Selling an Airey House can be challenging due to mortgage restrictions, structural concerns, and its classification as a defective property. However, with the right approach, you can still achieve a successful sale.
At My Homebuyers, we provide a fast, hassle-free alternative, allowing you to sell your Airey House quickly without the uncertainty of the open market.
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Why Sell to Us?
✅ No Mortgage Issues – We buy with cash, eliminating lender restrictions.
✅ Fast Completion – Sales can be finalised in as little as two weeks.
✅ No Repairs Needed – Sell your Airey House as-is.
✅ No Fees – Avoid estate agent commissions and legal costs.
✅ Guaranteed Sale – No risk of buyers pulling out last minute.
What is an Airey House?
An Airey House is a non-standard construction home built using pre-cast reinforced concrete (PRC). Around 26,000 of these houses were built across the UK between 1945 and 1955 to address the post-war housing shortage.
Airey House Construction
- Prefabricated concrete panels were used to speed up construction.
- Houses were built with steel reinforcement that has since become prone to corrosion.
- Originally designed to be temporary, many are still standing today but require extensive repairs and modifications.
Are Airey Houses Defective?
Yes. Airey Houses were classified as defective under the Housing Defects Act 1984 due to their structural weaknesses. This has major implications for selling, as most mortgage lenders won’t approve financing unless the property has been repaired under an approved PRC repair scheme.
Challenges When Selling an Airey House
If you’re planning to sell an Airey House, it’s important to understand the obstacles you may face.
1. Mortgage Restrictions
Most mortgage lenders will not approve financing unless the house has undergone a PRC repair and comes with a PRC Certificate. Without this certificate, buyers will struggle to secure a mortgage, drastically limiting your potential buyers.
2. Insurance Difficulties
Because of concrete deterioration and structural risks, many insurers won’t cover Airey Houses, or they will charge higher premiums. This makes the home less attractive to buyers.
3. Structural Concerns
- Reinforced concrete degrades over time, especially if exposed to moisture.
- Steel reinforcements corrode, causing cracks and structural weakness.
- Poor insulation makes these homes energy-inefficient, leading to higher heating costs.
4. Stigma of Non-Standard Construction
Many buyers are hesitant to purchase non-standard construction properties due to concerns over durability, repair costs, and mortgageability.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selling
Despite the challenges, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of selling an Airey House.
1. Obtain a PRC Certificate (If Repaired)
If your Airey House has been repaired under an approved PRC repair scheme, make sure you have a PRC Certificate. Mortgage lenders require this certificate before approving a loan.
2. Target Cash Buyers
Since mortgage restrictions limit the buyer pool, selling to cash buyers or property-buying companies eliminates financing obstacles and speeds up the sale.
3. Sell at Auction
Selling at an auction can attract property investors who are familiar with non-standard construction homes. Auctions often result in a faster sale, although the final selling price may be lower.
4. Work with a Specialist Estate Agent
Choose an estate agent experienced in selling Airey Houses. Many standard agents lack knowledge of non-standard properties, which can lead to delays and lost buyers.
5. Consider Repairing the Property
If your property is unmodified, consider an approved PRC repair scheme. This makes the home mortgageable, expands your buyer pool, and increases its value.
Costs of Repairs and Selling Considerations
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 best financial decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a mortgage on an Airey House?
Most lenders won’t approve mortgages unless the home has been repaired under an approved PRC repair scheme and has a PRC Certificate.
2. Are Airey Houses safe to live in?
Yes, but regular maintenance is required. Issues like concrete degradation and insulation problems need to be addressed for long-term stability.
3. Do Airey Houses contain asbestos?
Yes, many contain asbestos in insulation, ceilings, and pipework. Asbestos removal can cost between £2,000 and £10,000.
4. Can I sell an Airey House without making repairs?
Yes, but your best options are selling to a cash buyer or auctioning the property. Unmodified Airey Houses are often unmortgageable.
5. How much does it cost to repair an Airey House?
Repairs can cost £20,000 to £50,000, depending on the extent of work required.
6. Will an Airey House lose value compared to traditional houses?
Yes, Airey Houses often sell for 10-25% less than traditional brick houses due to mortgage restrictions and repair costs.
7. Can I remortgage an Airey House?
Most lenders won’t approve remortgaging unless the house has been fully repaired and certified.
8. How long does it take to sell an Airey House?
– If repaired with a PRC Certificate → 3-6 months on the open market.
– If unmodified → Selling to a cash buyer or at auction can take as little as 2-8 weeks.
9. Is it worth repairing my Airey House before selling?
If you want the best sale price and have the budget, PRC repairs can increase mortgageability and value. However, if repair costs are too high, selling as-is to a cash buyer may be more practical.
10. What’s the fastest way to sell an Airey House?
Selling to a cash buyer or property-buying company ensures a sale within 2-4 weeks, avoiding delays from mortgage rejections.
Sell to My Homebuyers: A Stress-Free Solution
Selling an Airey House can be frustrating due to mortgage restrictions, costly repairs, and limited buyer demand.
At My Homebuyers, we offer a fast, guaranteed alternative:
✅ No Mortgage Issues – We buy with cash, removing lender concerns.
✅ Fast Sale in as Little as 2 Weeks – No waiting for buyers, surveys, or approvals.
✅ Sell As-Is – No need to carry out costly repairs.
✅ No Fees or Hidden Costs – Avoid estate agent and legal fees.
✅ Guaranteed Sale – No risk of buyer fall-throughs.
👉 Click “Get a Cash Offer” today and take control of your sale!