Single Skin Wall Mortgages: What To Know Before Buying

You’ve found a charming old Victorian property that you absolutely love. It’s full of character and history. 

But then your surveyor tells you it has a “single skin brick wall,” and you wonder if that will cause problems with your mortgage. 

Suddenly, you’re researching single skin wall construction and finding more questions: 

Can you get a mortgage on a house like this? Are there extra hurdles? What exactly is a single skin wall?

Luckily, you’re in the right place. 

This guide explains everything about single brick construction mortgages and covers all the essentials to help you make a smart decision for your dream home.

What is a Single Skin Wall?

A single skin wall, or “non-standard construction brick skin,” is simply a wall made from one layer of bricks. 

Most modern homes have two layers of bricks with a gap in between—like a double-layered sandwich. 

This gap adds strength, insulation, and keeps damp away. 

A single skin wall, on the other hand, is just one layer, so it’s not as strong or warm.

Single skin construction was common in Victorian times and is often found in older terraced homes, especially end-of-terrace properties. 

You might also see single skin extensions added to more modern houses, like a utility room or conservatory.

While single skin walls can give a home a charming, historic feel, they do have some drawbacks that can worry mortgage lenders.

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Property with a Single Skin Brick Wall?

Yes, you can get a mortgage on a single skin property, but it’s not as simple as getting one for a regular brick home. 

Lenders can be cautious with properties they see as “non-standard construction” because they prefer safety, stability, and predictability. 

Single skin properties don’t always fit these criteria.

Lenders see single skin properties as riskier for a few reasons. 

First, they are more likely to have structural issues. 

Without the extra layer of bricks, the building can be weaker, especially if internal supports have been changed or removed. This could mean more costs for you later, which makes lenders wary.

Another issue is poor insulation. Single skin walls don’t keep heat in during winter or keep things cool in summer, leading to higher energy bills. 

This can also put off future buyers if you decide to sell. Single skin walls are also more prone to damp, which isn’t exactly a selling point.

Why Can It Be Tricky to Get a Mortgage on a Single Skin House?

Lenders are so picky about single skin construction because of its risk. If the property needs to be repossessed (which no one wants), lenders need to be sure they can sell it without too much trouble. 

With single skin houses, there is a higher risk that issues like structural problems, damp, or poor energy efficiency will make it harder to find a buyer, especially if that buyer needs a mortgage too.

Surveyors are key here. When a lender arranges a valuation of a single skin house, the surveyor will check its condition carefully. 

If they find concerns about structural weakness or dampness, they may ask for a full structural survey. 

Based on those results, the lender will decide if they are happy to approve your mortgage or if they need you to make some improvements first, like adding insulation or fixing damp issues.

Eligibility Factors for a Mortgage

If you’re set on buying a property with a single skin wall, it’s important to be aware of other eligibility factors that could impact your mortgage application:

• Deposit Size: Lenders are likely to ask for a larger deposit when dealing with non-standard construction. The bigger the deposit you can provide, the better your chances of securing a mortgage.
• Credit Rating: A good credit history will significantly improve your chances of getting approved. Even if you have less-than-perfect credit, a specialist broker can help find lenders who might still consider your application.
• Age: Some lenders have maximum age limits, especially if the mortgage term would extend into retirement. It’s worth checking with your broker to find a lender with flexible criteria.
• Income and Expenditure: Lenders will look at your income and outgoings to determine affordability. They’ll assess everything from your current debts to your regular expenses.

Advantages of a Building Constructed with a Single Skin

While single skin construction has its challenges, it also comes with a few advantages that are worth mentioning:

• Cost-Effectiveness. Single skin construction is generally cheaper to build compared to double skin walls. This means lower construction costs, which can make the property more affordable.
• Simplicity. Building with a single layer of bricks is simpler and faster, which can be a plus for projects with tight schedules or limited resources.
• Space Efficiency. Since there’s only one layer of bricks, you get a bit more interior space compared to double-layered walls. This can be an advantage in smaller properties where every inch counts.
• Adaptability. Single skin walls allow for more flexibility in design, as there are fewer constraints related to wall thickness. This can be helpful if you’re looking to customise or modify the property.

