At AF Credit, we specialise in financing properties that mainstream lenders struggle to accept — including PRC houses, non-standard construction properties, structural issues, damp, fire damage, short leases and other mortgage-restricted assets.
Yes, but it depends on whether the property has been repaired and certified. Many mainstream lenders will not lend on unrepaired PRC houses. Repaired PRC houses with a valid PRC Certificate are often acceptable. Where a mortgage lender declines, bridging finance can provide a solution while repairs or certification issues are resolved.
What Is a PRC House?
PRC stands for Precast Reinforced Concrete. These properties were built in large numbers across the UK following the Second World War to address housing shortages quickly. Traditional building materials were in short supply, leading to the construction of various non-traditional housing systems using precast concrete components.
Common PRC house types include:
- Airey Houses
- Cornish Unit Houses
- Unity Houses
- Wates Houses
- Reema Houses
- Orlit Houses
- Hawksley Houses
- Woolaway Houses
Many of these systems were later designated as defective under the Housing Defects Act 1984, because deterioration of the reinforcing steel could cause structural issues over time.
Why Do Mortgage Lenders Worry About PRC Houses?
Mortgage lenders use the property as security. Their concerns centre on concrete deterioration, corrosion of the reinforcing steel, structural durability, limited buyer demand and difficulty obtaining insurance. Historically, most lenders would not lend on PRC properties unless approved repairs had been completed and a PRC Certificate issued.
What Is a PRC Certificate?
A PRC Certificate is one of the most important documents associated with a repaired PRC property. It is issued by a qualified structural engineer and confirms that the property has been repaired under an approved repair scheme to a standard recognised by mortgage lenders.
Without a valid PRC Certificate, selling, remortgaging or purchasing a PRC property is significantly more difficult. The certificate is required by most lenders who will consider these properties at all.
Approved repair scheme completed. Valid PRC Certificate in place. Often acceptable to specialist and some mainstream lenders. Standard mortgage finance may be available.
No approved repair. No PRC Certificate. Most mainstream lenders will decline. Bridging finance is the most common route to purchase — with a plan to repair, certify and refinance.
Missing PRC Certificate?
A surprisingly common issue is a repaired PRC property where the original certificate has been lost. Many local authorities carried out repair programmes decades ago but certificates were never issued or have since been misplaced. This can create difficulties when selling or remortgaging — even where the underlying repair is sound.
In some cases, retrospective certification may be possible following inspection by a suitably qualified structural engineer. This can restore mortgageability where the repairs meet the required standard.
What Happens If a Survey Identifies PRC Construction?
The surveyor may request a PRC Certificate, recommend a specialist report, highlight non-standard construction concerns, refer the case for further underwriting or recommend against lending. This can result in delays or a declined mortgage application — even where the property is in good condition and has been repaired.
Does PRC Construction Affect Property Value?
Yes. PRC houses often sell at a discount compared to traditional brick-built properties because mortgage availability is more limited, some buyers are unfamiliar with the construction type, certification issues can arise and repair costs may be required. For buyers, this regularly creates opportunities to purchase below the value that the property would command once repaired, certified and refinanced.
How AF Credit Can Help
AF Credit specialises in financing properties that mainstream lenders decline. We regularly assist buyers purchasing Airey Houses, Cornish Unit Houses, Unity Houses, Wates Houses and other PRC concrete properties. Where a clear strategy exists to repair, certify or refinance the property, we can often provide bridging finance to facilitate the purchase.
Survey and construction information, details of any existing or proposed repairs, the current certification position, proposed exit route — refinancing once a PRC Certificate is in place — and supporting property information.
Using Bridging Finance to Buy a PRC House
A specialist surveyor confirms the exact PRC construction type, its condition and whether repairs have previously been completed.
AF Credit reviews the property, construction details and exit strategy. We can consider residential bridging where the transaction stacks up and the exit is credible.
The bridging loan funds the acquisition where a conventional mortgage has been declined due to construction type or missing certification.
An approved contractor completes the repair scheme. A structural engineer inspects the work and issues the PRC Certificate.
With the PRC Certificate in place, the property becomes mortgageable. A conventional or specialist mortgage is arranged, the bridge is repaid and long-term finance secured.
Example
A buyer agrees to purchase a Cornish Unit property for £180,000. The mortgage lender declines the application because the property is PRC construction and no PRC Certificate can be produced.
AF Credit provides bridging finance, allowing the purchase to complete. A structural engineer inspects the property, confirms the repair history and certification is subsequently obtained.
The property is refinanced onto a conventional mortgage — repaying the bridge and leaving the buyer with long-term finance in place at a value reflecting the certified repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PRC house?
A Precast Reinforced Concrete property, typically built after the Second World War using non-traditional construction methods. Common types include Airey Houses, Cornish Units, Unity Houses, Wates Houses, Reema Houses and Woolaway Houses.
Can you get a mortgage on a PRC house?
Yes, particularly where the property has been repaired and a valid PRC Certificate exists. See our non-standard construction guide for a broader overview of construction-related mortgage issues.
Can you get a mortgage on an unrepaired PRC house?
Mortgage options are often limited and many mainstream lenders will decline. Bridging finance can provide a route to purchase while the repairs are completed and certification obtained.
What is a PRC Certificate?
A document issued by a qualified structural engineer confirming that the property has been repaired under an approved scheme to a standard recognised by mortgage lenders. Without it, most lenders will not proceed.
Does AF Credit lend on PRC properties?
Yes. AF Credit specialises in financing PRC houses and other non-standard construction properties that fall outside mainstream lending criteria. Where a clear strategy to repair, certify and refinance exists, we can often consider bridging finance.
If your mortgage has been declined because a property is PRC construction, or you are considering purchasing a PRC concrete house, AF Credit may be able to help. Where a clear strategy to repair, certify or refinance the property exists, we can often provide bridging finance to complete the purchase and unlock the property's value.
Get indicative terms