Can You Get a Mortgage on a Cob House? | Your Full Guide

Getting a cob construction mortgage differs from regular mortgages in the UK. In this article, we will guide you through the complete process.

When we think of how houses are built, we usually picture a standard construction of brick and blockwork cavity walls topped by a slate or tiled roof. Indeed, that is the ideal as far as any mortgage lender is concerned.

Cob houses, on the other hand, are a non-standard construction. So, if you are looking for a Cob construction house mortgage, you could run into some – but not insurmountable – difficulties.

There are many other types of non-standard construction houses, such as Reema, Wattle & Daub, Wates Construction, and more. Cob construction is one of the oldest building techniques in the world, utilizing a mixture of clay, sand, and straw to create sturdy walls.

When it comes to getting a mortgage on a cob house, lenders’ main concern is the property’s durability and longevity. Cob houses are known for their energy efficiency and sustainability, but they can also be prone to issues such as moisture.

So, in this article we will explore this topic in more detail and provide some tips on how to secure a mortgage for a cob house.

Post Topics

What is a Cob construction house?

Construction method of this Non Standard Property

Can you get a mortgage on a cob house?

How do Cob mortgages work?

Next steps

FAQs

What is a Cob construction house?

Although brick is now considered a standard material for building houses, it is by no means the only material or the oldest. Thanks to its abundance, simple earth or dried mud have been used to fashion free-standing dwellings.

Mix the earth with equally available straw, and you get a building material that is robust and long-lasting with good load-bearing capabilities. That is the material in English called Cob or Cobb.

Cob houses have been around in England for a very long time. Some of the earliest date from the 13^th -15^th century and until the dawn of industrialisation in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Cob houses were the norm. As a result, the Cob construction house is an architecturally significant design in English social history.

Construction method of this Non Standard Property

Designing Buildings website outlines the basic construction methods adopted for Cob houses.

The foundations of the building are laid by stamping down on the mixture of subsoil and straw that makes the Cob. The foundations are typically around 11 to 12 inches wider than the walls and must be deep enough to take their load.

The Cob mixture is then laid in courses to build up the walls, and each course must dry out completely before the next course is laid. The walls are steadily built up and taper inwards slightly to increase their load-bearing capacity, making it possible to construct dwellings of two storeys. Curves and other fluid and organic shapes can easily be incorporated into the Cob construction.

Windows and doors can be built into the structure using simple lintels as the walls go up, or they can be cut through the Cob walls after they have been built.

Cob construction is surprisingly energy efficient – the thick walls (usually at least 2½ inches) retain the heat when it’s cold outside and keep the inside cooler in the hot weather. Indeed, the U-value of a Cob wall – the measure of its insulating effectiveness – is typically better than in modern buildings of standard construction.

The roof of a Cob house typically has a broad overhang to protect the walls from the rain and damp. The overhang is generally at least seven inches. If cracks do open up in the walls, though, they can be quickly filled with fresh Cob mixture.

Cob construction was most popular in the southwest of England, but it also spread to East Anglia and the rest of the country until this building technique largely disappeared by Victorian times.

Environmental benefits

Cob construction is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, with even commercial builders showing an interest.

That is because of a renewed interest in the sustainability of Cob construction materials and methods – making them both economically attractive and environmentally friendly. Subsoil, straw, water, and a little sand are readily available in practically any location after all.

These considerations have also prompted interest from self-builders who can cut down on the expensive labour costs of building their home and the need for the power tools otherwise employed for more conventional building methods.

Can you get a mortgage on a cob house?

For all the attractions that might make Cob houses more environmentally friendly, they are non-standard construction—and, as we noted from the outset, mortgages for homes of unusual structure are more challenging to obtain.

Although it may be possible to secure a Cob construction house mortgage, this will be based on it being a non-standard construction mortgage – just as similar alternative construction materials such as straw bales, concrete panels, or wattle and daub will also be classified as non-standard construction by a mortgage lender. If you are interested in buying such a house, it is always better to contact a mortgage broker to help you with this application process. These constructions are unusual construction, and you may need to seek out specialist lenders who are more familiar with non-standard construction mortgages.

How do Cob mortgages work?

Regarding the formal application process, Cob mortgages differ very little from any other mortgage application. Any lender will need to consider the condition and value of the property you want to buy and the affordability of the loan you are requesting.

That will mean assessing the affordability of the mortgage with reference to your present and future earnings, your outgoings, and any other loans and open lines of credit. Your credit history will be scrutinised to see how well – or otherwise – you have managed previous debts.

Your biggest challenge, however, lies in finding those relatively few lenders prepared to advance the loan you want as a non-standard construction mortgage. Because the pool of available lenders is more restricted, you might want to make an early start by consulting a broker with expertise and experience in such matters.

Next steps

Cob houses have a long history – many are still standing, and new ones are being built in response to what are seen as the environmental benefits of building this type of dwelling.

Identifying a lender prepared to advance a Cob house construction mortgage, though, might prove more complicated. Therefore, you might want to consult independent experts such as ourselves here at NeedingAdvice.co.uk so that we can point you in the most likely direction and assist you throughout the formal mortgage application process.

FAQs

What is a Cob House?

A cob house is built using a natural building material made from a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water. This material is hand-sculpted into walls. Cob construction is known for its sustainability and energy efficiency, but requires a well-researched construction plan and a wise approach to manage potential unexpected costs.

Can It Be Difficult to Get a Mortgage for a Cob House?

Yes, securing a mortgage for a cob house can be more challenging than for a traditional house. This is due to the unique nature of cob construction, which may not fit within the standard parameters of traditional mortgage loan providers. Borrowers may need to provide extra documentation and detailed building plans to prove the viability and durability of the structure.

Do Many Mortgage Lenders Offer Loans for Cob Houses?

While not all lenders offer loans specifically for cob houses, there are specialized construction loan lenders and credit unions that are open to alternative building projects. A construction-to-permanent loan can be a viable option, converting from a construction-only loan with typically higher rates to a permanent mortgage upon completionThe point at which a property purchase is finalized and owne... of the building.

What Are the Unique Mortgage Considerations for a Cob House?

Mortgage considerations for a cob house include the need for a licensed builder who is experienced in cob construction, a comprehensive project cost estimation, and possibly higher construction loan rates due to perceived risks. The construction timeline, construction phase payments, and the transition to a permanent mortgage need careful planning to align with loan requirements.

How Can a Mortgage Broker Help in Securing a Cob House Mortgage?

A mortgage broker can assist by navigating the complexities of construction loans and permanent financing for unique properties like cob houses. They help in sourcing the right construction loan products, understanding the nuances of loan approval processes, and ensuring all construction loan requirements are met to facilitate a smooth transition to a permanent mortgage.

Are There Any Government Schemes or Incentives for Financing Cob Houses?

Some regions may offer incentives for sustainable building practices, which can include cob houses. These could be in the form of reduced rates on construction loans, grants, or rebates for using eco-friendly materials and practices.

What Is the Process of Valuing a Cob House for Mortgage Purposes?

Valuing a cob house can be complex due to its uncommon nature. Lenders will look at the detailed construction plans, the longevity and durability of the material, as well as comparable market values (if available). This might involve a higher set of closing costs and more involved appraisal processes.

Is a Construction Loan Necessary for Building a Cob House, and How Does It Work?

A construction loan is almost always necessary when building a cob house due to its non-traditional nature. This loan covers the cost of the land, materials, and labor during the construction period. Rates for construction loans are generally higher than traditional mortgages and are often short-term adjustable-rate loans. After construction, the loan typically converts into a more stable, conventional loan, known as a construction-to-permanent loan.