What is ICF?

Although classed as a modern method of construction, developers have been using ICF for over 50 years to build properties. The building method uses two layers of an insulating material to create the building block.

Within the UK the most commonly available ICF blocks are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or woodcrete. The walls are built by stacking the ICF blocks which then lock into place via a raised edge before concrete is poured into a central cavity. To ensure the concrete is held in place, the blocks have to fit closely together to create a tight structure. Once the concrete has set, the ICF blocks remain in place to provide two layers of insulating material. This results in a home with exceptional thermal performance, structural integrity, and sound insulation.

Due to the simplicity of insulated concrete forms, the application method and materials in this system remain largely the same. For this reason, there is an abundance of statistical data and research papers which demonstrate ICF’s performance and credentials.

Is ICF Recognised as a Standard Form of Construction?

It is a misconception that ICF is a non-standard form of construction. In 2010, ICF was approved by the Valuation Panel of the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), now a part of UK Finance, as a standard form of construction as long as it has been supplied by an ICFA member. Ultimately, the decision is always at the discretion of the mortgage lender, but working with ICFA-trained members increases your chances of approval.

Your mortgage lender will also require the ICF build to have valid third-party product certification. Lenders may also require qualified professionals with ICF experience. It is for this reason that our ICFA members can support developers and architects throughout the design process and will only supply their blocks once the contractor has undertaken one of their training courses.

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Ready-Built ICF Home?

Yes, you can!

You will be glad to hear that it is possible to get a mortgage on an ICF home. However, you should be aware that some mortgage providers may be cautious about lending on systems that are not seen as a traditional build method. That is why the ICFA is working with leading mortgage, insurance, warranty providers, and surveyors to increase product availability and streamline the process.

When searching for a mortgage on an ICF property, we recommend starting the process as early as possible. Consult with a specialist mortgage advisor who can guide you through the process and identify lenders who understand ICF construction. If you’d prefer to do it yourself, research building societies and specialist lenders with experience in providing mortgages for insulated solid wall construction methods like ICF.

Key Considerations for Getting a Mortgage on an ICF Home

Be aware that lenders may require more information for an ICF home when compared to mortgages on a traditional build. Check the ICF property has used a system supplied by an ICFA member and built by a contractor trained in constructing with their system. You will also need to check the contractor has a building warranty from a provider accepted by mortgage lenders such as NHBC or Building & Land Guarantees. The building warranty provides assurances that structural issues will be addressed and protect the value of your property. We have teamed up with Building & Land Guarantees, one of the UK’s largest independent brokers specialising in building guarantees, who have provided guidance on what to look for.

You should also be prepared to complete a detailed application process and gather all the necessary documentation including building plans, structural reports, EPCs and building regulations approvals. We would also advise obtaining a specialist valuation from a RICS registered surveyor with experience in ICF construction..

Can you get a mortgage on an ICF self-build project?

A lot of us dream of building our own home. That opportunity to design and build a property that meets your exact needs. Building your own home can also be the perfect solution if you’re looking to implement the best energy efficiency and modern standards into the structure of the property.

Securing mortgage options for a self-build home may seem challenging and, depending on how you build the property, you will need finance in place that supports you throughout the different payment stages. Unless you have the funds in place to build your home or an existing property to raise funds against, you will probably require a self-build mortgage. Unlike traditional mortgages, these loans release money in stage payments throughout the construction process, ensuring funds are available when needed. For detailed information on self-build mortgages, visit BuildStore, a leading supplier of services and support for self-builders.

ICF House Survey

An important part of the mortgage application is the house survey which determines whether the type of property meets the expected purchase price. Some properties require specialised mortgage assessment because most lenders are unfamiliar with the build method. In these cases, lenders may require a structural engineer’s report to confirm the integrity of the ICF structure or a more in-depth full structural building survey. To guide the industry, the ICFA has worked with e-serv Chartered Surveyors to provide a Frequently Asked Questions page which covers concerns raised by the industry. You can also download the ICFA’s FAQ document here.

Make sure your surveyor is aware of the positive ICF build factors that can strengthen your mortgage application and impact on affordability calculations including:

ICF Finance Checklist

If you have any questions about securing finance on an ICF building or self-build please get in touch.