Single Skin Brickwork Mortgage Myths

Single_skin_myths

Having read numerous threads regarding single skin brickwork (sometimes known as half brick) and measuring approximately 4 1/2 inch thick (115mm), I thought I would expel a few myths regarding mortgageability of these properties. These are often found in off-shoot's of terraced victorian properties i.e. there are numerous streets throughout the UK that potentially have this method of construction.

The common misconception is that they are unmortgageable. However, there are a number of mainstream lenders who will lend, including some that consider up to and including two storey.

The following lenders will consider two storey on their individual merits i.e. if they are in keeping with similar properties in the locality:

Nationwide / The Mortgage Works
Lloyds
Halifax
Birmingham Midshires
RBS / Natwest
Atom Bank
Santander
Skipton BS

Lenders below will consider single storey sections, if they are form a relatively small amount of the overall property:

Bank of Ireland
Coventry / Godiva
Fleet mortgages
Leeds Building society
TSB
Virgin Money
Yorkshire BS / Accord

Valuers may require structural engineers reports as a condition of the report due to the increased risk of movement, damp and condensation. However, fundamentally, it is not as big an issue as many people fear.

theartfullodger

Selling a single skin property by any chance?

robatwork

This reads just like a thread on the savings and investments board - someone signs up, extols the virtues of an investment - usually somewhat dubious - and leaves never to be seen again.

What's your angle?

jimbog

Single_skin_myths wrote: »

The following lenders will consider two storey on their individual merits i.e. if they are in keeping with similar properties in the locality:

Nationwide / The Mortgage Works
Lloyds
Halifax
Birmingham Midshires
RBS / Natwest
Atom Bank
Santander
Skipton BS

Lenders below will consider single storey sections, if they are form a relatively small amount of the overall property:

Bank of Ireland
Coventry / Godiva
Fleet mortgages
Leeds Building society
TSB
Virgin Money
Yorkshire BS / Accord

You really have too much time on your hands to have gone to the trouble to research all this

GreenSnake

In older houses it's standard to find single skin extensions.
It's never been an issue with any lender in my experience.

Mind you, mortgage lenders do tend to make things up as they go along, in my experience.

Lending policies change like the wind. Years ago, mortgages were "rationed"..

sevenhills

jimbog wrote: »

You really have too much time on your hands to have gone to the trouble to research all this

Some may find it useful, some waste their own time watching Coronation Street or Eastenders, some waste it online helping others!

Single_skin_myths

No angle at all - very sceptical to assume so.

Having previously bought a house that had been underpinned and used this forum to find insurers that will accept underpinned properties, I thought I would pay back by providing the information in this thread. It is a common issue when purchasing property and can help provide some black and white in an area that can be a bit grey at times, particularly with the stress of moving and potentially losing purchasers as a result.

GreenSnake

Mortgage lenders will probably have changed their policies by Monday morning anyway!

GreenSnake

Single_skin_myths wrote: »

No angle at all - very sceptical to assume so.

Having previously bought a house that had been underpinned and used this forum to find insurers that will accept underpinned properties, I thought I would pay back by providing the information in this thread. It is a common issue when purchasing property and can help provide some black and white in an area that can be a bit grey at times, particularly with the stress of moving and potentially losing purchasers as a result.

Why did you buy a house with subsidence?
That's a bit different to a single skin extension, which is very common on UK houses built before about 1920. Possibly later.

Single_skin_myths

Following a structural survey of the property and with the passage of 25 years since the underpinning works were carried out, the likelihood of further movement appeared minimal.

jimbog

Single_skin_myths wrote: »

No angle at all - very sceptical to assume so.

Having previously bought a house that had been underpinned and used this forum to find insurers that will accept underpinned properties, I thought I would pay back by providing the information in this thread. It is a common issue when purchasing property and can help provide some black and white in an area that can be a bit grey at times, particularly with the stress of moving and potentially losing purchasers as a result.

Fair enough, my apologies. Didn't think about a scenario of you having had to look for a mortgage for a single skinned house yourself