Most lenders will agree that a property doesn’t have to be in pristine condition to be considered habitable, but it must be warm, dry, safe, secure and meet the following basic requirements:
- Has electricity and central healing
- Complies with building regulations
- Is windproof and watertight, and the roof is in good repair
- Has a basic working kitchen
- Has a basic functional indoor bathroom with a toilet
- Has Secure ground floor windows and external doors
- Is free of damp, mould, asbestos and vermin
Mortgage lenders will refuse to lend on a property they don’t consider habitable. Even if you think the property is liveable, the lender may disagree based on the survey findings. They could decide that essential building and repair work is required before they will consider approving a mortgage on the property. However, once the repair work is completed, the property should be eligible for a mortgage.