Yes, you can get a mortgage on a property with a flat roof. But a great deal hinges on the in-person inspection of the property.
As a lender, we depend on the mortgage valuation to determine if we can lend on a property.
A Surveyor visits the property and assesses its construction, location and condition –checking for problems that would prevent us from lending.
How do I know if the roof is flat?
It's incredibly hard to tell if a roof is actually flat from photographs. And most modern developments have a slight slope or sophisticated drainage systems.
Valuers are able to recognise buildings that would pose a problem almost immediately and will make their concerns clear in their valuation report.
If a property has a flat roof, but the construction, condition, and location look good, they'll let us know!
What are the (potential) problems with a flat roof?
Some problems that can be flagged with flat roofs include:
Water pooling which can lead to leaks, moss, and algae growth
Debris can gather and block drainage
Cracks and bubbles which can lead to leaks
Poor insulation leading to heat loss
Keep in mind that a damaged flat roof can be more expensive to repair than a pitched one.
As a buyer, keep potential maintenance and repair costs in mind when selecting a property.