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Selling An Airey House?

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Selling an Airey house?

Airey houses–those post-WWII prefabricated wonders! Character and history abound in these homes, constructed between 1945 and 1955 to help the UK rebound from housing shortages.

However, selling one is a different ball game compared to traditional brick-and-mortar homes.

The sale of your Airey home hinges on one key factor: has it undergone any Pre-cast Reinforced Concrete (PRC) repairs to an officially accepted standard? If not, you should consider selling it for cash.

The good news is that we buy Airey homes for cash.  With no fees to pay, you will be able to complete the sale within 10 days – or at a timescale to suit your needs. 

In this detailed guide, I’ll discuss the unique challenges of selling an Airey house. 

Sell with certainty & speed

Table of Contents

What are Airey houses?

One can assume you’ve heard of prefabricated houses. But, if not, allow us to explain what they are. Prefabricated, or prefab, homes are houses constructed with precast concrete columns and a pre-manufactured structure.

The walls are made in a factory and then brought to the site, where they are quickly assembled. Low cost and straightforward assembly make them incredibly popular.

Another lesser-known factor that contributes to their affordability is the tubing used to reinforce the concrete columns taken from military trucks. An example of this is the Airey house.

The simplicity of assembly meant jobs could be completed without requiring highly skilled workers, and the materials used were readily available at the factories. Concrete, steel and more were all easily accessible.

Prefabricated homes first started to appear in 1945, and by 1955, there were roughly 26,000 of them across the UK.

During World War II, the need for quickly built homes was crucial, so several companies designed properties and were awarded contracts to get them built fast. The Airey design was one of them.

How is an Airey house built?

We discussed the prefab house style earlier. Let’s look into it further. Concrete columns of pre-determined dimensions are clad with concrete panels.

These panels are attached to the columns using copper wire and are reinforced with steel, unlike other houses that use bars for reinforcement.

This steel tube construction technique in the Airey House was seen as a revolutionary innovation.

The interior walls of the house are clad with fibreboard or plasterboard, and the ground floor is concrete. On the first floor – as these houses never extended to the second floor – the flooring is built from fabricated beams.

The roof of an Airey house is pitched and is clad with either timber or PVCU boarding. This is done using either the rafter or purlin method, so the roof either runs perpendicular from the walls to the ridgeline (rafter roof) or parallel (purlin).

The materials used for construction were usually sourced locally, making the construction costs cheaper and increasing investment in the UK.

builders building airey houses in England
If you're aiming for a speedy sale, it is advisable to have a thorough structural survey conducted.

What makes Airey houses so hard to sell?

Structural Integrity Concerns

Airey houses, mostly constructed from precast concrete panels, were initially believed to be a reliable and speedy building option. However, as they age, issues such as concrete degradation, cracks, and moisture infiltration become more of a concern.

If you’re aiming for a speedy sale, it is advisable to have a thorough structural survey conducted. This will help to ensure that any structural integrity problems are identified and dealt with.

Exploring the Stigma of Prefabricated Houses

Stereotypes can be unkind, and this is certainly the case with Airey homes. Despite the fact that they are as sound as any traditional brick-and-mortar property, there is still a perception that they are somehow inferior.

A 2020 survey revealed that 38% of potential homebuyers in the UK are less likely to consider prefabricated homes, including Airey houses.

Mortgage Limitations

Many lenders are hesitant to offer mortgages for Airey houses that haven’t undergone PRC repairs.

Here is a list of UK mortgage lenders who provide loans for Airey houses:

               Lender

Requirements

Interest Rate

Lender A

PRC Repairs

3.5%

Lender B

Structural Survey

4.1%

Lender C

No Requirements

5.2%

Limited Appeal to Young Buyers

The Millennials—everyone is eager to know more about them. Airey homes may not be the most appealing choice to younger buyers as they often feature outdated designs and can involve higher maintenance costs. Therefore, they may not be the most attractive option.

Around 60% of millennials who participated in the survey prefer newly built or renovated homes, rather than older housing models like Airey houses. They seem to be steering clear of these older models.

