Spray foam, mortgages and equity release

Why lenders say no

When foam covers the rafters, a valuer can't see the roof timbers. RICS guidance says a surveyor who finds spray foam may ask for a specialist report, and that report can change the valuation. Some lenders refuse outright. In March 2026, Homebuilding & Renovating reported that only about a quarter of mortgage lenders, and no equity release providers, would lend on a home with spray foam.

If your sale has stalled

1. Find out exactly what the lender wants. Ask the buyer's broker. Sometimes a specialist report is enough; often the lender wants the foam removed.
2. Book a survey quickly. Tell us your deadline when you call.
3. Agree who pays. Many sales are rescued with a small price reduction to cover removal.
4. Pass on the paperwork. Once the work's done, send our completion report to your solicitor or estate agent so it reaches the buyer's lender.

If you're remortgaging

A broker can tell you which lenders currently accept spray foam and on what terms. If none of the options suit you, removal opens up the whole market again.

Equity release

Equity release lenders are among the strictest. Some specialist lifetime mortgages have allowed release first, with the foam removed within a set time afterwards, so the released money can pay for the work. If you're in that position, tell us the deadline and we'll plan around it. Speak to a qualified equity release adviser about what's available now.

The paperwork that helps

• A completion report with before and after photos of the whole roof.
• Notes on the condition of the timbers.
• A waste transfer note showing legal disposal.
• Details of the new insulation, if fitted.