Concrete Construction Mortgages (Wimpey No-Fines, Airey, etc.)

Concrete construction homes — often called PRC (Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete) houses — were built in large numbers across the UK from the 1940s to the 1970s. They were a practical response to the post-war housing crisis, using concrete instead of the bricks and timber that were in short supply. Today, these homes present one of the most challenging mortgage situations, but remediation has opened doors that were once firmly closed.

The Main PRC Types

Dozens of concrete construction systems were used across the UK. The most common include:

Wimpey No-Fines

The most prevalent PRC type, with an estimated 300,000+ built. Uses cast-in-situ concrete without fine aggregate (hence "no-fines"), giving a distinctive rough texture. The concrete walls have no cavity, and the main concerns are carbonation of the concrete and lack of insulation.

Airey Houses

Concrete columns with precast concrete panels. The steel reinforcement in the columns can corrode, causing structural concerns. Approximately 26,000 were built.

Reema

Precast concrete panel construction. Around 25,000 built, mainly in southern England.

Cornish Unit

Precast concrete frame with concrete block infill. Mainly found in the South West, with around 30,000 built.

Unity

Steel frame with precast concrete panels. Found across England.

Orlit

Precast concrete frame with concrete cladding. Used in both housing and commercial buildings.

Boot

Precast concrete pier and panel construction.

Others

Tarran, Smith, Hawksley, Woolaway, Gregory, Underdown, Myton, and several more — each with its own construction details and structural considerations.

Why Lenders Are Cautious

The concerns about PRC homes are structural and long-term:

Concrete Carbonation

Over time, atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with the concrete, reducing its alkalinity. This allows the steel reinforcement inside the concrete to corrode, weakening the structure. The rate of carbonation depends on the concrete quality, thickness, and exposure to the elements.

Structural Integrity

Some PRC types have known design flaws — column connections that can fail, panel joints that deteriorate, or inadequate foundations. The Housing Defects Act 1984 officially designated many types as structurally defective.

Thermal Performance

Most PRC homes have very poor insulation by modern standards. Solid concrete walls with no cavity insulation make these homes expensive to heat and difficult to improve thermally.

Resale Difficulties

Because PRC homes are hard to mortgage, they have a limited buyer pool. This reduces their market value and makes lenders even more cautious about using them as security.

The Housing Defects Act 1984

This Act was critical for PRC homeowners. It designated specific construction types as defective, giving local authorities the power (and obligation) to inform owners and facilitate repairs. The key legacy is the PRC certificate — a document confirming that a designated property has been structurally repaired to an approved standard.

Designated Defective Types

The Act designated 23 construction types as defective, including Airey, Boot, Cornish Unit, Dorran, Parkinson, Reema, Stent, Tarran, Unity, Wimpey No-Fines, Woolaway, and others.

PRC Certificates

When a designated property has been repaired under an approved scheme, it receives a PRC certificate. This certificate is essential for mortgage purposes — it confirms that the structural defects have been addressed and the property meets a required standard.

Getting a Mortgage: Remediated vs Unremediated

Remediated (With PRC Certificate)

A PRC home that has been properly remediated and holds a valid PRC certificate is accepted by many mainstream lenders. The certificate transforms the property from "defective" to "repaired to standard" in lenders' eyes.

Lenders who accept remediated PRC homes include:

• Halifax — accepts with valid PRC certificate
• Nationwide — will consider remediated PRC
• NatWest — generally accepts with certificate
• Accord Mortgages — flexible on remediated non-standard
• Various building societies — many accept with appropriate evidence

The deposit requirement is typically 10-20%, similar to standard properties but at the higher end.

Unremediated (No PRC Certificate)

An unremediated PRC home is extremely difficult to mortgage through mainstream channels. Options include:

• Specialist lenders — a very small number may consider it with a detailed structural survey
• Ecology Building Society — has experience with non-standard construction
• Cash purchase — if you have the funds, buying without a mortgage eliminates the lender issue
• Remediate then remortgage — buy with cash or a specialist loan, remediate the property, obtain a PRC certificate, then remortgage with a mainstream lender

The Remediation Process

Full PRC remediation typically involves:

1. Structural assessment — identifying the specific defects and their severity
2. Removal of defective elements — removing damaged concrete panels, columns, or roof sections
3. Structural repair — replacing or strengthening the structure, often with steel or timber frame
4. New external cladding — usually brick, render, or insulated panels
5. Insulation upgrade — modern insulation installed as part of the new cladding
6. New roof (if the original is concrete)
7. Issue of PRC certificate — confirming the work meets the approved standard

Remediation Costs

Costs vary significantly by property type and size:

• Basic remediation: £20,000-40,000
• Comprehensive remediation: £40,000-80,000+
• Full rebuild of external envelope: £60,000-100,000+

These are substantial sums, but they should be weighed against the discounted purchase price of unremediated PRC homes, which can be 30-50% below the value of standard construction equivalents.

Surveys and Reports Needed

• PRC-specific structural survey: £500-1,500 from a surveyor experienced with the specific PRC type
• PRC certificate (if remediated) — this should be provided by the seller
• Building survey: To assess overall condition beyond the structural elements
• Energy assessment: Useful for understanding heating costs and potential improvements

Practical Advice

1. Identify the exact PRC type before anything else — each type has different structural characteristics and remediation requirements
2. Check for a PRC certificate — if one exists, the mortgage process is dramatically easier
3. Get a specialist survey — a general surveyor may not have the expertise to assess PRC properly
4. Factor in all costs — purchase price plus remediation (if needed) plus ongoing maintenance
5. Check local authority records — they may have information about the property's history, including any designation under the Housing Defects Act
6. Consider the investment case — buying an unremediated PRC home cheaply, remediating it, and remortgaging can create significant equity, but it requires capital upfront
7. Use a specialist broker — they will know which lenders accept which PRC types and in what condition

The Bottom Line

Concrete construction homes are a significant part of the UK housing stock, and they are not going away. With proper remediation and a PRC certificate, they can be perfectly good homes that are accepted by mainstream mortgage lenders. Without remediation, they remain one of the hardest property types to finance.

If you are considering a PRC home, go in with your eyes open, your surveyor booked, and your budget calculated. The right property at the right price can be an excellent purchase.

This is educational content, not financial advice. Your situation is unique — speak to a qualified mortgage broker before making any decisions.