Missing building control and completion certificates on conversion remortgage?

Missing building control and completion certificates on conversion remortgage?

Wooden blocks showing remortgage concept with home, bank, and finance icons.
12:01 AM, 9th April 2026, 14 hours ago 1

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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Comments

  • Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286

    9:45 AM, 9th April 2026, About 4 hours 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

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