Can You Get a Mortgage on a House with Spray Foam Insulation?

If you're in the process of buying a house and the surveyor has flagged spray foam insulation in the loft, you're probably wondering: can I still get a mortgage?

This is a growing issue across the UK. Spray foam — once sold as a cutting-edge energy solution — is now causing real problems with mortgage approvals. And many buyers are being caught off guard.

Here’s what you need to know, and what steps to take if the house you want has spray foam in the roof.

Why Spray Foam Is a Problem for Lenders

The key issue is that spray foam makes it difficult — or impossible — for surveyors to inspect the condition of the roof structure. Since the foam is applied directly to the timbers, any hidden rot, moisture, or damage can’t be properly assessed.

That means unknown risk — and lenders don't like risk.

As a result, many banks and building societies have introduced strict policies:

• Full removal may be required before approval
• Surveys may be marked “unsatisfactory”
• Some lenders will automatically decline mortgage applications if spray foam is present

Does It Matter What Type of Foam Was Used?

Yes — but unfortunately, surveyors often can’t tell from a visual inspection.

• Open-cell foam is softer and slightly more breathable
• Closed-cell foam is denser, airtight, and the most problematic

Unless the seller has documentation showing exactly what was installed — including manufacturer details and certificates — most surveyors treat the insulation as a risk regardless of type.

Can You Still Get a Mortgage?

Sometimes — but not always. It depends on:

• The lender’s individual policy
• What the surveyor reports
• Whether the roof is accessible and dry
• If the spray foam was professionally installed with full paperwork

In reality, most buyers end up needing to either:

• Negotiate spray foam removal before exchange
• Choose a different property
• Proceed in cash (if mortgage is denied)

What If You Already Own the Home?

If you're remortgaging or applying for equity release, spray foam can still be an issue. Many lenders now ask specifically about insulation types — and you may be required to remove it before a new loan is approved.

We’ve worked with many homeowners in this exact position. You can learn more about our removal process here.

What’s the Solution?

Removing the spray foam is often the simplest way to move forward — especially if:

• You're already mid-sale or mortgage process
• The buyer has pulled out due to survey concerns
• You want to future-proof the home before putting it on the market

At Snug & Secure, we specialise in removing spray foam without damaging the roof. We also provide:

• Before-and-after photo evidence
• A certificate of removal
• Re-insulation using breathable materials that meet modern standards

Final Thoughts

Spray foam insulation can absolutely stop a mortgage in its tracks — but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

If you act early and remove it properly, most homes can be made mortgage-ready again quickly. Contact us if you're unsure where you stand, or check out our blog for more advice like this.