Mortgage Structural Inspection
Receiving a letter from your lender stating that the home you hope to buy “may not be structurally sound” can feel like the whole deal is about to collapse, but it is really a routine safeguard: when a mortgage valuer spots cracking, subsidence or other red flags, they pause the loan and request an independent structural engineer’s report to protect both their funds and yours . UK lenders normally insist that this investigation is reviewed by a Chartered Engineer, either MICE or MIStructE.
Armed with the facts a full survey provides, you can renegotiate the price, budget realistically for repairs, or, if necessary, walk away before committing to a costly mistake; this is crucial when issues such as subsidence can wipe up to £80,000 off a property’s value if left unchecked.
Laytoe Structures turns that moment of uncertainty into clear, actionable guidance. Our engineers arrange swift site access, focus on the lender’s flagged concerns and deliver a lender‑compliant report complete with photographs.
Every report is peer‑reviewed and signed off by a qualified MICE or MIStructE engineer—credentials explicitly recognised by mainstream UK mortgage providers—so you can move toward approval, and ultimately a safe, structurally sound home, with complete confidence
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Lender‑approved methodology – Our inspection report align with major UK banks’ and building societies’ surveying criteria, reducing the chance of follow‑up queries or delays.
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Transparent fee structure – Fixed, all‑inclusive quotation up‑front; no hidden extras for travel, photos, or minor follow‑up calls.
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Chartered expertise – Every report is authored and signed by a MIStructE or MICE engineer with specific residential‑mortgage experience.
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Clear remediation guidance – Where defects are found, we outline the underlying cause, recommended repair strategy and indicative cost range, helping you negotiate confidently with the vendor.
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Local market knowledge – Extensive experience with London’s period housing stock, conversions and high‑rise apartments allows us to spot region‑specific issues early.
Why choose Laytoe
What happens If, after your inspection, you notice the property is suffering from severe structural movement?
If, after our inspection, we notice that the property is suffering from severe structural movement, we will provide a detailed report outlining the extent of the issue. Our report will include:
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A thorough explanation of the structural problems identified, supported by clear evidence and expert assessment.
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An evaluation of how these structural issues may impact the property's overall stability, safety, and value.
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Specific recommendations for necessary repairs or remediation to address the structural issues. This may include various methods to stabilise the property and prevent further movement.
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Where possible, we will provide an estimated cost for the required repairs to help you understand the financial implications.
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Our report will be reviewed and signed off by a qualified MICE or MiStructE engineer, ensuring that our findings and recommendations are credible and trustworthy.
Our goal is to equip you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about proceeding with the property purchase. We understand that structural issues can be concerning, but with our comprehensive report, you will have a clear path forward, whether that involves negotiating with the seller, seeking repair estimates, or reconsidering your purchase altogether.
Will the lender reject my mortgage if your inspection determines the property has Subsidence?
If our inspection determines that the property has subsidence, it could impact your mortgage application. Lenders typically view subsidence as a significant risk because it can affect the property's stability and value. However, the outcome depends on several factors:
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Severity of Subsidence: Minor subsidence issues might be acceptable to some lenders if there is a clear plan for repair and stabilization.
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Repair Plans: If you can provide a detailed plan for addressing the subsidence, including cost estimates and timelines, some lenders may still consider approving your mortgage.
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Insurance: Having a comprehensive insurance policy that covers subsidence can also influence the lender's decision.
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Lender's Policies: Different lenders have varying policies regarding subsidence. It's essential to check with your specific lender to understand their requirements and thresholds.
We cannot confirm whether they would accept your application or not, as each lender has their own evaluation criteria and internal procedures.