As a mortgage broker in the UK, it’s important to be familiar with all types of mortgages, including those for uninhabitable properties. An uninhabitable property mortgage is a type of loan designed to finance properties that may not meet the standard requirements for a traditional mortgage. These properties may require significant repairs or renovations before they can be inhabited, making them a higher risk for lenders.

As a result, financing options for uninhabitable properties can be more complex and require specialised knowledge. As a mortgage broker, understanding these options can help you better serve clients who are interested in purchasing or renovating uninhabitable properties in the UK.


What is an Uninhabitable Property Mortgage, and How Does it Differ from a Standard Mortgage?

As a mortgage broker in the UK, it’s important to understand what an uninhabitable property mortgage is and how it differs from a standard mortgage. An uninhabitable property mortgage is a type of financing designed for properties that do not meet the minimum standards of safety and habitability required for traditional mortgages. These types of properties can include those that have structural issues, fire or water damage, or those that require extensive renovation work. To be considered uninhabitable, a property must fail to meet the minimum requirements set by lenders and regulatory bodies. As a mortgage broker, it’s crucial to understand the criteria that lenders use to determine if a property is uninhabitable and to be able to outline the types of properties that are most likely to require an uninhabitable property mortgage. This knowledge can help you guide your clients towards the best financing options for their unique property needs.

Damian Youell

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1: We contact you and take down your details, income outgoings, name, address etc.

2: We will research the whole market and email you a detailed quote as well as a list of documents to proceed.

3: You upload the documents and information needed via our channel our online portal.

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Why are some properties considered uninhabitable, and what challenges do they present when it comes to financing?

As a mortgage broker in the UK, it’s important to understand why some properties may be considered uninhabitable and the challenges that come with financing such properties. Uninhabitable properties may have significant structural issues, such as subsidence or a lack of adequate heating and insulation. In some cases, the property may have been vacant for an extended period, leading to issues such as dampness and mould. These issues can make the property difficult to finance, as lenders may see them as too risky to invest in. As a mortgage broker, it’s important to work closely with clients to identify the best financing options for their specific situation, taking into account the challenges that come with financing an uninhabitable property. This may involve exploring alternative financing options such as renovation mortgages or bridging loans.

What are the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and how does it affect uninhabitable property mortgages in the UK?

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 is a law that requires landlords in England and Wales to ensure that their rental properties are fit for human habitation. This includes ensuring that the property is free from hazards such as dampness, mould, and structural defects. The Act has implications for uninhabitable property mortgages in the UK, as lenders will now take into account a property’s fitness for human habitation when considering a mortgage application. This means that if a property is deemed uninhabitable under the Act, it may be more difficult to secure financing. However, there are still options available for those looking to finance uninhabitable properties, such as bridging loans and renovation mortgages. As a potential buyer or property owner, it’s important to understand the criteria for an uninhabitable property and to work with a knowledgeable mortgage broker who can help you navigate the financing options available.


Mortgage on properties that are not habitable conditions|

If you are interested in buying an uninhabitable property, you need to show a proper vision to bring an old home back to its former glory or renovate & reconstruct it etc. Most mortgage lenders will decline your mortgage application for such property because of the risk involved in reselling it. But thankfully, there are some banks and building societies that could help you. Before going to the specific mortgage deals, we will thoroughly discuss the factors responsible for a property being called uninhabitable.

There are several known factors that a lender will consider while declaring a home uninhabitable for example, a house without any bathroom and kitchen. Also, if the property is not wind or waterproof, it could be declared as a house with no habitable conditions. Significant dampness or mould could cause health issues. If a house has non-standard roofs, no handrails and cannot be made secure could be considered an uninhabitable house. We have also discussed the issue of the Japanese knotweed plant which could also be considered an uninhabitable house.

Some other reasons that make a house uninhabitable include:

1) The house is located in a flood zone.

2) There is a fire hazard in the house.

3) The house is located near a railway line.

4) The house is located next to a busy road.

5) The house is located close to a gas pipeline.

6) The house is situated at a high altitude.

7) There is a sewage problem in the house.

8) The house is located within a restricted area.

9) The house is located on a hillside.

10) The house is located away from water supply.

11) The house is located far from the electricity supply.


Damian Youell

Feel Free To Start WhatsApp Chat With Us...

How We Work

1: We contact you and take down your details, income outgoings, name, address etc.

2: We will research the whole market and email you a detailed quote as well as a list of documents to proceed.

3: You upload the documents and information needed via our channel our online portal.

Feel Free to Contact Us

Post Topics – Uninhabitable Property Mortgage

Mortgage on properties that are not habitable conditions

Bridging loan on Uninhabitable house

Is an uninhabitable house easy to purchase as a cash buyer?

What Does Unmortgageable Mean and Why Does it Matter?

How to get finance to buy an Uninhabitable property?

What options do you have?

