At My Homebuyers, we specialise in buying non-standard construction homes, including Wates houses. Our cash-buying process eliminates the stress and delays of traditional sales.
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Why Sell to Us?
✅ No Mortgage Issues – We buy with cash, removing financing obstacles.
✅ Fast Completion – Sales can be completed in as little as two weeks.
✅ No Repairs Needed – Sell the property in its current condition.
✅ No Fees – Avoid estate agent commissions and legal costs.
✅ Guaranteed Sale – No risk of buyers pulling out last-minute.
Selling a Wates House: What You Need to Know
Wates houses, a type of non-standard construction property, have been a source of both affordability and difficulty for homeowners. Built between 1947 and 1956, they were designed to meet urgent post-war housing needs. However, their designation as defective under the Housing Defects Act 1984 has led to challenges when selling, securing a mortgage, and obtaining insurance. If you’re looking to sell a Wates house, understanding these challenges and solutions can make the process much smoother.
Understanding Wates Houses
Wates homes were constructed using pre-cast reinforced concrete (PRC), a cost-effective method at the time but one that has since proven problematic due to concrete degradation over time. Five different variations of Wates houses exist, identifiable by their distinctive Tartan Grid panel patterns and pitched tiled roofs.
While they were built quickly and provided much-needed housing, their structural issues and use of asbestos have made them a concern for mortgage lenders and buyers.
Challenges When Selling a Wates House
1. Mortgage Restrictions
One of the biggest hurdles to selling a Wates house is that most mortgage lenders will not approve a loan unless the property has undergone a PRC repair and comes with a PRC Certificate. Without this certificate, buyers will struggle to secure financing, drastically limiting the buyer pool.
2. Insurance Difficulties
Many insurers hesitate to cover Wates houses due to their non-standard construction, making it more expensive to insure compared to traditional homes. Buyers may find this an added inconvenience, further reducing interest in the property.
3. Structural Concerns
- Degraded concrete over time weakens the structure.
- Presence of asbestos in roofs, insulation, and pipes adds an extra layer of concern.
- Poor insulation results in higher heating costs, making energy efficiency upgrades necessary for improved marketability.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selling
Selling a Wates house can be challenging, but with the right steps, you can attract buyers and secure a sale faster.
Obtain a PRC Certificate (If Repaired)
If the house has been repaired under an approved PRC scheme, ensuring you have the necessary PRC Certificate will increase mortgageability and buyer confidence.
Target Cash Buyers
Because of mortgage limitations, focusing on cash buyers or property investors is often the best strategy. Cash buyers won’t require financing, bypassing the mortgage approval issue altogether.
Sell Through Auction
Selling at auction is a fast and effective way to find serious investors willing to purchase non-standard construction properties.
Consider a House Buying Company
For homeowners looking for a quick, guaranteed sale, selling to a cash house buying company is often the most stress-free solution. These companies purchase properties directly, eliminating the need for repairs, agent fees, and lengthy waiting times.
Costs to Consider
If you’re debating whether to repair or sell as-is, understanding the costs involved can help you make an informed decision.
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
| Full PRC repair scheme | £20,000 – £50,000 |
| Asbestos removal | £2,000 – £10,000 |
| External insulation | £5,000 – £15,000 |
| Roof replacement | £7,000 – £20,000 |
| Auction fees | 2-3% of sale price |
| Estate agent fees | 1-2% of sale price |
If repairs are too costly, selling directly to a cash buyer may be the better financial decision.
FAQs on Selling a Wates House
1. Can I get a mortgage on a Wates house?
It depends. Most mortgage lenders will only approve a loan if the property has undergone a full PRC repair and has a valid PRC Certificate. Without this, it is considered high-risk, making it difficult to secure financing.
2. Are Wates houses safe to live in?
Yes, but regular maintenance is required. Structural issues such as concrete degradation, poor insulation, and asbestos presence can impact long-term durability. If properly maintained or repaired, Wates houses can still be safe.
3. Do Wates houses contain asbestos?
Yes, asbestos was commonly used in roofing, insulation, and pipework. If present, it should be professionally removed, with costs typically ranging from £2,000 to £10,000.
4. How much does it cost to repair a Wates house?
Repairs vary based on the level of degradation and whether PRC repairs are needed:
– Full PRC repair scheme – £20,000 – £50,000
– Asbestos removal – £2,000 – £10,000
– External insulation – £5,000 – £15,000
– Roof replacement – £7,000 – £20,000
5. Can I sell a Wates house without making repairs?
Yes, but selling to cash buyers, investors, or at auction is often the best route since mortgage buyers will require repairs to meet lending criteria.
6. Will buyers be interested in a Wates house?
Yes, but mortgage restrictions limit traditional buyers. Investors, landlords, and cash buyers are the most likely purchasers, as they are familiar with non-standard construction properties.
7. Is it better to sell a Wates house at auction or to a cash buyer?
Both methods have benefits:
– Auction – Attracts investors and developers, with a sale usually completing in 6-8 weeks. However, final prices are unpredictable.
– Cash Buyer – Ensures a quick and guaranteed sale, usually within 2 weeks, but typically at a discount of 15-25% below market value.
8. Do Wates houses have poor energy efficiency?
Yes, they were not built with modern insulation, leading to high heating costs. External insulation upgrades can improve energy efficiency but may cost between £5,000 – £15,000.
9. How can I make my Wates house more attractive to buyers?
– Obtain a PRC Certificate if repairs have been done.
– Fix major structural issues if feasible.
– Remove asbestos to eliminate safety concerns.
– Target cash buyers or investors who understand non-standard construction properties.
10. What is the fastest way to sell a Wates house?
Selling to a cash buyer like My Homebuyers provides a quick, hassle-free sale with no need for mortgage approvals, estate agents, or costly repairs.
Take the Next Step
If you’re struggling to sell your Wates house or don’t want to deal with the hassle of repairs and mortgage limitations, My Homebuyers can provide a quick, fair, and stress-free solution. Click “Get a Cash Offer” today and move forward with confidence!