Understanding Non-Standard Construction

Is it Particularly Difficult to Get a Mortgage?

Recently, some online platforms have been discussing how certain areas of Glasgow are filled with Non-Standard Construction properties, with claims that these buildings are as dangerous as collapsing structures. People are even saying, "You can't get a mortgage for Non-Standard Construction," warning others to avoid them at all costs. To clear up these misconceptions, let's explain what Non-Standard Construction actually is and whether it's possible to secure financing for such properties based on our experience.

Standard vs. Non-Standard

First, let’s clarify: some people say, "Flats don't have Standard or Non-Standard Construction," but that's not true. In the UK, any house built using brick, stone for walls, and slate or tile for roofs is considered Standard Construction. Buildings that use materials other than these four are classified as Non-Standard Construction (also referred to as Non-Traditional Construction).

Examples of Non-Standard Wall Materials:

Concrete	Metal
Corrugated iron	Timber
Glass	Flint
Asbestos	Wattle and daub

Examples of Non-Standard Roof Materials:

Thatch	Fiberglass
Corrugated iron	Asphalt
Steel	Concrete
Plastic	Glass
Asbestos	Felt and wood
Wooden shingles	Stramit (strawboard)

If we use this standard, almost all buildings in Hong Kong would be Non-Standard Construction! Does that mean we think Hong Kong is full of unsafe buildings?

Statistics show that there are about 30 million homes in the UK, with Non-Standard Construction making up about 1.5 million of them, or around 5%. After the two World Wars, the number of Non-Standard Construction houses in the UK surged. With housing shortages, the government sought methods to build homes quickly despite a shortage of skilled workers and materials. Many builders developed new construction methods at the time.

According to data from the Building Research Establishment (BRE), over 500 different construction methods were developed between 1919 and 1976. Most homes built with these methods were intended for long-term use, with only a small portion designed as temporary or emergency solutions. In general, a significant proportion of Non-Standard Construction homes are council houses, and Glasgow is the city with the highest number of council houses in the UK. Thus, it’s quite common to encounter Non-Standard Construction properties, especially in multi-story flats or apartments in this city.

Four Major Types of Non-Standard Construction:

1. Metal-framed houses – The most common types are B1 Aluminium Bungalows (around 55,000 units) and BISF houses (around 35,000 units).

2. Timber-framed houses – The most well-known is Frameform (around 13,000 units).

3. Pre-cast concrete houses – The most popular types are Cornish Units (around 30,000 units) and Airey houses (around 26,000 units).

4. In-situ concrete houses – The most common type is Wimpey No-Fines (around 300,000 units).

In the 1980s, BRE conducted a condition survey on Non-Standard Construction houses and found that certain types of concrete construction presented significant structural issues. These homes were classified as "Defective Construction" under the Housing Defects Legislation. However, no cases of defective metal or timber-framed houses have been reported. So while Non-Standard Construction houses don’t necessarily have issues, Defective Construction types within this category definitely do. Unfortunately, many people tend to generalize, labeling all Non-Standard Construction as "bad."

How to Identify Non-Standard Construction Properties

If you want to know whether your investment property is Non-Standard Construction, there’s an online resource that collects lists of Non-Standard Construction properties from different councils:https://nonstandardhouse.com/local-authority-non-traditional-housing-stock-lists/.Enter the property’s council area, and you can download a list containing postcode, address, and construction method details. Keep in mind, though, that the site doesn’t fully cover all Non-Standard Construction properties in the UK—it’s just a reference.

A more effective way to check is by having a Chartered Surveyor conduct a survey report. In Scotland, there's a unique advantage because Scottish law requires sellers to provide a Home Report when selling a property. The Home Report will detail any concerns identified during the inspection, rate those issues, and also specify whether the property is Standard or Non-Standard Construction. Most importantly, it includes a "Comment on Mortgageability," stating whether the property is suitable for mortgage lending.

How to Secure a Mortgage for Non-Standard Construction

In general, Non-Standard Construction homes tend to be cheaper. For overseas investors or newcomers to the UK with no credit history, these affordable properties are often purchased with cash. If rented out, tenants usually don’t care whether the property is Non-Standard Construction, and lower purchase prices can yield higher returns compared to Standard Construction homes with similar rental income.

The main question is whether you can get a mortgage for a Non-Standard Construction property. Some so-called "UK property experts" on social media insist that it’s impossible or very difficult to secure a mortgage for such properties. However, this has significant implications for future refinancing or resale, as having a mortgage option can provide new funding sources or attract more buyers.

To clarify, in the UK, people typically hire a professional Mortgage Broker to filter through the various mortgage products offered by banks and financial institutions and find the best fit. Some mortgage products aren’t available directly to the public and are only accessible through brokers. Hiring a broker saves time and effort and can lead to a "custom-fit" mortgage solution.

Coincidentally, I’ve completed relevant training and have practical work experience as a Mortgage Broker. You can check my professional qualifications on my YouTube video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je0mquzt9PY). Based on my experience, I can assure you 100% that as long as the property isn’t classified as Defective Construction, it’s possible to secure a mortgage for Non-Standard Construction.

Though I no longer work as a Mortgage Broker, focusing instead on property investment and management, I know many experienced brokers who can provide professional mortgage services. Recently, they’ve helped my investors successfully refinance rental properties and secure new capital for future investments.

If you still have questions about Non-Standard Construction or property investment in Glasgow, feel free to contact me or my team for a detailed discussion.