Specialist advice for
non-standard & unusual homes
We help buyers and homeowners secure mortgages on properties that don't fit standard lender criteria.
- Last updated:
- No credit score impact
- No judgement
- Trusted Experts
Why Do Unusual Properties Get Declined?
Why Do Unusual Properties Get Declined?
Unusual properties aren't declined because they're unmortgageable — they're declined because they don't fit standard lending models.
Many lenders rely heavily on automated systems and rigid criteria. Features like concrete construction, flat roofs, short leases, or properties above commercial premises can trigger an automatic decline, even where the property itself is perfectly sound.
Other lenders take a more considered approach. They look at surveyor reports in detail, understand different construction methods, and assess risk on a case-by-case basis. The difficulty is that this isn't always obvious from lender criteria alone.
This is where experience matters. We look at the property, the survey, and the wider context, and help shape the application so it's assessed on its merits — not rejected by default. That way, you avoid unnecessary dead ends and get a clearer view of what's realistically possible.
Trusted When Your Mortgage
Really Matters
- £ 2.2 billion
- Total borrowing arranged
- 13,310+
- Mortgages approved
Find your options
Join thousands who've trusted us with their mortgage
Why Us
Unusual property specialists
We understand how non-standard properties are assessed and where applications typically fail. That experience helps avoid unnecessary declines.
Beyond standard criteria
Advice shaped around real-world circumstances, not tick-box lending.
No upfront fees. No obligation
You won't pay to explore your options, and you'll speak to a real person who understands complex situations.
Non-standard and unusual homes -
what you need to know
What counts as unusual property
A property is "unusual" or "non-standard" if it has features that fall outside typical lending criteria:
- Construction issues: Concrete (PRC), timber frame, steel frame, thatched roofs, flat roofs, prefabricated buildings
- Condition problems: No kitchen/bathroom, major renovation needed, subsidence history, Japanese knotweed
- Location concerns: Above commercial premises, flood risk areas, no road access, near flight paths
- Legal complications: Short leases (under 70 years), freehold flats, ex-council, listed buildings, shared ownership
Why lenders are cautious
Lenders worry about three main things: difficulty valuing the property (fewer comparable sales), concerns about reselling if they ever need to repossess, and insurance availability. Properties with unusual features often require specialist surveyors and more detailed assessment.
It's also worth taking a moment to consider whether you're comfortable with the added complexity, as the same factors can affect remortgaging and resale in the future.
Other important things to check before committing
What you need to check will depend on the type of unusual property you're buying, but a few areas are worth sense-checking early.
- Insurance – make sure the property can be insured and that you're comfortable with the cost, as premiums can vary widely.
- Legal structure – if there are unusual legal arrangements, speak to your solicitor early to understand any implications.
- Surveys – some unusual properties benefit from a more detailed survey, helping you avoid discovering issues only after you've bought.
These checks help you decide whether the property works for you — now and longer-term.
Don't Let a "Computer Says No" Kill a Good Property
Most lenders use automated systems that reject anything outside the box—even when there's nothing actually wrong with your property.
We work with specialist lenders who look at the full picture. No algorithms. No auto-declines. Just someone who actually understands unusual properties.
No upfront fees. Just honest advice.
Mortgages for Unusual Properties: FAQs
Speak to a Real
Mortgage Expert
Mortgages are complex. The best way to understand your options is to speak to an expert—and we're here to help.
- Real People, Real Help
- No Pressure, Just Advice
- Fast & Accurate
There are no upfront fees and no obligation!
- Monday - Friday
- 8am - 9pm
- Saturday
- 9am - 5pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Meet Some of Our Mortgage Specialists
Real people ready to help you find the right mortgage
Liz Cunningham
First time buyer & remortgages specialist
Michael Budzak
Complex mortgages specialist
Ava Conroy
Complex mortgages specialist
Examples from our wider team of mortgage specialists
You don't need to choose — we'll connect you with the right adviser