Are Timber-Framed Houses Difficult to Sell?

Selling a house is never easy. The potential for chain breaks, delays and more can make the wait for completion feel like an eternity. This process can take even longer if your home is timber-framed.

Timber-framed houses are classed as properties of non-standard construction, and it’s this classification that can make them a little harder to sell.

But can you still sell a timber-framed house, and how would you go about it?

What’s a timber-framed house?

A timber-framed house is exactly what it sounds like: a house with a structure made entirely from wood. The components are cut to size elsewhere and then delivered to the building site, where they are assembled. This, of course, differs somewhat from the more typical brick-and-mortar homes you see across the country.

At first glance, you may not even realise that a home is timber-framed. It’s likely to have a brick layer on the outside, just like any other house. One significant difference you will notice, though, is the price. Timber-framed homes are generally cheaper to build than other types of property, meaning that buying one is often more affordable.

That being said, mortgages are not always available for timber-framed houses. Lenders can be reluctant to support a buyer due to concerns around resale value, structural integrity and potential maintenance issues.

Why is a timber-framed house hard to sell?

There are several reasons why timber-framed houses can be difficult to sell, from challenges in securing a mortgage for the buyer to concerns raised by surveyors about the building’s integrity. While it’s not impossible to find a buyer, you should be aware that the following concerns may make it a more drawn-out process.

Fire risks

Wood, as we all know, ignites easily. With so much of the house built from this material, it’s only natural that some buyers are reluctant. The fear that the house could be destroyed quickly in the event of a fire may deter them.

Structural integrity

Even though timber-framed homes are built to high standards, their construction differs significantly from that of brick-built homes. This alone can plant seeds of doubt in a buyer’s mind and may lead them to look elsewhere. Where they see brick as solid and durable, they may view timber as fragile.

Damp

Wood and water don’t always mix well. Damp can cause cosmetic and structural issues and may even pose health risks.

Insufficient insulation

Timber-framed houses generally require more insulation than traditional homes. Without proper insulation, temperatures can fluctuate, making the house feel uncomfortably cold. This can be off-putting to buyers, especially if they anticipate high costs to remedy the issue.

Will a buyer get a mortgage on a timber-framed house?

This is another reason timber-framed houses can be challenging to sell. Lenders often view them with a degree of scepticism and may be unwilling to offer a mortgage.

This reluctance is largely due to the potential problems mentioned above. If a property is deemed “unsellable”, lenders may consider it a high-risk investment.

Even if a buyer passes all affordability checks, a lender may hesitate to release funds. If the buyer were to default on payments and the property was repossessed, the lender would need to sell it to recover their money. If the property is hard to sell, the lender may struggle to recoup their investment – hence the reluctance to lend in the first place.

What’s the easiest way to sell a timber-framed house?

If you own a timber-framed house and are concerned about selling it, there are a few options you could consider:

Sell via auction

Selling at auction can be a great way to get your timber-framed house sold. While a sale isn’t guaranteed, auctions attract a wide range of investors who may be interested in your property. There are fees involved, so you’ll lose a portion of the sale proceeds, and the process typically takes about a month to complete after the auction ends. If you’re looking for a speedy, fee-free sale, this may not be your best option – but compared to the traditional market, it’s often quicker and more cost-effective.

Sell to a cash house-buying company

There’s a wide range of companies – such as Bettermove – that offer to buy any property. This makes it completely possible to sell an unsellable house, which can be ideal if you’re looking for a sale tailored to your exact needs. Many can finalise a purchase within days, and some offer a fee-free sales process, meaning you receive exactly what you’re quoted.

In our case, for example, we buy any home, in any location, in any condition. With rapid completion, you can have the funds in your account within just seven days. Alternatively, we can present your home to a specialist network of cash house buyers. This takes a little longer (typically no more than 30 days) but it’s still a fee-free house sale.

When researching companies that buy any home or offer cash, make sure they align with your goals. Some may rush the process, while you might need a little longer to decide. Others may advertise “no fees” but have hidden charges that only emerge once contracts are signed. Then there are also those who make unreasonably low offers, wasting your time. Speak to Bettermove today to find the better way to sell.