Selling your Non-Standard Construction House: Expert Tips

Updated: March 2026

Selling a non-standard construction house in the UK can be more difficult than selling a traditional brick-built property, mainly because mortgage lenders are stricter and the buyer pool is smaller. That said, you can still sell successfully and even quickly if you understand your options, especially if you’re open to cash buyers.

Here’s what you need to know & how we can help:

Non-standard homes are harder to mortgage, which reduces the number of potential buyers
Sales often take longer on the open market due to lender checks and buyer dropouts
Cash buyers can significantly speed up the process by removing mortgage delays

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What is Non-Standard Construction?

Non-standard construction refers to any property that is not built using traditional brick or stone walls with a tile or slate roof. This includes homes made from materials such as concrete, steel frames, timber, or non-traditional roofing like felt or corrugated metal. In the UK, these properties are often classed as higher risk by lenders and insurers, which can affect mortgages and resale.

Why Are Non-Standard Homes Harder to Sell?

Non-standard homes are harder to sell because many mortgage lenders consider them higher risk. This reduces the number of buyers who can secure financing and often leads to higher deposit requirements, longer approval times, and a greater chance of sales falling through. As a result, these properties typically take longer to sell on the open market.

How to Identify Non-Standard Construction

Identifying whether your home is non-standard can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s actually simpler than you might think. So, how can you tell if your house falls into this category?

Key Differences Between Standard vs Non-Standard Construction

Aspect	Standard Construction	Non-Standard Construction
Materials	Brick or stone walls, tile or slate roof	Concrete, metal, wood, glass, etc.
Mortgage Availability	Widely available	Limited, often requires specialist lenders
Insurance Costs	Standard rates	Often higher
Resale Value	Generally stable	Can be more volatile
Buyer Pool	Large	More limited
Selling Process	Usually straightforward	Can be more complex

Common Non-Standard Wall Materials

First, take a look at the walls. Is your home built with something other than brick or stone? Non-standard walls can be made from a variety of materials, such as:

Concrete
Metal
Corrugated iron
Wood
Glass
Flint
Asbestos
Wattle and daub

If you spot any of these or if your walls don’t fit the typical brick-and-mortar style, then your house is likely considered non-standard construction.

Non-Standard Roof Materials

Next, let’s move to the roof. What’s it made of? A traditional roof would use tile or slate.

Non-standard roof materials include the following:

Thatches
Fibreglass
Corrugated iron
Asphalt
Steel
Concrete
Plastic
Glass
Asbestos
Felt and timber
Shingles
Stramit board (straw board)

These materials are less common in modern construction, but you might find them in older properties or homes with a more unique design

Advice from our Property Expert Paul:

It’s not always obvious how a property was built, and that uncertainty can slow a sale down. A quick survey gives you clarity and helps avoid issues later when buyers or lenders start asking questions.

Trust me, a quick survey can save you a lot of time and give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence!

Common Types of Non-Standard Construction in the UK

The most common types of non-standard construction homes include:

Steel-framed houses
Post-war prefab concrete homes
Timber-framed properties

These property types are found across the UK and often come with stricter lending criteria or higher insurance costs, which can affect how easily they sell.

Related Read: When was my house built?

Why Does This Matter When Selling?

Well, selling a home that is considered non-standard can be tricky. We know how frustrating when most buyers and banks do not prefer your property because it doesn't tick the "traditional" boxes.

Mortgage lenders consider non-standard properties to be higher risk. This can limit potential buyers, especially if they need a mortgage.

Moreover, standard mortgage deposits are typically around 20% of the property’s value. However, for non-standard properties, deposits may start at 25%, and some may even require up to 40%. This huge deposit may also discourage other buyers.

But, don't lose hope! It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Getting a surveyor’s report to hand can be a great way to be transparent with buyers and answer any questions upfront and with confidence. This can help you build trust and speed up the selling process by addressing concerns early.

How Fast Can You Sell? Our Data on Standard vs Non-Standard Homes

At Housebuyers4u, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners move on from properties of all shapes and sizes. One thing we see time and again: non-standard homes can take months longer to sell on the open market, usually due to mortgage delays or buyers pulling out last minute. Our cash buying process removes these headaches and cuts down waiting time, often by several months.

Here’s what our own data shows about the difference:

Property Type	Average Sale Time with Hb4u	Average Sale Time (Open Market)	Most Common Sale Challenge
Standard Construction	14 days	110 days	Price negotiation
Non-Standard	17 days	145 days	Mortgage issues, buyer dropouts

If you’re selling a non-standard property, speed and certainty matter. That’s exactly where we can help removing the usual delays, paperwork, and market setbacks so you can move on with less stress.

From our experience at Housebuyers4u, selling a non-standard construction home often throws up surprises for sellers. We’ve helped plenty of homeowners whose buyers backed out or struggled with mortgages because of unusual materials. If you’re unsure about your property or want honest advice, our team is always here to talk things through and help you avoid common pitfalls.

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How Housebuyers4u Can Help

Selling a non-standard construction home has its challenges, but that's where we shine. At Housebuyers4u, we buy houses fast for cash and we turn unique sales into smooth, stress-free experiences.

We’re proud to be one of the only house buying company that offers a 100% no fall-through guarantee, no hidden catches, no last-minute surprises.

Whether your home is built from non-traditional materials or has a unique design, we’ll buy it directly with our own funds.

This means no middlemen, no waiting for mortgage approvals, and no complications.

Learn More About How to Sell Your House Fast in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Non-Standard Construction House

1What does it mean when a house is non-standard construction?

It means the house is built with materials like wood, steel, or concrete, rather than the standard brick or stone with a tile or slate roof.

2How long does a non-traditional construction house typically last?

Non-traditional construction houses can last anywhere from 30 to over 100 years, depending on the materials used and upkeep.

3Are non-standard construction homes harder to insure?

Yes, some non-standard construction homes can be more difficult or costly to insure due to the materials used.

4Can I get a mortgage on a non-standard construction house?

While it's possible, getting a mortgage may be harder as many lenders view these homes as higher risk.

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