AMI Chief Executive Robert Sinclair recently appeared on the Radio 4 show Money Box, to talk about spray foam and the implications on mortgages (00:23-13:53).

We are aware, at present, the majority of lenders will decline a property where spray form is installed (we understand there are currently no lifetime mortgages lenders that will lend on a property with spray foam installed). Often this is because there is no way for surveyors to know if spray foam has been installed correctly, without removing it (which is likely to incur further expense and could cause damage).

During the show, Robert urged caution to consumers in using this solution because of the risks of a property becoming unmortgageable. We feel it’s also important for brokers to help educate customers on the issues and risks.

We understand relevant bodies are in talks to develop protocols to try and move the situation forward.