The short answer is yes, absolutely – but they can be slightly more difficult to obtain. This is due to the risk thatched cottages pose as “non-standard” constructions, meaning potentially fewer mortgage lenders and insurance providers to choose from.

Is it a bad idea to buying a thatched property?

Thatched properties come with a slightly higher cost of insurance due to a higher fire risk, they also have a more expensive rebuild value than conventional houses because they've been built using specific materials by specialists, there are only 800 master thatchers in the country after all!

Can you get a mortgage on a wooden lodge?

Mortgages for timber lodges

To finance the purchase of a timber lodge, you could apply for a log cabin mortgage from a niche mortgage provider or construct one yourself (assuming you have the means and expertise) by going down the self-build mortgage route.

Can you have a log burner in a thatched cottage?

The fundamental recommendation is that wood burning and multi-fuel stoves should not be used in thatch roofed buildings.

Can you get equity release on a thatched house?

It may be possible to get equity release on a non standard construction, however each lender will have their own strict criteria on different construction types, such as: Timber-framed houses, Steel frame. Thatched roof.

Surveying a timber framed, thatched cottage - what to look for

30 related questions found

Can I be refused equity release?

Yes, it is possible to be refused equity release. This is because there are key criteria that need to be met, in order to make your application suitable and appealing to a potential lender.

How much more is it to insurance a thatched cottage?

Getting the right insurance for your thatch can be an expensive business - costing up to three times as much as cover for a comparable home with a less combustible roof.

Can you have an open fire in a thatched house?

Fires in thatched buildings are not common, however research has shown that the major cause of fires in thatched buildings is heat transfer from the chimney into the thatch. The thatch then reaches its ignition temperature and a roof fire can develop.

How long does a thatched house last?

How often does a thatched roof need to be replaced? When a roof has been professionally thatched, it should last between 40 and 50 years (so, the same as any other roof). However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every eight to ten years.

How do you fireproof a thatched roof?

Fireproofing Thatched Materials

There are three kinds of materials they can use to fireproof thatch: thatch batts, aluminium barrier foil, and fire retardant spray. Thatch batts are fire-resistant slabs installed to the underside of a thatched roof to provide both fire resistance and thermal/acoustic insulation.

Can you get a buy to let mortgage on a lodge?

First off, a holiday property cannot be purchased or remortgaged with a normal residential mortgage – even if you intend to live there yourself for long periods. Lenders might offer you a buy-to-let product but more likely you will have to obtain a specialist holiday let product.

Can you buy a lodge with a mortgage?

Although is it not possible for you to get a mortgage on a holiday lodge, it is possible to take out holiday lodge finance from specialist companies. ... Typically, the potential amount of finance you could get for a holiday lodge is 80%, loaned for up to 25 years'.

Is it worth buying a lodge?

If you are used to holidays abroad, investing in a lodge can save you a fortune on travel. And you'll escape from those long, delay-filled days hanging around airports. Lodges are generally built to BS3632. This is the standard for permanent residences, so build quality and energy efficiency are assured.

What are the disadvantages of a thatched roof?

Thatched houses are more vulnerable to fire risk than those covered with other materials, and it is therefore imperative that precautions be taken to reduce the risk. Insurance costs can be higher due to this factor.

Does a thatched roof add value?

Advantages of a Thatched Roof

Having a thatched property adds value to your home; there is a good chunk of thatched properties across the UK that are listed. It can raise the selling price of a house and proves a good investment.

Are thatched houses warm?

Thatch has a much greater insulating value than any other traditional roof covering. With the right choice of material and detailing, a well-maintained thatched roof will keep a building warm in winter and cool in summer and has the added advantage of being highly sound-proof.

Do thatch roofs leak?

FAQ #5: Your thatch roof cover will leak, fall apart, blow away, and disintegrate if any kind of harsh weather strikes. ... Thatch roofs are known for being great at keeping water out of your home or building.

Do rats live in thatched roofs?

The Most Common Pests are: Birds, mice, rats, pine martins and wasps. Whether the house is occupied or not, a thatched roof is a warm and dry place during a wet windy winter for critters to shelter.

Do thatched roofs get moldy?

One of the common complaints about natural thatch roofs is the potential mold problem. ... Natural thatch, if done properly can resist it, but over time, many thatch roofs do develop mold. This is so unfortunate, because thatch roofs are inherently durable and beautiful.

What is the U value of a thatched roof?

In order to achieve a 'U' value of 0.2 w/m²K for thatched roofs, the following was taken from CIBSE Guide A 3 : Reed= thermal conductivity 0.09 and a resistivity of 11.1. Straw= thermal conductivity 0.07 and a resistivity of 14.3.

How do you brush a thatched roof?

It is possible to brush a roof by hand or with pruning sheers. The method in this case is to pull out sections of the thatch, cutting or breaking off the rotten ends and then pushing or brushing the thatch back into place on the roof and compacting it.

Are thatched roofs fire hazards?

Many people don't think of metal pipes and cabling near a thatched roof as a fire hazard, but unearthed and unbonded, they certainly are. ... Though, as you've seen on this blog before, flame retardants don't slow a thatched roof fire by much.

How often do you need to re thatch a house?

Generally the ridge of the thatch will require replacing every 10 – 15 years. The coatwork will vary depending on the material used and its associated lifespan. To keep the roof in best condition: Allow it to dry well, remove trees and plants which may hinder the sun and wind drying it or rain dispersing.

Is it more expensive to insure a thatched house?

Are thatched roofs more expensive to insure? Expect to pay more for your buildings or contents insurance as a thatched roof is a bigger fire risk than a slate roof. They also have a more expensive rebuild value than conventional houses because they've been built using specific materials by specialists.

What is meant by thatched roof?

Definitions of thatched roof. a house roof made with a plant material (as straw) synonyms: thatch. type of: roof. a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building.