Archive · 3 Aug 2026
1.5 Million UK Homes Unmortgageable, Study Finds
A study says about 1.5 million homes in the UK are hard to buy with a normal mortgage because of things like thatched roofs or no kitchen.
Even if buyers can afford the price, banks may still say no.
Many buyers still want these homes because they’re cheaper and can be fixed up.
Some want to rent them out or sell later for more money.
The biggest problem is finding a bank that will lend for these houses.
Research by Together estimates 1.5 million UK homes are unmortgageable by mainstream lenders.
About 6% of Britain’s 28 million residential properties fall outside standard mortgage criteria.
Common reasons include thatched roofs, short leases, solid‑wall construction, high‑rise location, proximity to commercial premises, and missing kitchen or bathroom.
Despite financing hurdles, 44% of buyers see better value, and 31% are attracted by renovation or resale potential.
The main obstacle remains securing finance, with 21% of respondents having faced mortgage rejection.
- Who
- Home buyers, lenders, Ryan Etchells (Together)
- What
- Around 1.5 million UK homes are considered unmortgageable by mainstream lenders
- When
- Current market research by Together
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- Property characteristics such as thatched roofs, short leases, solid‑wall construction, high‑rise location, proximity to commercial premises, or lack of kitchen/bathroom make lenders reluctant to finance
- Unmortgageable homes
- 1.5 million
- Percentage of properties unmortgageable
- 6%
- Main reasons for unmortgageable
- thatched roofs, short leases, solid‑wall construction, high‑rise, proximity to commercial premises, lack of kitchen or bathroom
- Demand drivers
- lower prices, renovation potential, rental income
- Main hurdle
- securing finance