Non Standard Mortgages

Although you may think that there is just the oneneighbour's lower rooms, that's known as flying
kind of traditional mortgage, whether it be a 100%,freehold, and lenders aren't too keen on these types
no deposit or interest only mortgage, there is alsoof property.
another kind, known as a non standard mortgage.- High-rise flats, particularly ones that are over 5
This is for when the property you're buying isn'tstoreys, or if there are balconies on the flats that
made of the normal brick and mortar construction; itallow outside access.
could be steel frame, self-build or any other type of- Local authority owned, or ex-local authority owned
material.flats. Lenders are particularly loathe to offer
If this is the case, most lenders won't actually givemortgages on properties where there are a block of
you a mortgage, since there's no real resale valueflats, and there are still some that are owned by a
associated with the property, and they can't forecastcouncil or tenant association - they far prefer if all
what the self-build or similar property will be worth inthe flats belonged to homeowners.
the future (unlike a more traditional building).- Any properties that are above shops are also very
However, you can still get a non standard mortgageunpopular with lenders, due to the threat of additional
from some lenders - it just usually means differentwear and tear, burglary or fire.
terms from what a more standard one would offer.- If the property you're buying is either steel-framed
Assessmentor timber, like a log cabin for example, or a
Before you get this type of mortgage, you'll bepre-fabricated home.
assessed by the lender to make sure that you can- Other types of non standard properties, such as
pay back the mortgage itself. This is where it's theones that are made from non traditional build or
same as a normal mortgage. They will also assessmaterial.
whether they feel that they could make any moneyIf you are looking at buying a property that isn't
back on your property, if it was to be repossessed.what's classed as a traditional type of building, like a
If the lender feels they could sell your propertywood cabin holiday home in the Highlands for
again, the better the chance of you being approvedexample, you don't need to worry unnecessarily
for a non standard mortgage.about getting a mortgage. Yes, it may be a little
You can actually pre-guess whether you'd be eligiblemore difficult than a standard one, but it's not
for a non standard mortgage or not, by knowingimpossible. Check with an independent mortgage
some of the criteria that will usually work against you.advisor on the best way forward, or even do it
These include:yourself and look at the various mortgage options
- Properties with flying freeholds. So, for instance, ifavailable to you online.
one of your upstairs rooms overhangs one of your