A Positive Solution to Non Standard Construction
The Client Background
One of our own team members, a first-time buyer, came to us for support with their mortgage, proof that even those who work in the industry don’t always have a straightforward route when it comes to securing the right deal.
The property itself added another layer of complexity. It was a former local authority home of non-standard construction, a Unity House built using Precast Reinforced Concrete (PRC). As most brokers will know, PRC properties can raise red flags for lenders, largely due to historic structural concerns and questions around future resale.
Although remedial works had been carried out in the 1990s, and there was some supporting paperwork, there was no formal PRC certificate issued at the time. To make matters more difficult, the original engineering firm could no longer provide retrospective certification, something many lenders still look for when assessing this type of property.
The Loan
Client: First-time Buyer
Product: Residential 5 Year Fixed Rate
Loan Amount: £260,446
Rate: 4.39%
LTV: 89.65%
Term: 23yrs
The “Positive” Solution
This is where having a specialist broker and distributor really makes a difference.
Rather than hitting a wall, we picked up the phone to lenders early on to sense-check the case and understand their appetite. That conversation gave us a clear direction: the case was workable, but it hinged on obtaining a retrospective PRC certificate from an approved structural engineer.
From there, we didn’t just pass on the requirement, we got involved. We helped source an appropriate engineer, guided the process, and worked closely with our colleague throughout to keep things moving. It was a hands-on approach, focused on getting the deal done rather than just outlining the problem.
The “Positive” Outcome
Once the retrospective certificate was in place, the lender was comfortable the property met their criteria. The application moved forward without issue and completed smoothly.
What started as a potentially tricky case, one that could easily have been declined elsewhere, was turned into a smooth and successful outcome.
Why Choose Positive?
Cases like this highlight the real value of working with a specialist partner. It’s not just about knowing which lenders might say “yes”, it’s about understanding how to structure a case, who to speak to, and how to navigate the gaps that can otherwise stop a deal in its tracks.
With the right experience, approach and relationships, even unusual and non-standard property transactions don’t have to be a barrier.