A home of non-standard construction is one that isn't made from bricks and mortar. Such buildings come with considerations that don't apply to standard homes, especially when buying and selling.

The definition of "non-standard construction" is simple but broad. A non-standard construction could be any one of the following – or something else entirely:

• A post-war prefab
• A thatched property
• A high-value home
• A home with a steel or timber frame
• A listed building
• A home in an area that's vulnerable to flooding

In terms of materials, a non-standard construction could have glass, concrete, wooden or metal walls. It could have a steel, iron or wooden frame. It might have a roof made of asphalt, concrete, steel, iron, or timber. Or it might be topped with shingles, thatches or Stramit strawboard.

People buy non-standard constructions for all sorts of reasons. It could come from a desire to live in an eco home, to carry out a renovation project or simply because they like the look of it. However, the buying and selling process has some quirks that need to be taken into account.

What do you need to consider when buying a home of non-standard construction?

Perhaps the biggest consideration when buying a home of non-standard construction is how lenders view the property. You'll probably need to get a special mortgage and may have trouble selling it down the line.

Mortgage lenders will want to know that the property will hold its value over time and that they'll be able to recoup their losses through a future sale. With homes of non-standard construction, this isn't guaranteed.

On top of this, homes of non-standard construction come with costs that brick-and-mortar buildings lack: costs relating to insurance, for instance, and repairs.

In many cases, insurers will have special terms and conditions for homes of non-standard construction. This could be reflected in a higher premium. This is out of self-protection: if your concrete starts to crumble or your log cabin catches fire, your insurer's payouts will be high.

You should also consider the energy efficiency of the property. It could prove expensive or plain impossible to improve its energy rating.

What do you need to consider when selling a home of non-standard construction?

You've got yourself a mortgage and bought a home of non-standard construction. Congratulations! But remember that should you come to sell the property, your potential buyer will need to go through the process themselves.

Some lenders will pass on homes of non-standard construction. In the worst-case scenario, this can leave you with an unsellable property. However, this will depend on the area. If the property is located in a place where non-standard homes are common – a row of prefabs, say, or an affluent area with several listed buildings – then this shouldn't be as much of an obstacle.

What kind of surveys will you need?

If the property you're interested in buying is made from non-standard materials, it can be wise to get a Home Survey Level 3 carried out. This was formerly known as a "full structural survey".

This survey will provide you with a detailed report based on a thorough inspection of the property. It will include a technical report on the construction and condition of the building, details of any hidden risks, advice for your property lawyer, and any repairs that need doing.