MMC is as safe as houses, probably

1 February 2010

One of the most thought-provoking sessions came from our technical guru, who brought the team up-to-date on a variety of MMCs (Modern Methods of Construction) now in use throughout the UK. When subsequently explaining this to a client, the client jokingly asked whether the house Top Gear’s James May made out of Lego would qualify - and the truth is it could.

The principal of these methods is to speed up construction and reduce build times, something the government supports strongly due to the shortage of housing and the drive for greater energy efficiency.

Many lenders have yet to arrive at a lending policy for these types of homes, many of which are built off-site and assembled quickly but look identical to traditional property. There is also a scant track record to indicate the longevity of these constructions and questions remain as to whether they will be standing at the end of a mortgage.

I’ll risk suggesting that in most cases the answer is probably yes - I have an Anderson shelter in my garden that’s still going strong after 70 years.

However, buyers, professionals and mortgage lenders will need to become familiar with MMC as they form an increasing proportion of the housing stock. Only time will tell which are the more robust methods. In the meantime, caveat emptor.

RICHARD SEXTON
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
E.SURV