What Is “Construction Type”?

Construction type is the way a property is built: the materials and methods used for the structure (walls, roof and frame). It matters because it can affect mortgage options, insurance, and how confident viewers feel when making an offer.

Most homes in the UK are "standard construction", which tends to be straightforward for lenders and insurers. But plenty of perfectly good homes are "non-standard". They just need a bit more checking and clear information.

This guide explains what construction type means, what counts as standard vs non-standard, and how to handle it on a Virify listing without scaring people off.

What does “construction type” mean?

In property, construction type refers to:

• the main structure (walls, frame, roof)
• the main materials (brick, stone, timber, concrete, steel, etc.)
• sometimes the build method (traditional vs system-built or prefabricated)

You’ll often be asked for construction type when:

• arranging home insurance
• applying for a mortgage
• booking certain surveys

Standard construction (typical in the UK)

“Standard construction” generally means:

• walls made from brick, block or stone (often with a cavity wall)
• a pitched roof covered with tiles or slate

These homes are usually the easiest to insure and mortgage because they’re common and well-understood.

Tip
Many older homes are still "standard construction" even if they're Victorian or Edwardian. Age alone doesn't make a home non-standard.

Non-standard construction (what it usually includes)

“Non-standard construction” is a broad label for properties that don’t fit the typical brick, block and stone, and tile and slate pattern.

Common examples include:

• timber-framed homes (beyond typical internal stud walls)
• steel-framed homes
• concrete or "system-built" homes (some post-war builds)
• homes with entirely flat roofs
• thatched roofs
• prefabricated or modular construction (varies by system)
• properties with extensive cladding systems (context-specific)

Important
"Non-standard" covers a wide range. Some types are widely accepted by lenders, others are more limited. The key is to be clear and evidence-led.