Bridging loan on Uninhabitable house:

The bridging loans are designed to bridge the gap between two financial obligations. The borrower can use this type of loan to pay off one financial obligation and then start paying another. This is done by taking out a new loan which is used to repay the first debt. A bridging loan is usually taken out when someone needs money quickly and they don’t want to wait for their existing loan to mature.

A bridging loan is similar to a personal loan in many ways. However, unlike a personal loan, a bridging loan doesn’t require collateral. In fact, most bridging loans do not even require repayment until the original loan matures. Therefore, borrowers can take out a bridging loan whenever they need extra cash.


Is an uninhabitable house easy to purchase as a cash buyer?

No, it is not. You may think that purchasing an uninhabitable house is very simple. But, it is not so. The reason behind this is that the seller does not want to sell his/her house due to various reasons on cash.  Some reasons could be the lack of proper documentation, rules and legal restrictions.


What Does Unmortgageable Mean and Why Does it Matter?

Unmortgagable means that the owner of the property has not paid the instalments of the mortgage. If the owner fails to pay the instalments of his mortgage, he loses all rights over the property. Hence, the bank takes possession of the property.

If the property is mortgaged, the bank can repossess the property only after the maturity date of the mortgage. It is possible that the owner might not get the chance to redeem the property before the maturity date. So, if you own a property that is mortgaged, you should know about the unmortgageable status of your property.

The one significant reason for a property to be unmortgageable is if the property is uninhabitable or it’s in a condition where no one could live in it. For instance, if there is a seriously leaky roof, the property would be considered unmortgageable.

There are some other reasons why a property becomes unmortgageable. These are:

1) The property is located in an earthquake zone.

2) The property is located near a nuclear power plant.

3) The property is located next to a chemical factory.

4) The property is located at a place where toxic waste is dumped.

5) The property is located on a river bed.

6) The property is located close to a military base.

7) The property is located within a restricted zone.

8) The property is located away from the water source.


How to get finance to buy an Uninhabitable property?

Most high street banks and building societies won’t approve a mortgage for an uninhabitable property but there are some limited banks or building societies that can lend the required amount.

As these mortgages are different from a standard mortgage, it is better to contact a mortgage broker before starting your application.


What options do you have?

First, you must understand what constitutes an “uninhabitable” property. This will help you decide whether buying such a property is right for you.

Second, you must find someone willing to lend money against the property, which will allow you to borrow enough to complete the renovation work.

Third, you must make sure that any lender you approach agrees to lend against the property. This is usually done by getting a letter from the local council stating that the property is uninhabited.

Fourth, you must take care when choosing a lender. Make sure they are reputable and experienced in dealing with loans against uninhabitable properties.

Fifth, you must ensure that the property is structurally sound. Any problems discovered during this process may cause further delays.

Sixth, you must check that the property complies with planning regulations. Some areas require that certain buildings are demolished before permission can be granted. In others, the property needs to meet specific standards before planning permission can be given.

Finally, you must make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready. This includes copies of relevant documents relating to the property (such as title deeds), a copy of the council’s decision confirming that the property is uninhabitable, and proof of your ability to repay the loan.


Damian Youell

Feel Free To Start WhatsApp Chat With Us...

How We Work

1: We contact you and take down your details, income outgoings, name, address etc.

2: We will research the whole market and email you a detailed quote as well as a list of documents to proceed.

3: You upload the documents and information needed via our channel our online portal.

Feel Free to Contact Us

Next Steps

In conclusion, financing an uninhabitable property in the UK can be challenging, but there are options available for those who require it. Uninhabitable property mortgages are designed specifically for properties that do not meet the minimum requirements for a standard mortgage, and lenders will take into account the fitness for human habitation when considering an application. However, there are still options available, such as bridging loans and renovation mortgages, for those looking to finance these types of properties. As a potential buyer or property owner, it’s important to understand the criteria for an uninhabitable property and to work with a knowledgeable mortgage broker who can help you navigate the financing options available. With the right guidance and expertise, it’s possible to secure financing for even the most challenging property types, and to turn a property that was once uninhabitable into a valuable investment.

About The Author

mortgage broker damian youell



See some of Damian’s client reviews below

Damian is an experienced mortgage broker, founder of NeedingAdvice.co.uk Ltd and company director. With over a decade working as a mortgage broker he has a strong understanding of hard to place mortgage cases. With hundreds of 5 star client reviews. hundreds of repeat clients his work speaks for himself.

He started NeedingAdvice.co.uk as a one man band with the philosophy of putting clients needs ahead of his own. This ethos of offering excellent customer service has helped the business grow over the years. He gets satisfaction on getting cases pushed through to offer stage where other mortgage broker and companies have failed.

Throughout his time as an adviser he has carved out a niche area of advice helping clients with their business protection requirements too. Having helped hundreds of client with Relevant Life Policies, Shareholder Protection Insurance, Keyperson Policies and other important protection requirements of large to small businesses.

At home he is a family man and likes to spend his time with his four children and wife Lisa. He enjoys going on holidays spending time with friends and going for walks.