Renovation FAQs

Do I need to provide planning permission for my renovation?

Planning permission is required from your Local Authority if you are extending or altering the property and this requires formal planning permission.

What information do I need to progress my renovation mortgage application?

You’ll need to have a specific property renovation in mind and provide details of material and labour costs, the current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of the property and the projected EPC rating when you complete your renovation. The property should be improved by a minimum of two EPC bandings to qualify for this mortgage product.

What deposit do I need for my renovation?

You need a 10% minimum deposit to purchase the property and a further 15% – 20% of total build costs to start your renovation.

Do I still need a deposit for my renovation if I already own the property?

No, you don’t always need a deposit; we can lend based on the value of your property to start the renovation, providing you already own the property and it’s mortgage-free. Also, we can help you repay any outstanding finance on the property if you need it.

Do borrowers who are planning to renovate need to show how they plan to improve the property’s energy efficiency?

Any project we support needs to show details of the proposed renovation with an indication of the Energy Standards you are renovating to, and how the renovation costs are expected to be funded with savings and mortgage finance. We don’t just lend on the property purchase.

How long do I have to complete the renovation?

We allow a maximum of 2 years for you to complete the renovation, although we encourage you to complete earlier to benefit from our C-Change retrofit discount which is applied to our Variable Rate from the date we receive evidence that both the work has been completed and the Energy Standard rating required has been achieved.

Do you offer stage payments for a renovation?

Yes, we release funds as and when the renovation progresses and release up to a percentage of the increased value of the property.

Can I have interest-only mortgage during the renovation phase?

We offer an interest-only mortgage only when you have a qualifying repayment vehicle to support this for example an established ISA, endowment policies or Pension Plan.

Does the renovation property have to be my main residence?

Yes, although we do offer a buy-to-let mortgage. Please bear in mind that we don’t offer mortgages for second homes, holiday homes or homes classed as mobile planning.