BuildLoan launches Light Renovation range
10 March 2026
BuildLoan is launching a new Light Renovation range, designed for properties requiring only non-structural renovation works but are not currently in a mortgageable condition. Properties without a functioning kitchen or bathroom, for example, would be regarded by most lenders as uninhabitable and therefore unmortgageable.
The renovation finance specialist says the new range has been designed to close the gap between residential mortgages, bridging and heavy renovation finance. It aims to offer broader suitability for non-structural works with a streamlined application process and reduced fee structure, enabling people to get funding to buy, remortgage and renovate a property easily.
BuildLoan says light renovation is an underserved segment of the market – despite clear demand. Many existing renovation products are designed for more significant remedial works, meaning clients can find it difficult to source funding for lighter works that still render a property uninhabitable.
The products within the range allow customers to borrow up to 85% of the property purchase price or value and up to 100% of the renovation costs. Unique to BuildLoan, funds towards renovation work can be paid in stages, either in advance of each stage of work or once each stage has been completed. BuildLoan’s professional build cost assessment ensures stage releases are aligned with actual costs, rather than the value of the property. This means there is no risk of down-valuation affecting the stage payment and delaying the work – providing ultimate peace of mind for anyone renovating their own home.
To be applicable, a property must be wind and watertight and planning permission should not be required for any of the proposed works. Loft conversion, kitchen and bathroom replacement, rewiring, and heating installation are all covered.
The range has been developed in association with several partner lenders – including the Stafford for Intermediaries, Chorley and Furness building societies.
Chris Martin, head of product development and lender relationships at BuildLoan said:
“Typically, if a client’s property is uninhabitable and they can’t secure a standard residential mortgage, brokers default to bridging. But bridging loans can be costly with high fees and interest rates and short repayment terms. Thanks to this new Light Renovation range, we can provide a safer, more affordable alternative to plug this gap in the market and help clients opt for redevelopment projects that can be both financially lucrative and environmentally friendly. And because of the streamlined application process and reduced fees, the range makes it easy for clients to buy, remortgage and renovate ‘doer-upper’ properties.
“With over 20 years of stage payment expertise, we are a specialist in homebuilding finance solutions and we are uniquely positioned to lead innovation within the renovation finance space. We are particularly proud of this range of revolutionary products. This is a major development for the intermediary mortgage market, providing brokers with a range of go-to funding solutions for uninhabitable properties.”
