Mortgage guide

No Newbuild Warranty (PCC/Architects Certificate)

A newbuild warranty, often provided through a Professional Consultant Certificate (PCC) or an Architect’s Certificate, is a vital assurance for both buyers and MUFB mortgage lenders.

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No Newbuild Warranty (PCC/Architects Certificate)

A newbuild warranty, often provided through a Professional Consultant Certificate (PCC) or an Architect’s Certificate, is a vital assurance for both buyers and MUFB mortgage lenders. It guarantees that a newly constructed property meets required building standards and regulations, offering protection against structural defects for a fixed period, usually 10 years. For MUFB investment mortgages, the presence of a newbuild warranty can have a significant impact on both the valuation and the lending decision, as it reduces perceived risks and assures lenders of the property’s build quality.

Why Newbuild Warranties Matter

Risk Mitigation: Newbuild warranties act as a safeguard against financial risks associated with structural defects or construction issues. This protection ensures that the property retains its long-term value and integrity, which is crucial for investors relying on consistent rental income and future refinancing options.

Lender Assurance: The presence of a warranty gives MUFB mortgage lenders confidence that the property adheres to modern building standards. As a result, lenders are often more willing to offer competitive terms and the best MUFB mortgage rates when the property is backed by a recognised warranty scheme.

Challenges Without a Newbuild Warranty

Increased Risk for Lenders: Without a newbuild warranty, lenders face higher risk due to the lack of formal assurance about the property’s structural soundness. This often leads to stricter lending criteria, higher interest rates, or even a reduced pool of available MUFB investment mortgages.

Limited Lender Options: Not all lenders are prepared to finance properties lacking warranties. This limitation often forces investors to work with specialist lenders who are comfortable with higher-risk assets but may offer less competitive pricing compared to mainstream options.

Resale and Valuation Concerns: Properties without a warranty can also face challenges during resale. Potential buyers may hesitate due to uncertainty about future repair costs, which can impact both demand and valuation. This reduced marketability can further influence the mortgage terms offered by MUFB mortgage lenders.

Specialist Lenders for Properties Without Newbuild Warranties

Specialist lenders play a crucial role when a property lacks a warranty. These lenders are experienced in underwriting riskier or more complex properties, offering tailored solutions that cater to unique scenarios. While interest rates may be higher, a skilled broker can still help investors find the best MUFB mortgage rates for the circumstances by comparing multiple specialist lenders. Using an MUFB mortgage calculator can help borrowers estimate borrowing potential and evaluate how a lack of warranty may impact affordability and overall cost.

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For a residential multi-unit freehold block, using the combined monthly rent and value of that block. Mixed-use or commercial lease arrangements need a separate assessment.

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MUFB mortgage criteria

For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.

MUFB mortgage criteria
CriteriaDetail
Max LTV, block valuationUp to 85% at the moment on the cases we arrange, blocks of up to 6 units only
Max LTV, aggregate valuationUp to 80% on the cases we arrange
BorrowersPersonal, Ltd co, LLP, Offshore Trusts
Repayment typeInterest only, repayment
TermUp to 35 years
Product optionsFixed, variable, base rate tracker
ExperienceNot always required; fewer lenders and lower LTVs without it
Max borrowers6
Valuations availableBlock Valuation or Aggregate Valuation
Max unitsNo overall cap; the 85% option caps at 6 units
Tenant typesHMO, Airbnb, students, professionals, social housing, DSS

About the author

Joseph Lane CeMAP is an expert commercial mortgage broker

Founder, CEO

Calls and emails here go to Joseph personally, not to a general inbox.

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+44 7487 829005joe@mortgagelane.comMore about Joseph

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Professional Consultants Certificate (PCC) instead of a new build warranty?

Some self build lenders accept a Professional Consultants Certificate as an alternative to a structural warranty, and acceptance varies by lender. The certificate must be issued by a suitably qualified professional and confirm supervision and compliance throughout construction.

Do lenders accept PCC instead of a warranty?

Yes, but with limitations. Some lenders accept a PCC instead of a new build warranty, but criteria are usually tighter because a PCC does not provide long-term structural cover, increasing perceived risk.

How do I get a PCC if I can't find the original architect?

Another architect local to the property can assess the conversion retrospectively and issue a retrospective PCC based on that assessment: the standard route where original professionals cannot be traced.

What is the difference between PCC and a new build warranty?

A PCC confirms that a property meets building regulations at completion, while a new build warranty provides longer-term structural defect cover. Lenders generally prefer warranty-backed properties because they offer additional protection against future build issues

Do you work with lenders who allow PCC’s and Retrospective PCC’s?

We have several lenders who we commonly use who will allow PCC’s (including retrospective). We have conducted research on this to ensure that when a client comes to us with a conversion property, we have a list of potential lenders on hand to approach with their case and make the process easier.

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