What Are the Benefits of PRC Repairs When Selling Airey Houses?

Right, so Airey houses come with their own set of difficulties – that’s been established.

Now, let’s move on to something that’s absolutely essential for anyone thinking of selling an Airey property – PRC repairs. You may not know what those initials mean – and you’re not alone. Let’s look closer.

RPC Repairs: What You Need to Know

PRC repairs are essential for bringing Airey houses up to current housing standards. Mortgage lenders and surveyors are usually the ones to point out the potential risks associated with these houses and label them as needing PRC repairs.

Why are PRC repairs so important? Mortgage approval is a key factor. As discussed, lenders are often unwilling to provide loans for Airey houses without a certificate demonstrating that the necessary PRC repairs have been completed satisfactorily.

Effects of PRC Repairs on Mortgage Approvals

The influence of PRC repairs on mortgage approvals is undeniable. These repairs can be a deciding factor in whether or not a loan will be approved. Homeowners should be aware of the potential effects of PRC repairs on their mortgage approval prospects.

Taking the time to understand the requirements for these repairs and the potential impact they may have can help homeowners make an informed decision.

Having a full understanding of the effect of PRC repairs on a mortgage application can help ensure that the best decision is made.

Before Repairs

After Repairs

Low Approval Rate (~20%)

High Approval Rate (~80%)

Longevity and Resale Value

PRC repairs can drastically improve both a home’s lifespan and its resale value, which is exemplified by John and Sarah from Birmingham. They invested £30,000 in PRC repairs and saw their home’s market value increase by £65,000 within two years.

Common Types of PRC Repairs

Statistics show that 75% of PRC repairs focus on structural integrity, 20% address insulation and energy efficiency, while the remaining 5% are aesthetic improvements.

We’ve compiled the advantages and disadvantages of conducting a comprehensive renovation of an Airey house below:

Property will be mortgageable.

Costs in region of 60,000 – 80,000.

No longer limited to cash-buyers.

No guarantee you’ll recoup money invested.

Can add significant value to property.

Works take between 10-12 weeks on average.

Can speed up eventual sale

Will ideally need to find alternative accommodation.

Marketing Strategies Tailored for Airey Houses

Now that you know the unique challenges associated with selling an Airey house and the importance of getting the PRC repairs done, it’s time to shift focus to marketing your property. Even the best house won’t sell if no one is aware of its availability. So, the next step is to identify your target buyers.

There are several types of buyers for Airey Houses:

Type of Buyer

% of Total Market

Property Developers

40%

First-Time Buyers

25%

Investment Buyers

20%

Downsizers

15%

Property Developers

A prime market exists for unrepaired Airey houses, and those looking for potential to flip or rent can find many opportunities. The market provides a great chance to make a profit and increase rental income. 

First-Time Buyers

Searching for cost-effective options, they may be drawn to a fully-restored Airey home.

Investment Buyers

These buyers recognise the potential of Airey homes as rental properties, especially after PRC repairs.

Downsizers

Typically, older individuals or couples are seeking a property that is easier to maintain. An Airey home may be the perfect solution for them.  Downsizing also allows them to release equity and retire.

Showcasing an Airey house
The vast majority of buyers begin their search on the internet.

Showcasing the Property

Homes with professional photography sell 32% quicker than those without. The vast majority of buyers begin their search on the internet.

Staging the Airey House

Staging can make a huge impact. Invest in staging that emphasises the floor plan and creates a neutral atmosphere while also emphasising the room’s spaciousness.

The Price Is Right: Valuation

Accurate pricing is essential. Charging too much may dissuade prospective purchasers, and charging too little may mean missing out on potential profit.

There are several factors that affect the pricing of Airey House:

Factor

Impact on Price

PRC Repairs

+10%-20%

Location

Variable

Market Conditions

Variable

Open Houses and Virtual Tours

In the time of COVID-19, virtual tours have demonstrated their usefulness. However, traditional open houses still have their merits. If possible, offer both options.

