Thatched cottages are one of the most iconic types of British property. Full of character and charm, they attract buyers seeking a piece of history—and countryside tranquility. But when it comes to financing, thatched cottages come with unique challenges.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get a mortgage on a thatched roof home in 2025, what lenders care about, and how Willow can help you secure the funding you need.

❤️ Why Buyers Love Thatched Cottages

Thatched properties offer:

• Period charm and curb appeal
• Rural locations and scenic settings
• Historical or listed building status
• Long-term value for niche buyers

But they also come with:

• Higher insurance costs
• Specialist maintenance
• Roofing materials and skill shortages

All of which affect how lenders view risk.

💬 What Do Lenders Look for?

Mortgage lenders aren’t automatically opposed to thatched cottages—but they do apply more scrutiny.

They typically want to understand:

• Roof condition: When was it last re-thatched or repaired?
• Property type: Is it listed (Grade I, II*)?
• Construction method: Is it timber-framed or modernised?
• Location & resale value: Will future buyers be easy to find?
• Insurance arrangements: Can the property be fully covered?

🛡️ Insurance Is a Big Deal

Thatched homes are considered a greater fire risk than tiled or slate-roofed properties. Lenders will often:

• Require proof of insurance before releasing funds
• Expect fire safety precautions (e.g. spark arrestors, alarms)
• Insist that you use a specialist insurance provider

💡 Tip: Get insurance quotes early—it can delay or derail your mortgage if left too late.

🧱 Structural Surveys Are Essential

You’ll usually need a full structural survey (not just a basic valuation), especially if the property is:

• Listed or pre-1900
• Thatched with no recent maintenance
• Built with timber framing or other non-standard materials

This will assess:

• Roof depth and thickness
• Frame stability and moisture ingress
• General condition of the thatch

A clean report will give your lender confidence—and help you plan any needed repairs.

🛑 Some lenders may cap loan-to-value (LTV) at 60–75%, meaning you’ll need a larger deposit.

🧠 Should You Use a Broker?

Yes—especially when buying unique or non-standard property.

At Willow, we:

• Work with lenders who specialise in heritage homes
• Know which underwriters accept thatch
• Understand the nuances of listed buildings
• Can guide you on insurance and valuation prep

We’ve helped dozens of buyers finance everything from thatched cottages in Cornwall to country manors in Norfolk.

🔁 Remortgaging a Thatched Home?

It’s possible—but again, the condition and insurability of the roof are key. You’ll need:

• A recent valuation
• Full insurance documentation
• Evidence of maintenance history (e.g. last thatch or ridge work)

🧾 Key Documents You'll Need

To apply for a mortgage on a thatched cottage, have these ready:

• Structural survey report
• Proof of deposit
• Mortgage fact-find (income, assets, liabilities)
• EPC (if applicable)
• Buildings insurance quote (or policy)

Some lenders may also ask for:

• Planning permission records (if changes were made)
• Thatched roof maintenance history

🌟 Final Thoughts: It’s Not Impossible—Just Specialist

Thatched cottages require a little more effort—but with the right team, the right prep, and the right lender, you can absolutely secure a mortgage on your dream home.

Whether you’re buying your main residence or a holiday home in the countryside, Willow can guide you through the process.

📞 Want Help Navigating Today’s Market?

Book a free strategy call with one of our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help you find the smartest way forward—whatever rates do next.