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:
-
A functional kitchen – with at least a sink, worktop, and a place to cook.
-
A usable bathroom – including a toilet and running water.
-
Weatherproof structure – no major roof damage or damp.
-
Basic utilities – working electricity, water, and heating.
-
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
Yes, it is possible to secure a mortgage on a property with two kitchens although it really depends on the lender and their lending policy.
Mortgage lenders often worry that residential houses with two kitchens will be sublet and breach acceptance rules.
Some lenders will issue two kitchen property mortgages when they understand who will be living in the property and why they need two kitchens.
• You contact one of our consultants by calling 020 7016 0790 or complete our basic enquiry form or mortgage questionnaire for a more detailed initial response.
• You tell us what you are looking for, and we assess your mortgage and financial protection needs based on your monthly budget.
• We collect the necessary information and documentation that banks and building societies require.
• Based on the information provided, we offer you illustrations of the most suitable products for your specific circumstances.
• We then submit the application on your behalf to secure a mortgage offer as quickly as possible. This is once you have confirmed you are happy to proceed.
• We manage the application through to completion and liaise with all involved parties, including valuers, estate agents, and solicitors.
• Post-completion we are available for any questions. When you reach the end of your initial product, we are also able to discuss any further mortgage, will or financial protection product requirements.
As part of our ongoing service commitment, we will contact you at least four months before your fixed or tracker rate expires to ensure you avoid reverting to an expensive, standard variable rate.
Get started today
Speak to one of our mortgage experts. Book an appointment to come and see us or request one of our experts to call you.
