Can Spray Foam Insulation Stop You Selling Your House?

You’re ready to sell. The loft is insulated, the paperwork’s in order — but then the surveyor flags a problem: spray foam.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In recent years, more and more UK homeowners have found that spray foam insulation — particularly in the loft — is causing sales to fall through, even in otherwise well-maintained properties.

So why is spray foam such a red flag when it comes to selling a home?

Why Surveyors Flag Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation, especially closed-cell foam, creates an airtight seal. That’s exactly the problem.

It covers the roof timbers so completely that a surveyor can’t check their condition properly — and without being able to assess the structural integrity, they’re forced to issue a caution.

From the lender’s point of view, this means risk. And in property sales, risk often leads to a no.

Common Scenarios We Hear

• “Our buyer pulled out after their mortgage lender refused.”
• “The survey came back with ‘spray foam present — requires removal.’”
• “We didn’t even know it was an issue until the valuation stage.”
• “We were told we’d need to remove it before proceeding.”

It’s not always about the condition of the foam — just the fact that it's there can be enough to stall or stop a sale.

Will Every Buyer Walk Away?

Not necessarily — but most will hesitate. Even cash buyers or investors may ask for a reduced price to cover removal costs.

And for buyers needing a mortgage or equity release, spray foam often leads to:

• Valuations being downgraded
• Surveyors requiring full removal
• Delays in the chain
• Sales collapsing entirely

Can It Be Fixed?

Yes — but not by patching or ignoring it.

At Snug & Secure, we specialise in removing spray foam insulation from loft spaces without damaging the roof. Our process includes:

• Careful manual removal
• A clean, breathable re-insulation system
• Before-and-after photos
• A certificate of removal (important for future buyers and surveyors)

You can read more here about how it works.

When to Act

If you’re even thinking about selling in the next few years, it’s worth getting your insulation assessed early.

Spray foam removal is best done before the sale is agreed, not in the middle of a chain. It avoids panic, rushed decisions, and renegotiations down the line.

Final Thoughts

Spray foam insulation can stop a house sale in its tracks — but it doesn’t have to.

Removing it properly and re-insulating with breathable material makes your home easier to sell, less stressful to market, and more attractive to lenders and buyers alike.

Need help or just want an honest opinion? Get in touch for a no-pressure quote, or explore our blog for more straightforward advice.