Many homeowners across the country are facing a significant challenge when trying to sell their homes: spray foam insulation. Once marketed as an energy-efficient solution, this type of insulation is now causing major issues, leaving homes unmortgageable. Without access to a mortgage, regular buyers can't proceed, and sellers find themselves stuck with a property they can’t easily sell. Fortunately, there is an alternative solution: auction.
For those unable or unwilling to pay the hefty fees required to remove spray foam insulation (which can be thousands), selling their home at auction provides an effective route forward. Since many buyers at auction are cash buyers, they do not rely on mortgages, bypassing the issue altogether. As a result, sellers can secure a buyer and complete a sale without the need to make expensive repairs.
It's estimated that around 300,000 homes across the UK have spray foam insulation installed. Many of these homeowners initially installed the insulation through government-backed schemes, only to later discover that it can cause serious structural and safety concerns. This insulation, commonly applied to roofs, walls, and floors, is now making many properties unsellable through traditional channels.
Reports from the Health and Safety Executive have raised alarms about the risks of spray foam insulation. For example, when applied directly to roof tiles or certain underlays, condensation can form, leading to timber decay. Over time, this can result in serious damage, with up to 25% of roof timber decaying within five years. In addition, there are concerns over fire safety, as polyurethane spray foam is highly combustible and can ignite rapidly in the event of a fire.
Despite these issues, spray foam insulation is still legal, and the industry remains unregulated. Homeowners are often left with no choice but to foot the bill for removal, which has cost some people over £6,000. Some companies that initially installed substandard insulation have now pivoted to offering expensive removal services.
However, if you're one of the thousands of homeowners in this situation, selling at auction could be a great solution. Auction sales typically complete within 28 days and attract many cash buyers, offering a quick and secure sale without the need for a mortgage. We regularly sell unmortgageable homes, and with our no sale, no fee guarantee, you can feel confident in exploring this option even if you've never tried auction before.
By opting for auction, you can avoid the lengthy delays and costly repairs associated with spray foam insulation and connect with buyers who are ready to make cash offers. It’s a viable and often overlooked solution for homeowners facing this increasingly common problem. For more information or a free valuation, contact us on 0141 339 4466, or email info@auctionhousescotland.com.
