Non-standard construction properties

DanRatt

Hi,

My wife and I are looking to move and non-standard construction properties (BISF, Cranwell) are really common in the area. Unfortunately we have very little idea what this means practically so really grateful for any advice...

Our lender will require a structural survey (which will cost a significant amount) to confirm everything is ok before proceeding, so we want to work out whether it's worth spending that in the short-term.

The properties appear to have been recently refurbed and have sold within the past 10 years.

1. Are these kind of properties going to be more difficult to sell down the line?
2. Will we have to do anything costly to maintain the structure in the coming years?
3. Are there impacts on home insurance costs?

Thanks again

Dan

stator

There are a LOT of types of non-standard house, so it does depend on the type

BISF houses are mortgagable and insurable but you will have less choice of mortgage and less choice of insurer.. They have been lived in for decades and are pretty sound. But they are made of STEEL so RUST is a major concern. You need to get a specialist surveyor to do an INTRUSIVE inspection. That may mean making holes in plaster etc to see what's underneath. If the property has been well maintained there is no reason why you can't be happy in a BISF home.
You will find it harder to sell a BISF home, but that is why they are cheaper. So it's swings and roundabouts. With a BISF house it's obviously important that you maintain the exterior of the house, so that water doesn't get in. It shouldn't be any more expensive than other houses as long as you keep on top of it.

There are other types of non-standard houses that are designated defective and are unmortgagable unless they have a certificate to say they have been converted to standard construction. One example is the Cornish Unit. If it doesn't have the certificate than it's Cash buyers only, so much harder to sell. I wouldn't consider these types unless you are sure of the conversion work.

Some other types of house Laing Easi-form and Wimpey no-fines are sometimes considered non-standard but they are just made from poured concrete walls instead of concrete blocks. They are not a problem to insure or mortgage but again you should have a surveyor who specialises in this type of building