Flat Roof Mortgages

As you may expect, a flat roof house does not have the traditional pitched roof and is considered a non-standard property. Flat roofs are often popular because of their versatility and ease of maintenance. Plus, they offer an energy-efficient alternative to sloped roofs. However, they can be expensive to repair and have a greater risk of water pooling and leaking. It's common for flat roofs not to last as long as sloped roofs. Most standard flat roof membranes last between 20 and 25 years before replacing. However, a strong rubber membrane may last up to 50 years. But, if the property is of an older style with an asphalt flat roof, it'll likely need replacing much sooner, usually after ten years. Before buying a house with a flat roof, you must check the roof's condition with an RICS home survey.

As the name suggests, an extension is a way to extend the size of your home, and a flat roof offers a cheaper roof system for the new living space. Flat roofs are usually quicker and easier to install and can even give homeowners the additional option of a balcony or terrace. With the potential of extra space combined with their relatively cheap construction, a flat roof extension is a good alternative to moving to a large home. A flat roof extension may also add extra value to the property and make it more appealing to homebuyers. Before organising to have a flat roof extension on your home, speak to your solicitor for advice in case there are any planning permission issues to be aware of.

Mortgages on flat roof properties can be harder to secure as these are considered non-standard properties. From a lender's perspective, flat roof houses are high risk and, if they are willing to lend on them, they may charge higher rates and a larger deposit. Non-standard homes such as this can also be harder to resell, which makes them an unreliable form of security for a lender. But despite these factors, getting a mortgage on a flat-roof property is possible. You may just find that your options are more limited. That's why it's a good idea to speak to an independent mortgage broker from John Charcol, who’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

While your mortgage options may be limited, some lenders will consider a mortgage for properties with a flat roof. For example, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a Halifax mortgage flat roof. A Natwest mortgage for flat roofs is also available subject to the provider's lending criteria, including obtaining a satisfactory property valuation and putting down a larger deposit. Most flat roof mortgage lenders won't lend on properties where at least half of the roof is flat, although this is usually assessed case-by-case. Lenders will have serious concerns if the flat roof is over 40 years old, as it will be at greater risk of problems such as leaking, impacting the property's valuation.

If you’re viewing a house with a flat roof, the best way to determine whether the flat roof is a problem is by looking at the roof's surface on a dry day to see if you can spot any abnormalities. Tell-tale signs of a leaking flat roof include:

• The flat roof panels appear to have been patched up
• Signs of dampness within the property include watermarked ceilings or walls, flaky plaster or a mouldy smell
• Look for dirt and debris on the flat roof that may prevent draining
• The flat roof is covered in grass, algae or moss

Any cracks or blisters on a flat roof must be dealt with immediately. Otherwise, they’ll eventually tear and allow water to get in under the flat roof's protective covering.

Organising a property survey before you purchase a property with a flat roof is essential. A building survey or a homebuyer's report should highlight any issues with a flat roof. Flat roofs are cheaper and quicker to build than pitched roofs, but they also have a shorter lifespan, so you'll need to get them inspected regularly. A home survey will identify any signs of wear or damage to the roof, including water pooling, leaks or cracking. The surveyor can advise on any repairs needed, which a specialist contractor should carry out. Repairs to a flat roof can be expensive and will depend on the size of the area affected, materials, and location. Replacing a flat roof can cost over £1,200.

Properties with flat roofs are harder to sell than those with a traditional pitched roof. While there are certain advantages to a flat roof, many buyers still prefer the appearance of a traditional pitched roof. Also, properties with flat roofs can be difficult to get a mortgage on and be more expensive to insure, putting off buyers. But this will largely depend on the area of the house that's flat. If the property has a flat roof extension, it shouldn't be hard to sell the property, unless the flat roof is damaged and needs repair.

While there are certain drawbacks to a flat roof, that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy a house with one. It's important to remember that getting insurance cover for these types of properties can be difficult, leading to issues with finding a mortgage provider to approve a flat roof extension mortgage. This is due to flat roofs being of non-standard construction, which could make them expensive to maintain and harder to sell in the future, should the lender repossess the property and try to recoup its losses.

Depending on the property type and size of a flat roof, your lender may require a qualified surveyor to carry out a roof inspection of the property you’re looking to buy before agreeing to lend to you. They may also limit the area of the house that can be flat. An independent building survey with an RICS surveyor will give you peace of mind before you purchase. They will check for any issues with the flat roof and ensure there are no risks to the structure and no damage or potential problems that may crop up in the future. They’ll check the roof for:

• The structure and quality of workmanship
• Blistering and flashing
• Thermal movement stress
• Water pooling

Houses with flat roofs are often cheaper to buy than those with traditional pitched roofs, which means you could get a great bargain. Remember that you may have issues down the line regarding resale value if you decide to sell.

Buying a property with a unique feature, such as a flat roof, can make getting a mortgage much more challenging. If you’re considering buying a flat roof property, our team of independent mortgage brokers can help you find the right lender and mortgage for your circumstances. We have extensive experience in helping buyers secure mortgages for non-standard properties. To find out more about flat roof mortgages, contact us today on 0330 433 2927 or submit an online enquiry.