Construction

Traditional construction

The majority of New Build homes are constructed using traditional, tried and tested methods, for example cavity brick/block and timber frame. High rise flats are usually constructed using concrete, steel frames and different forms of roof cladding (as opposed to the more standard tile and slate). All these methods are acceptable to Nationwide.

Modern Methods of Construction

An increasing number of homes in the UK are being built using innovative materials and methods such as factory manufactured “pods”, steel and timber frames, roof and floor “cassettes”, 3D printing and changes to on-site processes (including the use of robotics). These products and processes are referred to as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Many properties built using MMCs are acceptable to Nationwide, subject to our criteria. Our valuers will assess these on a case by case basis. We need to be sure that new methods of construction are sufficiently durable, easily maintained and will remain readily saleable in order to protect our members.

Where a property is known to incorporate MMCs, you can check our New Build site list to see if the site has already been assessed. Or contact the New Build support team with as much information as possible, ideally including:

Office to residential

At Nationwide, we recognise that office to residential conversions are important to the new housing market. We'll consider them subject to certain criteria, such as design (appearance/internal layout/planning etc), tenure and lifespan. Other considerations we take in account when dealing with office to residential are:

Location

  • A suitable mix of residential use within the area
  • Sufficient residential infrastructure within the immediate area, for example, access to amenities/shops/schools/transport
  • Sustainable demand in a re-sale market place for home ownership
  • Any property forming part of a business/commercial/industrial/retail area aren't usually accepted. 

Construction

Lease terms

Quality of conversion

  • Structural integrity
  • The external appearance of the structure, and whether it's been updated or modified to give the appearance of a residential building.
  • Fire safety and regulations should be complied with, particularly around the use of certain external cladding/insulation materials on high rise buildings, see below.

You can check our New Build site list to see if the site has already been assessed, or contact the New Build support team if you have any queries.

Cladding and balconies

Closed sites

Our site list shows sites that have reached their exposure limit and are closed to Nationwide lending.

View our site list

New Build criteria

View our New Build lending criteria before you submit a case.

View our New Build criteria

Dedicated support teams

We’ve got dedicated support teams on hand to answer your New Build queries.

See how we support you