Problems with Single Skin Houses

So, what are the main problems with single skin houses? Let’s break them down.

• Structural Weakness. With just one layer of bricks, there’s less support, which can make the structure a bit vulnerable, especially if internal supports like chimneys have been removed.
• Thermal Inefficiency. Single skin walls tend to let more heat escape. This means you’ll probably be paying more to keep the house warm in the winter. And let’s be honest, we don’t need any extra help from the weather to be chilly here in the UK.
• Damp and Moisture. Damp is a common issue. Without the gap that cavity walls have, moisture can travel through the bricks more easily, leading to damp patches and possibly even mould if not treated.
• Sound Insulation. You might find that single skin walls don’t block out noise quite as well as their double-bricked counterparts. So, if your neighbours have a love for late-night karaoke, be prepared for a show.

How Can You Make Single Skin Walls More Appealing?

If you’re concerned about the downsides, the good news is that you can do a few things to improve single skin walls—and maybe even make lenders less jittery. 

Insulating a single skin wall is a great way to boost its thermal performance. This helps you keep your energy bills down and make the property more comfortable year-round.

You have two main options here: internal insulation or external insulation. 

Internal insulation is often easier and cheaper, plus it doesn’t change the outside look of the property. The downside? It does eat up a little bit of floor space. 

External insulation, meanwhile, involves adding a layer to the outside of your property, which can be more effective for energy savings. But it does change the look of your home. And it might require planning permission.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages on Single Brick Buildings

If you’re thinking about buying a single skin property as a buy-to-let investment, the process can be a bit trickier. 

Every lender has different criteria for buy-to-let mortgages on single brick buildings. 

Some may be willing to lend if no more than 25% of the external walls are single brick, while others may require more extensive guarantees of the property’s structural integrity. 

It’s important to work with a good broker who understands these nuances to find the right lender.

Which Mortgage Lenders Will Consider a Single Brick Construction Property?

A common misconception is that all lenders will reject applications for single skin properties, but this isn’t true. 

There are several lenders who are open to considering these types of properties. 

The key is finding the right lender with the help of a specialist broker who understands the market. 

Lenders such as Nationwide, Halifax, and some building societies may consider single skin properties, especially if the surveyor’s report is favourable and the property is in good condition.

How Can a Broker Help?

If you want to buy a house with a single skin wall, a specialist mortgage broker can be a big help. 

Brokers who understand non-standard properties know which lenders are more open to single skin walls. 

Some lenders are willing to take more risks, and a broker can help you find the ones most likely to approve your mortgage.

A good broker can also advise you on how to make your property more appealing to lenders—whether that means arranging a structural survey, putting down a bigger deposit, or making certain repairs. 

It might mean a bit more work and some extra costs upfront, but it could save you from having your mortgage application rejected later.

What About a Single Skin Extension?

Maybe you’re not looking at a full-on single skin house—maybe it’s just an extension that’s single brick. 

If that’s the case, there’s a bit of a silver lining. 

Lenders generally see single skin extensions as less of a concern than an entire single skin property. 

The key is whether the extension is a major part of the house or just a smaller add-on like a porch or conservatory.

If the single skin part is just an extension, you might find you have more options when it comes to lenders. 

But, again, a surveyor’s report will be essential to check the condition and make sure the extension isn’t causing any bigger issues like damp or structural instability.

The Bottom Line

Single skin properties can be a mix of positives and challenges. 

On one hand, you get a home full of character and history. On the other hand, you may face issues with insulation, damp, and finding a mortgage. 

The key is to understand these challenges and know how to deal with them. A specialist mortgage broker can be a big help in finding the right lender for your single skin home.

Get in touch with us, and we’ll connect you with a mortgage broker who can help you find the best deal, handle the paperwork, and answer any questions about financing your home.