Non- Standard Construction

Steppy1234

Hi guys,

I need some help. I'm sure it's been covered a thousand times but I can't find the answer.

My daughter is a first time buyer, she's doing it on her own and I'm so proud but it leaves her budget stretched and properties hard to find (without buying a new build, really don't want to go there...)

We've found one, she loves it, needs work nothing major but to my it looks very much like concrete sectional construction with brick for the first meter or so. Estate agent played dumb, had no idea what the construction was and said as far as she knew it was standard. I've phoned the council (who built the house) and their records only go back to 1974! Without investing money in a survey how do we find out for sure? We have already struggled to get her a mortgage because of her age and with her being on her own, i don't fancy the idea of the mortgage lender pot been made smaller by buying non standard. Nor do I want to over look a good buy if it is standard. A quick Google of these concrete sectional homes means if it is we won't be touching it, but how can you tell for sure?

davidmcn

Give us a pic and somebody here will probably know.

kingstreet

See if your local Colleys surveyor can give you a steer by using the "Find A Surveyor" tool;-

http://www.colleys.co.uk/help-support/contact-us/

Tell them you're looking at a Halifax mortgage and you need to know the construction style and if it's mortgageable.

Raxiel

Is it one of these? http://www.valley-developments.co.uk/cornish.html or does the concrete go all the way to the top (with the brickwork basically comprising the foundation)?

If it is, it's unlikely to be mortgageable until it's been 'repaired' (Precast concrete completely replaced with load bearing masonry and signed off by a Structural Engineer). Even if it is repaired, a lot of companies still won't lend if it's attached to an unrepaired property.

Source: I own a repaired Cornish unit

Steppy1234

Not sure how to upload a picture but this is the house in question.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-53507394.html

Raxiel

Not precast, so no concerns about defective/repair.

Looking at the whole street on google street view, looks like they are either rendered brick, or possibly Wimpey no-fines construction.

Mortgageable, although if it is no-fines, apparently some lenders don't like them. (RBS probably dont, Halifax and Santander probably accept them)

Steppy1234

I've got a construction date of 1920, hoping it's standard and rendered then.

Thanks for everyone's help

SG27

Wow my deposit on a tiny 2 bed in essex was nearly twice the asking price of that 5 years ago!

RichardD1970

There are loasds of "non-standard" council houses around by me, like this.

Concrete floor to roof. Not sure if pre-poured or what. Built late 60's early 70's and no problems that I am aware of.

We bought one in 1995, Birmingham Midshires originally said yes then changed their minds but no problems with Halifax.

They sell regularly and get snapped up quite quick due to being much larger and cheaper than the new builds that are "regenerating" the area.

Might not be of help to you, but just pointing out that non-standard isn't always a problem. (Although you do need a bloody good drill )

Gwendo40

Can't comment on the construction but it still looks expensive given what other identical but fully modernised houses have recently sold for, I hope she's offering considerably below asking.

stator

Ask for access to the attic. If you look at the gable end walls in the attic you can see what they are made from. It should be obvious if it's bricks, blocks or poured concrete or something else
I can't see anything obvious that makes it non-traditional