My property has a problem
Guides for properties that are hard to mortgage — defects, unusual construction, and legal complications.
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Is My Property Unmortgageable? A Complete Diagnostic Checklist
A yes/no checklist covering construction, condition, environmental, legal, and type issues that make a property hard to mortgage — with explanations and links.
Construction types
Agricultural Tie Mortgages: Section 106 and Occupancy Conditions
How agricultural ties and Section 106 occupancy conditions affect property values and mortgageability in the UK. Applying for removal, success rates, and value uplift.
Barn Conversion Mortgage: PD Rights, Structural Issues, and Lender Requirements
Getting a mortgage on a barn conversion in the UK. Class Q permitted development rights, the Hibbitt test, structural warranties, rural location issues, and which lenders accept them.
Church Conversion Mortgage: Finance for Converted Places of Worship
Mortgaging a converted church in the UK. Listed building status, the valuation challenge, insurance for places of worship, and which lenders consider them.
Cladding and EWS1: Can You Still Get a Mortgage?
How cladding and EWS1 forms affect UK mortgages. Understand the current rules for buildings over and under 18 metres, lender requirements, and your options.
Legal and leasehold issues
Boundary Disputes: How They Affect Property Sales and What to Do
How boundary and right of way disputes affect UK property sales and mortgages. How they arise, mediation vs court, impact on transactions, and resolution costs and timelines.
How to Extend Your Lease in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Complete UK guide to lease extension. Statutory rights, the 80-year marriage value threshold, Section 42 notice process, costs, timelines, and the Leasehold Reform Act changes.
How to Get an EWS1 Form: What Flat Owners Need to Know
Complete guide to EWS1 External Wall System forms. Who needs one, EWS1 ratings explained, who pays, Building Safety Fund, and what each rating means for your sale or remortgage.
Lease Extension Before Getting a Mortgage: When and How
Why lease length matters for UK mortgages, when to extend before applying, the 80-year marriage value threshold, costs, timelines, and how to negotiate with your freeholder.
Property condition
Missing Building Regulations Approval: What It Means for Your Sale or Purchase
What happens when a property has works done without building regulations approval. Regularisation certificates, indemnity insurance, how lenders view missing sign-off, and costs.
Mortgage on Contaminated Land: What Lenders Need to See
Contaminated land can stop a mortgage in its tracks. Learn what environmental searches reveal, what Phase 1 and Phase 2 surveys involve, and which lenders will consider contaminated land.
Damp, Rot, and Woodworm: How They Affect Your Mortgage
How damp, dry rot, wet rot, and woodworm affect UK mortgages. Understand what surveyors flag, treatment options, guarantees, and mortgageability after treatment.
Mortgage on a Property in a Flood Risk Area
Can you get a UK mortgage on a property in a flood risk area? Yes, but insurance is key. Learn about Flood Re, Environment Agency data, and lender requirements.
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