There are lots of different types of houses in the UK.
One of the lesser-known is a BISF house.
You’ve probably seen – or even lived in – one of these without realising it.
Read on to learn what they are more.
What are BISF houses?
British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF) houses (sometimes known as Airey Houses) are a type of property built after the Second World War.
After the war, there was a housing shortage in the UK.
Thousands of homes had been destroyed or heavily damaged by German bombings.
The country’s economy was also both weak and changing quickly (rationing only ended in 1954).
There was also large-scale government intervention in housing. The New Towns Act 1946 led to 27 new towns appearing.
BISF homes were ideal for meeting the above demands. They were relatively cheap to construct – around 30,000 were built.
The British Iron and Steel Federation created this house model, designed by renowned builder Edward Airey (hence them also being nicknamed Airey Houses).
Design features
BISF houses are a kind of prefabricated property built around a steel frame.
It has panels of walls manufactured at a factory and then transported to the site.
They were then assembled and wrapped around the BISF frame.
The easiest way to identify a BISF house is in its render.
This surrounds the expanded mesh system on the ground floor. The first floor is usually surrounded by metal cladding.
The windows are also a key indicator of whether the house is a BISF model or not.
When constructed, they were commonly small. This looks vastly different from those in Victorian and Georgian houses.
You rarely find a BISF house with a porch or extension. Although, some people living in them today may have altered it.
Is a BISF house safe?
Asbestos is the main health issue associated with BISF properties. This is because it was often used at the time.
Other than that, these properties have stood the test of time.
Many of them are still standing today, with people living in them, if they haven’t been knocked down.
Some people are concerned about the steel frame corroding. This could lead to a building collapse or severe damage.
But this is unlikely if good upkeep is maintained and preventative maintenance is done.
How to get a mortgage on a BISF house
Get input from a surveyor
Surveyors can give a detailed report on your house. And they’ll know about lenders that may offer on this in the area.
They can also advise on amendments to make so lenders are satisfied. This may involve amending certain features.
Speak to your lender
Plenty of mortgage lenders consider a BISF house risky. This means that they are reluctant to offer on it.
Ask your lender what you can do to get a mortgage. Certain amendments or written commitments may be necessary.
Let your lender know if the survey detects no risk of rust or problems with the property. This could help.
Reduce the lender’s risk
The larger your deposit, the less risk involved for your lender. By saving up more money, you reduce your lender’s risk.
They’ll then be more likely to give you a mortgage.
Consider a guarantor
This is tricky. Especially as it involves asking a family member or a friend.
Think carefully about the pros and cons and speak to an expert. It can give your application extra weight to get it over the line.
Can I carry out BISF house amendments?
BISF house cladding
Cladding is often unattractive and one of the first things people change. A more modern approach is available.
It is possible to organise a customisable exterior. It can create an excellent impression of your house.
BISF roof replacement
A BISF roof is often seen as lightweight. This means that damage can be done quickly.
Luckily, you have several material options to fix this. And don’t forget that the replacement should be light, too.
A BISF house can’t support a heavy roof.
BISF porches and conservatories
Porches and conservatories were almost unheard of for the original BISF houses.
But in the years since, lots of homeowners have installed them.
Not only does this increase house value, but it also covers the metal poles often seen on a BISF house.
BISF windows
The windows in these properties are typically smaller than in many other types of homes. This means very little natural light gets in.
Installing larger double-glazed windows increases natural light. And it improves the energy efficiency of your property.
This reduces the need for excessive use of heating.
Cladding and windows are among the first considerations for people moving into a BISF house.
