Getting a Mortgage on a Home with a Flat Roof
Flat roofs are common yet often considered a mortgage risk due to the potential for flooding and water damage. Read on to explore how to find the best possible mortgage for a flat-roofed property and ways to showcase the value of your home to your selected lender.
Should You Take A Mortgage For Your Flat-Roof Home?
The majority of UK homes have a pitched roof. However, some houses have a flat roof or this type of construction on some of the property.
Revolution Brokers helps many clients who have been rejected for mortgage lending on the basis that the property is 'non-standard', and so have compiled this guide to explain what factors will make a difference in your likelihood of getting a mortgage on a property with a flat roof.
If you are in this position or would like to see what rates we could secure for your flat roof mortgage, give us a call on 0330 304 3040 or email the team at [email protected].
Why is it More Difficult to Mortgage a Flat Roof Property?
Flat roofs are considered non-standard construction, so there are fewer lenders who will offer a mortgage against this type of property.
The key is to find a lender whose eligibility criteria you meet as closely as possible and to work with an independent broker who can negotiate the terms on your behalf.
Lenders consider a flat roof a higher risk since the maintenance costs might be higher, and it could impact the resale value of the property:
- Flat roofs don't generally last as long as pitched roofs and can cost more to repair.
- There is a more significant potential of damage from leaks, and moss.
- Drainage issues can occur when water accumulates on a flat roof.
- Insulation is lessened, and heat is more easily absorbed in the summer.
- A flat roof is a risk factor when it comes to exposure to break-ins.
There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of mortgaging a flat roof property:
- Ensure the roof has been maintained and inspected regularly.
- Negotiate the purchase price down in light of expected upkeep costs.
- Ask for reports of work completed.
Can I Get a Mortgage on Building an Extension with a Flat Roof?
Many extensions are built with a flat roof, and this is easier to mortgage since the main property will usually have a traditional pitched roof.
You may still need to ask for a survey to verify that the flat roof is in good condition and has been adequately maintained.
Which is the Best UK Lender for a Flat Roof Mortgage?
Revolution Brokers can advise on the best lenders to apply to, depending on your circumstances, the type of property you wish to buy, and how much you would like to borrow.
In some cases, a niche lender will offer the most competitive rates. In others, we can negotiate terms such as the deposit required to mitigate the risk so that your chosen lender can accept your application.
What Factors Will a Lender Consider on a Flat Roof Mortgage Application?
Lenders will look at several factors before offering to lend on a non-standard property:
- Your credit file. If you have bad credit and wish to mortgage a non-standard home, a specialist lender is probably the most viable option.
- Loan to Value ratio. Given that lenders perceive non-traditional properties as higher risk, if you can offer a larger deposit to reduce the LTV, you might have more borrowing options to choose between.
- Affordability. Every lender needs to calculate your affordability to ensure you can keep up with the mortgage repayments. This is usually based on a cap of around 4.5 times your annual income, although you can sometimes borrow more depending on your eligibility.
- Employment - if you are not in PAYE employment and are, say, a freelancer or a contractor, again a high street bank might not be able to lend with multiple higher risk factors.
- Age. Some mainstream lenders cap mortgages at age 75 or 85, although there are always specialist lenders out there with far more flexible terms.
Professional Support with Mortgaging a Flat Roof Property
Non-standard properties are more common than you might imagine, and the business finance broker team has years of experience in negotiating competitive mortgages with niche lenders.
If you are considering a flat roof mortgage, have been turned down elsewhere, or need specialist lending, get in touch at 0330 304 3040, or email us at [email protected].
Further Reading
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Finding a Mortgage for an Ex-Local Authority Flat
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Finding a Mortgage on a Property with a Flying Freehold
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Finding a Mortgage on a Thatched Roof Property
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Flat Mortgages for Homes in High Rises
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Getting a Competitive Studio Flat Mortgage
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Mortgage Rates on Luxury UK Homes
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Mortgaging a Cottage Property
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Mortgaging a Property Purchased at Under Market Value
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Mortgaging Against a Repossession Property Purchase
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Planning Permission for British Properties - the Revolution Guide
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The Best Mortgage Products for Apartments
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Timber Framed House Mortgages
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Average UK Mortgage Rates on New Constructions
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