Construction of building

Kim72

Looking to view a property built late 1800s that was rebuilt with block concrete and steel as a result of war damage. It 's advertised at a cheaper price than I would expect for the area (so I think I may know the answer somewhat) but does that limit the lifespan of the building - the integrity of construction due to age? I've heard concrete building can result in structural issues after some years. All advice welcome - thanks!

Hoploz

It's going to make getting a mortgage more difficult than a standard construction house, as yes there is possibility of problems with concrete structures.

I'd pay the extra for a standard house which won't have this issue and will be easier to sell on later

Davesnave

Your post isn't entirely clear. Concrete block and steel could be standard construction, whereas poured concrete/concrete panels reinforced with steel might not be.

However, if the house is cheaper than comparables, this probably reflects a question mark over longevity, and thus potential difficulties with obtaining finance on it.

You really need to know more info. There are some non-standard methods of concrete construction which are mortgageable, at least with some lenders, but this is a specialist area which needs very specific advice.

theartfullodger

You might want to ask the Italian Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali e del Turismo what they think, their Pantheon in Rome having a huge concrete dome about 2,000 years old & still standing...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome

Rain_Shadow

theartfullodger wrote: »

You might want to ask the Italian Ministero dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali e del Turismo what they think, their Pantheon in Rome having a huge concrete dome about 2,000 years old & still standing...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome

Are they trying to get a mortgage on it?

MortgageMamma

Davesnave is right


You do need to get more information on it, and you may also (if you decide to buy and find the right lender) have to pay for a full structural report on the property. You'd need to budget about £1k for that report.


Go back to the estate agent and insist they tell you what kind of construction it is, if they don't know they seller should or the sellers previous solicitor should. Somewhere along the line someone will know, you just need to get your Sherlock hat on.

MM

dancingfairy

Non standard construction can be a pain. You may struggle to get a mortgage although it does depend on exactly what sort of concrete construction it is.
Mundig blocks are common in some areas and may be mortgageable, I'm not sure on other types.
Are there are other similar ones nearby?
I'm wondering whether you can do anything with the house, get a new structure built and get it tied or whether you'd want to remove all the concrete and rebuild in brick?
It could be a can of worms anyway. Do lots of research.
Df

Cisco001

Concrete block with steel??

Are you talking about steel frame with concrete block. Or Steel frame with pre-cast panel/ cladding.

Davesnave

dancingfairy wrote: »

Mundig blocks are common in some areas and may be mortgageable, I'm not sure on other types.

Defective Mundic blocks are only an issue with properties in the South West of England: mostly Cornwall and some areas of Devon, but they are unrelated to steel reinforcement.