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, timber-framed, prefab), agricultural ties, short leases, or below the lender's minimum-value threshold — narrows the pool to between 5 and 25 lenders depending on the issue.

Can I get a mortgage on a flat with cladding?

Yes, but the lender pool is heavily dependent on having an EWS1 form with an A1, A2 or B1 rating. B2 and worse usually mean an auto-decline from mainstream lenders, with only specialists considering on a case-by-case basis. Newer-build flats post-Grenfell are typically fine; mid-rise (4-7 storey) blocks built 2000-2017 are the most-affected. Halifax, Nationwide, Santander, NatWest, HSBC and Skipton all have published cladding policies — usually requiring the EWS1 form with no remediation outstanding. Specialist consideration for properties with B2 ratings is mostly through Together and a handful of building societies — see the full list below.

Can I mortgage an ex-local-authority flat?

Yes. Ex-LA flats are a familiar category for UK lenders — most consider them, but with constraints. Common rules: maximum 4-5 storeys (some lenders cap lower in London), no deck-access estates above a height limit, minimum percentage of owner-occupation in the block (typically 50-75%), and 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 49 UK lenders will 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 46 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. The maximum LTV is typically capped at 75-85%, and London-only restrictions sometimes apply. Specialist lenders like Hodge, Vida and a handful of building societies (Bath BS, Hinckley & Rugby) tend to have the most flexible appetite.