Written by Mark Langshaw Reviewed by Lee Trett
24 January 2026
Hub page introduction, criteria and FAQs added
12 December 2024
First Published
Quick overview of mortgages and property types
The type of property you are buying has a bearing on the mortgage options available as some are higher risk than others. Anything out of the ordinary, such as a listed building or anything that wasn’t built from bricks and mortar, is likely to have higher deposit requirements and be more difficult to secure a mortgage on without expert advice.
You can read more on this in our guide to mortgages and property types.
Types of non-standard construction
Non-standard construction is one of the most common risk factors in the eyes of mortgage lenders when it comes to property types. Here are the most common types of it:
-
Steel or timber-framed houses (including eco-homes)
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Thatched or felt roofs
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Listed buildings
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Prefabricated (prefab) homes, including Cornish units and Airey houses
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Concrete houses (including Wimpey No-Fines houses)
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British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF) properties
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Flat roofs
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Flats or apartments in high rises or tower blocks
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Single brick
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Glass-walled homes
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Barn, Lighthouse, or Church conversion (and other unusual conversions)
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Unusual materials like cob, wattle and daub, or straw bale
|
Property Type |
Typical LTV Requirements |
|
Detached or Semi-detached House |
Up to 95% |
|
Terraced House |
Up to 95% |
|
Maisonette |
Up to 95% |
|
New Build Home |
Up to 90% (Requires at least 10% deposit) |
|
Leasehold Property |
Up to 85% |
|
Listed Building (Grade II) |
Up to 85% |
|
Modern Modular Home |
Up to 85% |
|
Flat Above Shop |
75% – 85% (Depends on commercial category) |
|
Timber Framed House |
75% – 80% |
|
Flat or Apartment |
Around 75% (Deposits can be up to 25%) |
|
Multi-Unit Freehold Block (MUFB) |
Maximum 70% |
|
Traditional Prefab / Steel Framed |
Maximum 50% |
How the property type affects LTVs
Having a higher risk property type usually means lower loan-to-value (LTV) requirements and therefore having to put down extra deposit. This table show what LTV you should typically expect based on the type of property you are buying.
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More articles related to Property Types
While many lenders are happy to mortgage new builds, they sometimes view them as a higher risk because their value can depreciate slightly once they are "pre-owned." As a result, lenders may ask for a minimum deposit of 10-15% (85-90% LTV), whereas older standard properties might be available with just a 5% deposit.
Listed buildings (Grade I or II) are protected by law, meaning you cannot easily alter or repair them without specific consent. This maintenance obligation can be expensive, which lenders view as a financial risk. You will typically need a specialist lender and may require a more detailed structural survey and higher buildings insurance cover.
Yes, they can. Some ex-local authority properties were built using concrete or other non-standard materials which can limit your choice of lenders. Additionally, some lenders have restrictions on "pre-emption periods" (where the council has the right to buy the property back first) or high-rise ex-council flats due to resale concerns.
Basement flats are often flagged for potential damp, drainage, or flooding issues. Lenders may require a specialist timber and damp report before approving a loan. If the property has a history of flooding, securing adequate buildings insurance - a requirement for any mortgage - can also be more challenging and expensive.
Get expert mortgage advice tailored to your property type
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
If you are thinking of consolidating existing borrowing you should be aware that you may be extending the terms of the debt and increasing the total amount you repay.
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