Missing building control and completion certificates on conversion remortgage?
Hi all, I’m currently in the process of remortgaging a leasehold flat and have run into an issue following the lender’s valuation.
The property is an office-to-residential conversion (completed around 10 years ago) in a block of flats. The valuer has down-valued the property to £0, stating that they require a Structural Engineer or Building Surveyor’s report from the developer confirming the property’s suitability for residential conversion with regard to structure and condition
I have already checked with:
Managing agent
Freeholder
None of them holds any Building Regulations Completion Certificate, Final Certificate, or any structural sign-off documentation.
The original developer is now dissolved and cannot be contacted. There was only a new build warranty in place, and I am currently contacting the warranty provider and the local authority building control.
My questions:
Has anyone encountered a similar situation with missing building control/completion certificates on conversions?
If no certificate can be located, what is the best practical route forward?
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Phoebe
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Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3462 - Articles: 286
9:45 AM, 9th April 2026, About 6 months ago
Hi Phoebe,
Many conversions used private inspectors like:
NHBC
LABC Warranty
Premier Guarantee
Even if you only had a warranty, they may hold:
Final certificates
Structural sign-off
Inspection reports
Indemnity insurance from your solicitor may be an option but might not be accepted by the lender