We are unable to lend on the following property types:
Construction/build:
- properties with spray foam anywhere in the roof void
- properties built entirely from wood
- timber-framed construction with cavity wall insulation
- properties that have been underpinned in the last 3 years, that require underpinning or require monitoring
- multi-storey blocks with external wall cladding system deemed unacceptable (we’ll only lend on properties with an A1 rating)
- properties not connected to mains supplies (i.e. water, electricity and wastewater unless there is a septic tank in the grounds of the property or the solicitor confirms rights of access if situated on adjacent property)
- properties with asbestos where it is deemed a health risk
Location:
- properties at risk of coastal erosion within 500m or subject to a managed retreat plan
- properties that have been flooded in the last 10 years or are in a high flood risk zone and have no existing flood prevention measures
- properties in close proximity to overhead power cables, pylons, electricity sub-stations or mobile telephone masts
- properties adjacent to or above commercial premises likely to cause a nuisance or where there is the possibility of unacceptable noise or smell (e.g. public houses, takeaway shops, kennels, petrol stations)
- properties in close proximity to Japanese knotweed, unless remediation work has commenced or been undertaken (subject to an insurance-backed long-term guarantee issued by a member if the Property Care Association Invasive Weed Control Group)
- landlocked properties
- properties built on unremediated contaminated land
- solar panel or wind farms in the garden or in the vicinity if they are likely to affect saleability
- properties with more than 5 acres of land
Inside the property:
- properties with more than one kitchen
- properties that are not fully self-contained (e.g. they have shared services such as gas, water, electricity)
- properties with annexes capable of being sub-let and with a separate Council Tax rating.
Flats and maisonettes:
- high-rise flats above 4 storeys without a lift
- studio flats under 30sq metres
- studio flats with no separate bathroom
- freehold maisonettes
- freehold flats
- ex-local authority flats
- ex-local authority maisonettes
- serviced flats/apartments
- criss-cross properties
- tyneside properties
Property types / purposes:
- live work use
- properties with livestock on the property
- commercial properties, including Bed and Breakfasts, that their current usage affects the saleability of the property and that need alteration to return to normal residential usage
- holiday lets, short term lets, airbnb or similar arrangements
- agricultural properties including working farms and smallholdings
- properties where office staff are employed, business rates are payable or clients call frequently as though attending business premises
- park homes, caravans, log cabins, houseboats
- properties with planning uses other than C3 (a) (b) (c) and C(4).
- shared ownership
Everything else:
- properties with time limits on occupancy (e.g. holiday homes with 11-month occupancy restriction)
- properties with occupancy age restrictions
- key workers or properties where purchase is restricted based on customers having to live locally already