Online Listing Platforms

Use property listing websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla to attract people looking to buy Airey houses. This can help you reach the right audience.

Now that you’ve become familiar with the obstacles, made the necessary repairs, and even created a successful marketing plan for your Airey house, the journey isn’t yet finished. Going through the legal process of selling a house could make or break it.

Let’s work together to make our way through this complex but important phase.

Understanding the Legalese

Check out this essential table of legal documents for Airey house sales:

Document Type

Purpose

Property Deeds

Proves ownership.

PRC Repair Certification

Verifies structural repairs were done to approved standards.

History of planning or building regulations

If you have added a conservatory or installed new windows, ensure you have a building regulation or FENSA certificate.

Home Inspection Reports

Discloses the state of the house

The Role of Solicitors

A solicitor who is well-versed in the specifics of Airey houses can be incredibly valuable. They can help you draft contracts, facilitate the legal transfer of the property, and ensure that all regulations are met.

Statistics show that solicitors typically make up only 0.5-1% of the total cost of a property sale. However, when a specialist solicitor is involved, 98% of sales are completed without any issues.

Preparing for the Sale

These are essential tasks when it comes to selling your home:

Task

Time Required

Compile Legal Documents

2-4 Weeks

Hire a Solicitor

1 Week

Clear Remaining Belongings

1-2 Weeks

The Exchange of Contracts

The exchanging of contracts is the next step after both parties agree on the price and terms. This binds both parties to the agreement and puts the sale in motion. It is a legally binding agreement that must be followed.

The Big Day: Completion

Once the balance is paid, the transfer of ownership is complete. Make sure to hand over the keys to your buyer and that the property is in the condition agreed upon in the contract.

What Can You Do To Ensure a Smooth Sale?

These are some important rules to ensure that your sale goes through as smoothly as possible.

Whether you are buying or selling, learning lessons from the past can give foresight.

Element

Reason for Success

Legal Documentation

Had all the essential papers in place.

Marketing Strategy

Targeted the right buyer demographics.

Communication

Maintained open lines with all parties.

Why Should You Consider Selling an Umortgageable Airey?

Whether you have a tenanted airey property or you are selling your own home, we can buy it for cash.  We’ll even pay £1,500 towards your legal fees.

Sell with certainty & speed

Auctions

Auctions provide a great balance between speed and price.  But auction properties come with a stigma as almost all of them are perceived to be problematic.  The auction sale can take up to 3 months to conclude, and while this is quicker than an estate agent, it is not ideal if you need to sell within a couple of weeks.

To maximise your chances of selling in an auction, you’d have to put in a very low guide price.  You could end up giving away the property as the reserve price can’t exceed 10% of the guide price.

Auctions mean uncertainty as in a Modern Method of Auction, the buyers don’t exchange contracts and pay a reservation fee instead.

Cash Offers Through A Property Buying Company
Unrepaired Airey homes are typically not offered as mortgageable property, so cash buyers are the only option.

Cash buyers

Auctions are usually attended by cash buyers and experienced developers. These buyers are not discouraged by a non-standard construction build. Investors and developers attend auctions hoping to find a project with the potential for a good return on investment.

Unrepaired Airey homes are typically not offered as mortgageable property, so cash buyers are the only option.

Why risk it with an auction when you can sell now?

Selling a Repaired Airey House: What You Need to Know

Let us take the hassle out of selling your Airey house. We have a proven track record of achieving a quick sale, so you won’t have to wait around for long.

Contact Property Saviour today and find out how we can help you get the best possible price for your Airey house. We are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

auction hammer

Property Saviour Price Promise

  • The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
  • Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
  • These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
  • We are cash buyers.  There are no surveys.
  • We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
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We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees

  • No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
  • You are welcome to use your own solicitor. 
  • If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
  • We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale. 
Sell

Sell With Certainty & Speed

  • Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
  • 100% Discretion guaranteed. 
  • If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
  • Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you.  You are in control.

Sell with certainty & speed

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