Securing a mortgage is a significant milestone in the journey to homeownership, often accompanied by a multitude of questions and considerations. Among the many topics to ponder, whether or not to invest in a structural warranty stands out as a topic of intrigue and uncertainty for many prospective homebuyers.
Can you obtain a mortgage without a structural warranty, and what implications does the absence of such coverage hold for both lenders and borrowers?
Here, CIR embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between mortgages and structural warranties, unravelling the intricacies of this essential aspect of property transactions.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer navigating the complexities of mortgage approval or a seasoned investor seeking clarity on risk mitigation strategies, understanding the role of structural warranties is paramount.
Keep reading as we delve into the implications of obtaining a mortgage without a structural warranty, examining the potential challenges, alternatives, and implications for both borrowers and lenders.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions regarding mortgage financing and ensure the protection and longevity of your investment in real estate.
Do you need a structural warranty to obtain a mortgage?
Whether you can obtain a mortgage without a structural warranty largely depends on the policies of the lender and the specific circumstances surrounding the property in question.
However, in the vast majority of cases, lenders will stipulate that a structural warranty is required as part of the mortgage approval process, particularly for newly constructed or recently renovated properties.
This requirement is often driven by the lender’s risk management practices and the desire to protect their investment in the property. In the rare instance that a lender is willing to forego a structural warranty, they are likely to lend a smaller amount than normal because you will be deemed a higher financial risk.
Although not a legal requirement, a structural warranty provides assurance to both you as the borrower and the lender that the property is protected against potential structural defects that may arise after the completion of construction.
Also known as structural warranty insurance, a structural warranty is a 10-year policy for new builds, renovations and retrospective cover. It serves as a safeguard against unforeseen expenses and liabilities, reducing the risk of financial losses for all parties involved.
Protecting your resale value with a structural warranty
A structural warranty plays a crucial role in protecting the resale value of a new build property, especially if you decide to sell your home within the warranty period.
Here’s how a structural warranty can provide protection and reassurance to potential buyers, thereby safeguarding the resale of the property:
Assurance of quality
A structural warranty serves as a guarantee of the quality and durability of the construction work.
When selling a new build property, having a structural warranty in place assures potential buyers that the property has been constructed to high standards and is free from significant structural defects.
Transferable coverage
In many cases, structural warranties are transferable to subsequent owners within the warranty period (10 years in the case of a CIR structural warranty).
This means that if you choose to sell the property before the warranty expires, the new owner can inherit the remaining coverage.
This transferability adds value to the property and enhances its marketability, as buyers perceive it as a valuable asset with ongoing protection against structural issues.
Risk mitigation for buyers
Potential buyers are often wary of purchasing newly constructed properties due to concerns about potential defects or issues that may arise after the sale.
However, with a structural warranty in place, buyers can feel more confident in their investment, knowing that they are protected against certain structural defects for a specified period.
This confidence can make the property more attractive to buyers and facilitate a smoother resale process.
Increased marketability
Properties with a structural warranty are generally more marketable and appealing to potential buyers, especially in competitive real estate markets.
The warranty serves as a selling point that sets the property apart from others, demonstrating the builder’s commitment to quality and standing behind their workmanship.
This increased marketability can help attract more buyers and potentially lead to a quicker sale at a higher price.
Protection against financial loss
For sellers, having a structural warranty in place provides protection against potential financial losses that may arise from structural defects discovered by the buyer after the sale.
If a defect covered by the warranty is identified during the resale process, the warranty provider is typically responsible for covering the cost of repairs or remediation, reducing the financial liability for you as the seller.
Be careful not to invalidate your structural warranty
It is crucial to be aware that undertaking additional construction work or renovations within the warranty period could potentially invalidate the existing structural warranty.
Making alterations or modifications to the property without the prior approval of your structural warranty provider may void the warranty coverage for certain structural components.
This is because such changes can introduce new risks or alter the structural integrity of the building, making it difficult for the warranty provider to assess and mitigate potential liabilities.
Therefore, it is essential to consult with the warranty provider before embarking on any further construction work to ensure that the warranty remains valid and that the integrity of the coverage is preserved.
Failure to do so could leave you exposed to significant financial risks in the event of structural defects or issues arising after the warranty period.
Purchase structural warranty insurance from CIR
A structural warranty acts as a valuable safeguard for both sellers and buyers of new build properties, providing assurance of quality, mitigating risks, enhancing marketability, and protecting against financial losses.
Having a structural warranty in place can significantly contribute to a successful resale transaction and help preserve the value of the property over time.
CIR is a structural warranty provider that offers peace of mind to developers, contractors and homeowners – ensuring that their investment is protected from construction-related damages, defects and repair costs.
Get a quote for structural warranty insurance from CIR today.
