Selling a non-standard construction house in Northern Ireland

james51251

Sep 25

3 min read

By James Gorman

Identify the construction before choosing a selling strategy

“Non-standard construction” is a broad description, not a diagnosis. Before selling, try to establish the actual construction system, the approximate build date and any later changes. A rendered or brick-faced exterior does not, by itself, identify the structure behind it.

For a Derry or Londonderry home, start with records already held: original plans, previous surveys, warranty documents and reports from repair work. Ask a suitably qualified surveyor to resolve uncertainty about the structure. Avoid guessing a system name from a neighbour’s house or a photograph; an inaccurate label can create unnecessary confusion for buyers.

Mortgage questions depend on the precise property

Some construction types need closer consideration by a lender. There is no useful blanket promise that every non-standard home is mortgageable, and the label alone does not prove a cash-only sale is necessary. The buyer’s adviser needs the specific property information and the proposed lender’s current requirements.

For example, Nationwide’s construction criteria say that the exact construction name and build year can affect lending terms. That is one lender’s policy, not approval for your home. If a buyer reports a concern, ask what information the lender requires before interpreting it as a final refusal.

Keep repairs and certificates tied to the work they cover

If structural repairs or alterations have been undertaken, assemble the specification, invoices, completion records, guarantees and any relevant professional certification. Note who issued each document, when and for which part of the building. A general description such as “fully repaired” needs supporting detail.

Give the documents to the solicitor and relevant surveyor so they can explain their significance. A certificate for one element is not a guarantee of every part of the house, and a historic mortgage does not confirm a new lender’s decision. Avoid filling a missing record with an assumption simply because the property has sold before.

Choose a survey with the right scope

Tell the surveyor what is known about the building when requesting advice. Ask whether they have experience with that construction type and what their inspection can establish. A standard visual inspection may identify the need for specialist investigation without resolving every concealed detail.

RICS’s home-survey guidance distinguishes the more detailed Level 3 service from surveys intended for conventional homes in reasonable condition. The appropriate scope must still be agreed for the property. Keep the lender’s valuation separate from the buyer’s investigation of condition and repairs.

Price with evidence, not a universal percentage deduction

Ask the agent to explain how the suggested price accounts for construction, condition and the available evidence. Relevant comparisons should be as close as possible in location and accommodation, with clear notes about structural differences. Where suitable comparisons are scarce, acknowledge the uncertainty rather than presenting an unusually precise figure.

Do not automatically subtract an online “non-standard construction discount”. Equally, do not assume expenditure on repairs transfers pound for pound into sale value. The better discussion is about what a buyer can verify, the work still needed and how the property compares with realistic alternatives at the proposed price.

Give buyers a consistent information pack

Before launch, agree an accurate description with the agent and solicitor. Keep one current folder containing the identified construction, supporting reports, repair history and any unresolved questions. This helps ensure viewing conversations and later professional enquiries start with the same facts.

If you are considering selling, book a property appraisal with James and mention the construction when arranging the visit. Our guide to selling a house needing repairs can help with the preparation decision. Legal advice, structural advice and mortgage approval remain separate professional questions.