The way a property is built can have a significant impact on how easy it is to sell and, ultimately, the price you can achieve.

In Stoke-on-Trent and across Staffordshire, there are many examples of non-standard construction, particularly in areas developed after the Second World War when housing demand was high and traditional materials were in short supply.

In this guide, we explain what non-standard construction is, why lenders can be cautious, and what your options are if you need to sell a non-standard property.

What Is Non-Standard Construction?

A property is generally considered non-standard construction if it is not built using traditional materials, such as:

• Brick or stone walls
• Tile or slate roofs

Anything outside of this is usually classed as non-standard.

There are hundreds of variations — in fact, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has recorded over 500 different non-standard construction types in the UK.

Why Were Non-Standard Homes Built?

Following World War II, the UK faced a severe housing shortage.

To rebuild quickly:

• Materials were scarce
• Skilled labour was limited
• Speed was essential

As a result, the government approved a range of alternative building systems, many of which were never designed with long-term durability in mind.

Defective vs Non-Defective Construction

In the 1980s, the BRE carried out condition surveys on many non-standard homes and identified serious structural defects in some concrete systems.

These homes were designated “defective” under the Housing Defects Legislation.

This distinction is crucial because:

• Defective properties are usually unmortgageable
• Non-defective properties may still be mortgageable, but with fewer lenders and less favourable terms

Common Non-Standard Construction Types in Staffordshire

In Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas, some of the most common non-standard property types include:

Wimpey No-Fines Houses

Built from cast in-situ concrete using a “no-fines” mix (no sand or fine aggregates). Over 300,000 were built across the UK from the 1940s onwards.

KenKast Bungalows

Produced in the 1960s by Kenkast, originally known for concrete garages and sheds, later expanding into residential construction.

BISF Houses (British Iron and Steel Federation)

Steel-framed prefabricated houses built in large numbers after WWII as part of the government’s emergency housing programme.

Other common systems include:

• Frameform (timber-framed)
• Cornish Units (precast concrete)
• Airey Houses (precast concrete)

Each system carries different lending risks, which directly affects demand and value.

How Non-Standard Construction Affects Mortgages

If a property is classed as defective, most lenders will not lend unless a PRC Certificate is in place. This certificate confirms that approved structural repairs have been completed.

If the property is non-standard but not defective:

• Mortgages may still be available
• Fewer lenders will consider it
• Interest rates may be higher
• Larger deposits are often required

All of this reduces the buyer pool, which can lead to:

• Longer selling times
• Price reductions
• Sales falling through late in the process

Selling a Non-Standard Property Through an Estate Agent

It is absolutely possible to sell a non-standard home on the open market, but it’s important to:

• Use an experienced local agent
• Confirm they have sold similar properties before
• Ensure the construction type is disclosed from the outset

While this may feel counter-intuitive, being upfront helps avoid:

• Wasted viewings
• Failed mortgage applications
• Collapsed sales late in conveyancing

Selling a Non-Standard Property for Cash

Many sellers contact Jeffries Property Buyers after a sale has already fallen through due to mortgage issues.

Because we:

• Do not rely on mortgage finance
• Understand non-standard construction risks
• Buy directly with cash

We can:

• Assess the property regardless of construction type
• Make a firm cash offer
• Avoid surveys, lender delays, and finance issues
• Complete quickly — often within weeks

If speed and certainty are important, you can learn more about this option on our Sell Your House for Cash page:

/sell-your-house-for-cash

We also buy properties that other buyers struggle with, including structural, legal, and mortgage issues. More information is available here:

/problem-property-buyers

Do We Buy All Property Types?

Yes — including non-standard construction, short leases, probate properties, and homes that have been difficult to sell.

You can see the full range of situations we help with on our We Buy Any Property page:

/we-buy-any-property

If you’d like to know more about who we are and how we work, visit:

/about-us

Final Thoughts

Non-standard construction doesn’t mean your property is unsellable — but it does require the right strategy.

Whether you choose to sell through an agent or directly to a cash buyer, understanding how construction type affects mortgages, demand, and value will help you make the right decision and avoid costly delays.

If you’d like a no-obligation discussion about your property, we’re always happy to help.

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