Does a property need to have a working kitchen to get a mortgage?

Yes, a property generally must have a kitchen (or at least the ability to install one) to be eligible for a standard residential mortgage. 

Most banks and building societies do not want to provide a mortgage against a property they would struggle to sell if the owner defaulted on the mortgage repayments, and they need to repossess it.

Why a Kitchen Is Usually Required:

• Lender Requirements:
  Mortgage lenders typically require the property to be "habitable" or "mortgageable," which includes: A working kitchen. A bathroom with running water. Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating).

  • A retention (lender withholds some funds until work is done)

  • A mortgage decline, especially for standard residential mortgages

    Valuation report: When a lender sends a surveyor to inspect the property, they'll flag major issues — and no kitchen is a red flag that can cause:

• Exceptions (Specialist Cases):

  • If you're buying a property to renovate, you might qualify for a renovation mortgage, bridging loan, or self-build mortgage — but these often require a detailed plan and a higher deposit. 

What Mortgage Lenders Consider "Habitable"

For a standard residential mortgage, the property usually must have:

1. A functional kitchen – with at least a sink, worktop, and a place to cook.

2. A usable bathroom – including a toilet and running water.

3. Weatherproof structure – no major roof damage or damp.

4. Basic utilities – working electricity, water, and heating.

5. Secure access – doors and windows that can lock.

If the property is missing any of these, mainstream lenders may refuse a mortgage or issue a retention (hold back funds until work is done).

What are the options if there is no kitchen or if there is no working kitchen?

If you can access the property between exchange and completion, it may be possible to fix the kitchen, subject to the lender's minimum lending requirements. If the property is classed as uninhabitable, a bridging loan may be an option to buy it.

Once you have made the house habitable, you can take out a mortgage on the property and repay the bridge. Please be aware that taking a bridging loan can be stressful and expensive. You would need to complete the work in a timely manner, and if something happens to your credit, like multiple missed payments, you may struggle to remortgage.

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7016 0790 to secure a mortgage or bridging loan or book a consultation

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage