Steel-framed House

[Cattenberg]

Have you ever owned a property of steel-truss construction? If so, was it problematic or expensive to maintain? Also, did you have any trouble selling it? Many thanks!

Some mortgage companies won’t lend against them whilst others will. It apparently depends on the type of steel.
We have recently sold a family member’s house steel framed after remedial work to the steel.

TBH I would shy away from them as they can cause problems. Is this a property you are considering buying?

Yes, it is. The mortgage company are happy, but I’ve just had the survey back and it’s revealed a few issues. The steel frame appears fine, but there are problems with the insulation. The other issues aren’t really due to the type of construction and are more to do with the property being 60 years old and not meeting current regulations.

However, the surveyor wrote that due to the non-standard construction, I might have trouble selling the property in a less favourable market. I’m not sure whether it’s worth spending thousands updating the property if it will always be seen as sub-standard. On the other hand, the location is great and there’s a dire shortage of property here at the moment.

You will find it harder to sell in the future unfortunately and the surveyor is correct.

Have you done your research on steel frame houses online as this will give you an indication of their problems, and the perceived view that many hold of them.

They were put up years ago as cheaper and quicker build properties and in my view will always be considered as slightly substandard to traditional construction. Some do develop significant problems with age.

Personally I would not buy one. Partly due to problems with the steel that can develop and most crucially the resale issues going forward. But people do buy them. I think it’s very important that you do as much research as positive to satisfy, or otherwise, your mind as to whether you are happy to proceed with this type of property. I am also assuming the EA told you upfront it was steel framed as this is also a requirement?

The property we sold recently took 8 months to sell and required remedial work. Many prospective buyers were put off by the steel frame construction.

I think it depends on the type of construction; search specifically by name to get an idea.
Steel-framed semis near me sell like hot cakes at approx 15-20% less than equivalent standard construction, as mortgage lenders consider them safe and it is a great area. No problem re-selling, just be realistic about discrepancy in value. An acquaintance required 'extensive' repairs to steel frame following a crack in the render under a window letting moisture in, which amounted to approx 5K.

I nearly bought one but pulled out when the survey revealed some rust which the owners had known about since they bought it, but had done nothing to remedy. So I worried that they'd not maintained the fabric of the building. I also worried about resale further down the line. If you can avoid, I would.

Right now, I’m watching someone build their own steel-framed bungalow on Grand Designs. The red-painted steel girders look very similar to the BISF frame on “my” bungalow. Their bungalow is huge, though.