Single skin walls, also called solid brick walls – are made from just one layer of brick. That’s compared to cavity walls, which have two layers with a gap in between.

You’ll find them in older homes, usually pre-1930s. They can give a home real character, but because there’s no insulating gap, they’re not great at keeping heat in or damp out. And that can raise a few eyebrows with lenders.

Why Lenders Might Call These Homes "Non-Standard"

In the mortgage world, anything outside the norm is considered "non-standard construction". Sadly, single skin brick houses fall into that category. Lenders get twitchy about potential damp issues, energy inefficiency and structural quirks.

That doesn’t mean they’re un-mortgageable. But it might mean:

  • Fewer lender options
  • Bigger deposit requirements (think 15%+)
  • A building survey that digs deep
  • A lower maximum loan-to-value (LTV)

The key takeaway? It’s doable – just not quite as straightforward.

What Surveyors Will Be Looking At

Before a lender gives you the green light, they’ll likely want a detailed look at the property. Expect to commission a full building survey (especially if the lender flags concerns).

Here’s what the surveyor will focus on:

  • Any signs of damp or moisture
  • The structure and thickness of the walls
  • Condition of the brickwork or render
  • Thermal performance (in other words, how warm it’ll keep you)
  • Any fixes or improvements already done

If the property is solid (pun intended), your chances improve massively.

How to Boost Your Mortgage Chances

Love the look of that Victorian terrace? Here’s how to give your mortgage application the best shot:

Get your ducks in a row early: A mortgage in principle shows you mean business.

Talk to the right lender: Not all lenders play ball with non-standard builds. A broker (like us) can match you with one that does.

Book a full survey upfront: It shows you’re serious and gives everyone peace of mind.

Put down a bigger deposit if you can: More skin in the game means less risk for the lender.

Ask for help: That’s what we’re here for. One chat with a Habito broker could save you weeks of hassle.

Is It Worth Buying a Home with Single Skin Walls?

They’re not for everyone. But if you’re up for a bit of TLC (or the odd insulation upgrade), single skin homes can be brilliant value.

They’re often cheaper than newer builds. They’ve got style. And if you play it right, you could end up with a proper gem that warms up nicely.

At Habito, we’re pros at dealing with the wonky, wonderful world of mortgages. If you’ve fallen for a single skin brick beauty, let’s see what we can do to help you buy it.

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