UK Mortgages by Property Type

Which UK lenders accept non-standard properties?

Most UK mortgage lenders are conservative about anything outside “a standard brick-and-tile house in average condition with no commercial neighbours”. Anything that deviates — flats above shops, ex-local-authority blocks, properties with cladding, non-standard construction (Wimpey No-Fines, BISF steel-framed, older timber-framed, prefab), agricultural ties, short leases, or below the lender's minimum-value threshold — means extra checks, and some lenders decline. How far the pool narrows depends on the issue and the lender; each question below lists the lenders whose published criteria may consider it.

Can I get a mortgage on a flat with cladding?

Often, yes. Lenders' valuers follow RICS guidance, which decides by the building's storeys and wall materials, not a flat height rule. An EWS1 can be asked for on blocks over six storeys with cladding, curtain-wall glazing or stacked combustible balconies; on five- or six-storey blocks with significant cladding, ACM/MCM/HPL panels or stacked combustible balconies; and on lower blocks only where ACM, MCM or HPL panels are present. From 1 November 2026 a new RICS standard says an EWS1 should only be requested where there is a clear rationale, and lets valuers rely on a PAS 9980 fire risk appraisal summary instead. An EWS1 rating of A1, A2 or B1 generally passes; A3 or B2 means remedial work is needed, and most lenders wait until it's done or funded. Since January 2023 the six largest lenders (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group including Halifax, Nationwide, NatWest and Santander) have committed to consider flats in buildings in England of 11 metres or more that are in a developer or government remediation scheme, or where the leaseholder has a deed of certificate, often without needing an EWS1. Newer-build flats post-Grenfell are typically fine; mid-rise blocks built 2000-2017 are the most affected. Check each lender's policy before you apply.

Can I mortgage an ex-local-authority flat?

In many cases, yes. Ex-LA flats are a familiar category for UK lenders — most consider them, but with constraints. Common rules: many lenders cap ex-LA blocks at 4-5 storeys, though some go to 6-10 (TSB 6, Virgin Money 7, Principality 10) and several allow taller blocks in London and the South East (Aldermore, Gatehouse, The Mortgage Lender); no deck-access estates above a height limit; a minimum share of owner-occupation in the block (typically 50-75%); and a minimum property value (often £150-250k in London, £100-150k elsewhere). Buildings with concrete, steel-frame or unusual construction can trigger a survey requirement. Around 56 UK lenders may consider an ex-LA flat — see the full list for who, and on what terms.

Can I get a mortgage on a flat above a shop or takeaway?

This is the classic semi-commercial case. Around 62 lenders consider flats above commercial premises, but with sharp restrictions. Almost all exclude flats above fast-food outlets, takeaways, kebab/curry houses, alcohol-serving premises, dry cleaners and any premises with anti-social-hours or smell-emitting operations. Flats above offices, professional services, retail (clothing, stationery), and many cafes are usually fine. Lenders that publish a cap for flats above shops often set it at 75% LTV, sometimes lower, and London-only restrictions sometimes apply. Specialist lenders such as Hodge (which considers flats above or next to takeaways and restaurants on referral) and Vida (up to 75% LTV, or 60% next to a takeaway, restaurant or pub) publish some of the more flexible criteria.