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FOR INTERMEDIARY USE ONLY

Property Criteria A-Z

Our property criteria is listed in alphabetical order to enable you to quickly find the information that you require.
If you do need further information then please contact our team on 0808 281 9309


Acreage

The maximum acreage acceptable is 5. Acreage up to 10 is considered on a case-by-case basis

Annexe

We can consider properties with an annexe if it fits the size and style of the main property. The annexe must not be sublet or set up to be sublet.

Bathroom

The property must be suitable for immediate occupation. Properties lacking a functional bathroom or kitchen will not be accepted.

Cladding

If an EWS1 form is required, it must be completed by a suitably qualified professional in accordance with current RICS guidance. Only EWS1 ratings of A1, A2 and B1 are acceptable.

Coal Mining shaft

Properties near coal mining shafts may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Commercial Property

Flats immediately above commercial premises or flats/houses where the proximity of commercial premises will impact on the quiet enjoyment of the property are unacceptable.

Dry Rot

This may be considered on a case by case basis

EPC

An EPC rating is not required for residential applications.

For Buy to Let  applications, the property must have a valid EPC rating between A and E. properties with exemptions will be considered on a case by case basis.

Ex Local Authority Flats

Accepted up to 80% on residential applications.

Accepted up to 75% on BTL applications.

Flat roof

Properties with a flat roof are acceptable up to 100%

Flats

Buildings constructed before 1 January 2020:

  • Flats are acceptable in blocks up to 6.
  • If there is no lift, the flat must be on the maximum of floor 4 of the building
  • Minimum internal floor area: 30 sq. m.

Buildings constructed on or after 1 January 2020:

  • Flats in blocks of up to 12 storeys may be considered.
  • Minimum internal floor area: 30 sq. m.

Office to residential not acceptable.

Flood Plain

Acceptable, providing Building Insurance and Contents Insurance can be obtained to meet the Mortgage Terms and Conditions requirements. 

Flying Freehold

Unacceptable over 15%

Freehold Flats and Maisonettes

Unacceptable 

Functional Bathroom and Kitchen

The property must be suitable for immediate occupation. Properties lacking a functional kitchen will not be accepted.

Ground Rent/ Estate Charges

Ground Rent must not be onerous and must adhere to the Renters Rights Act. Reasonability is subject to the Valuer’s professional opinion

HMO

Not acceptable 

Housing Defects Act 1984

Acceptable only where the property has been rebuilt to NHBC standards and has the relevant guarantees in place.

Internal Door Locks

Houses with internal door locks which may be Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) are not acceptable for residential lending.

Japanese Knotweed

Acceptable where classified as C or D. A and B are not acceptable.

Kitchen

The property must be suitable for immediate occupation. Properties lacking a functional bathroom or kitchen will not be accepted.

Lease Length

Leasehold properties with less than 50 years remaining on the lease at the end of the mortgage term are unacceptable.

For new build properties, the lease term must be a minimum of 125 years for flats and 250 years for houses.

Live Work/ Unit

Unacceptable

Main Residence Next Door to BTL

Acceptable

Modern Methods of construction

We may consider MMC properties where one of the following is in place:

  • Full BOPAS accreditation
  • NHBC acceptance
  • A suitable structural warranty

A compliant UKDIF assessment is also required.

Properties with limited marketability or mortgageability are not acceptable as security.

High-quality bespoke builds, such as Huf Haus, may be considered where BOPAS accreditation is held.

Non Traditional Construction

Concrete - Insulate concrete framework is acceptable, subject to marketability and mortgage ability.

*Acceptable (includes Laing Easiform or similar construction types) up to a maximum LTV of 80%) and subject to valuer assessment of suitability.

Steel - Unacceptable where constructed prior to 2000 by steel or other metal-frame for houses. Flats are acceptable.

Timber – Unacceptable

Non-traditional construction (Other) - Not acceptable

Pylon Near Property

Subject to valuers’ assessment

Retirement Property

Unacceptable

Section 106 restriction

Unacceptable

Section 157 Restriction

Unacceptable

Self Built/ Custom made

We will consider high-quality bespoke builds, including premium kit homes such as Huf Haus, based on their individual merits where BOPAS accreditation is in place. Lending is subject to the property's marketability and saleability.

Semi Commercial

Unacceptable

Small Holdings/ Equestrian Elements

Unacceptable

Solar Panels

Solar panels are acceptable where the panels are owned outright by the homeowner. Evidence of ownership, warranties, and building regulations compliance may be required.

Properties with leased solar panels may also be accepted, provided the lease does not affect the Society’s security or repossession rights and the installation is fully certified and compliant with building regulations.

Documentation must clearly confirm ownership arrangements and any associated rights and obligations.

Spray Foam Insulation

Unacceptable.

Where spray foam has been removed this may be considered subject to a professional spray removal certificate being provided.

Structural Movement

Progressive structural movement is unacceptable 

Studio Flats

Acceptable up to 75% LTV and with a minimum floor area of 30 sqm

Tyneside Flats

Unacceptable (including  criss-cross or cross over leases)

Warranties

Any property which has been built/converted within the last 10 years must hold an acceptable guarantee/certificate. 

Acceptable warranty providers for new build properties are: 

  • ABC+ 
  • Advantage HCI/AHCI 
  • Architects'/Surveyors' Certificate (Professional Consultants Certificate)  
  • Ark Residential/Ark Insurance 
  • BlP formerly known as Building life Plans (excluding self-builds under construction)  
  • Build Assure 
  • Build Zone  
  • CADIS 
  • Checkmate/Castle10 
  • Global Home Warranties 
  • HomeProof (formally Aedis)  
  • ICW  
  • LABC New Home Warranty  
  • NHBC  
  • One Guarantee  
  • Premier Guarantee  
  • Protek  
  • Q Policy/Q Assure Build 
  • Zurich Municipal Policy 

Other guarantee/certificates are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Wimpey No Fines

Acceptable (includes Laing Easiform or similar construction types) up to a maximum LTV of 80% and subject to valuer assessment of suitability