 building, but most individuals are unaware of the merits of historic structures in our country.
Currently, only limited information is available to calculate the costs of a historic structure. Therefore, read this article until the end to learn about all the important information related to loans on grade 2 buildings.
Why are Grade II listed buildings a problem for lenders?
As grade II listed buildings are an unusual type of home, which represents a higher risk than a standard home purchase for mortgage lenders. One reason is the limited availability of interested buyers, which could affect the property’s future value. It is also important to note here that rates offered on grade II constructions are higher than a standard home.
Getting a mortgage for a Grade II listed building can be challenging due to the unique nature of these properties. Lenders often view them as higher-risk investments compared to standard homes. One reason for this is the limited pool of potential buyers, which could impact the property’s future resale value.
Another factor that makes Grade II listed buildings problematic for lenders is the restrictions on modifications and repairs imposed by heritage regulations.
Maximum Loan to value on listed property mortgages
Most lenders will offer a low-high Loan to ValueThe ratio of the mortgage amount to the value of the propert... (LTV) on grade 2 listed property because of the increased risk factor involved. The maximum Loan to value cap will depend on the listing status and the mortgage lender.
However, in some circumstances, lenders could also lend you 90-95% of the amount. Some lenders may cap the maximum Loan to value, in which case borrowers will only need a 20% or 25% deposit to secure the listed building mortgage. Lastly, it also depends on your building mortgage application process, so it’s advisable to contact a known specialist broker at the start.
Mortgage term on Grade II Listed buildings
The mortgage term on a Loan for a grade two listed building varies from lender to lender. According to an article on trinityfinance.co.uk, there are almost 35 lenders providing grade 2 listed building mortgages, but they do not even include the private banks and specialist lenders who can provide you with the best mortgage deals on these historic buildings. If your property has big land, outbuildings or any form of commercial premises, you may need to contact the smaller loan providers or private banks for your loan application. Some lenders may cap your mortgage term on a second-grade house to 20-25 years to account for the property age and limit the risks related to the property condition.
What else should I look out for with regard to grade 2 listed property mortgages?
There are many other important requirements for a grade 2 listed building, such as restrictive covenantsLegal agreements that restrict what the borrower can do with... that need to be declared by the vendorThe person or company selling the property. ahead of a sale. All the street lenders will consider these restrictions carefully, so its better to consult a market broker before planning an application for a mortgage. The second important consideration is the cost of insuring your grade II building. Some grade 2 properties are very costly to insure because of the heritage value. At needingadvice.co.uk Ltd, we have whole-of-market brokers who can help you with your mortgage application for a grade 2 listed building.
Another thing to consider is the building consent gained before applying for the mortgage application. For example, if the property is listed as the loss of any historical feature, it may be considered as a criminal offence unless building consent has been obtained before.
Some high street lenders and building societies could also offer competitive interest rates for grade 2 buildings, so it’s always better to get a bit of specialist advice.
Bad Credit and Grade 2 Building Mortgage
There is always a relationship between bad credit and mortgages but its not impossible to get a loan with bad credit history. At needingadvice.co.uk Ltd, we have helped many individuals who have worried about adverse credit. Unfortunately, if you have a poor credit history, the options for many mainstream lenders will be not possible. Still, some banks or building societies could lend you a mortgage if you have an application that fulfils all other factors. Feel free to contact our team of mortgage brokers who can help you with the suitable mortgage deal.
Repairing, maintenance and developing a Grade II listed building
Before purchasing a grade 2 property, it is also important to consider the maintenance, repair and development costs of these properties, which are normally higher than the standard properties.
Next Steps
Getting a mortgage on a grade II listed building is complicated, but with the right advice like ours, it is definitely achievable. Make sure to consult with our specialist brokers who has experience in dealing with historic properties. They can guide you through the process and help you secure the best mortgage deal for your grade 2 listed building. Remember to consider all the factors mentioned above, such as restrictive covenants, insurance costs, building consent, and maintenance expenses, before deciding. With the right support and
FAQs
What is a Grade II listed building?
A Grade II listed building is recognized by Historic England for its special architectural or historical importance, typically featuring original characteristics that must be preserved.
Can you secure a mortgage on a Grade II listed building with non-standard construction?
Yes, obtaining a mortgage for a Grade II listed building is possible through a specialist broker who understands the challenges of non-standard construction and can connect you with the right mortgage providers.
What factors do mortgage lenders consider when assessing a mortgage application for a historic building?
Lenders look at the resale potential, maintenance cost, and any common restrictions associated with the property. A thorough valuation report and property survey are essential components of the mortgage application process.
How does having a criminal offence affect your chance of mortgage approval for a listed building?
A criminal offence can complicate your mortgage application, but working with an experienced mortgage broker can help navigate these challenges and improve your chance of approval, especially with lenders who offer bad credit mortgages.
What are the typical requirements for a mortgage on a listed building from a mortgage perspective?
From a mortgage perspective, the requirements include a larger deposit, comprehensive indemnity insurance instead of standard insurance, and an eligibility assessment that considers extra maintenance costs and the structural integrity of the property.
How can an independent mortgage broker assist with obtaining a competitive mortgage for a historic property?
An independent mortgage broker, especially one experienced in specialist finance, can provide exclusive mortgage advice and access to lenders who offer competitive mortgage rates for properties like thatched or ex-council properties.
What should you know about the additional costs when buying a listed property?
Expect additional costs such as higher maintenance requirements, the need for like-for-like materials in repairs, and possibly higher mortgage repayments due to the unique nature of the property.
Can you obtain a buy to let mortgage for a Grade II listed building?
Yes, obtaining a buy-to-let mortgage is feasible with the help of a specialist lender. An experienced broker can guide you through the lending criteria and help secure suitable security for the loan.
What insurance differences exist for listed buildings?
Listed buildings often require specialist finance to cover higher risks, including specialist indemnity insurance that goes beyond what is covered by standard building insuranceInsurance that covers damage to the structure of a property.....
What are the implications of previous unauthorized work on a listed building during a mortgage application?
Unauthorized alterations by a previous owner can lead to a faster decline in your mortgage application or increase the risk of a criminal offence charge. A detailed structural survey can identify these issues early in the mortgage process.
How does the mortgage process for a listed building differ in Northern Ireland compared to other regions?
In Northern Ireland, as well as other regions, the mortgage process for listed buildings involves a thorough affordability assessment and often requires specialist broker expertise due to unique local lending criteria and property types.
What should first-time buyers know about the mortgage process for historic buildings?
First-time buyers should seek financial advice from an experienced mortgage broker to understand the types of mortgage available, the chance of mortgage approval, and the potential for additional costs to maintain the rustic charm of historic properties.