If your home in Essex has spray-foam insulation in the loft—whether open-cell or closed-cell—you could face serious financial consequences. Over 300,000 UK homes had spray foam installed under government schemes like the Green Homes Grant. Now, this “energy-saving upgrade” is being treated by many lenders as a structural defect.
If you’re trying to remortgage, sell your home, or access equity through lifetime mortgages, most lenders will refuse to proceed unless the spray foam is removed—even if you have the proper documentation.
Why Lenders Are Rejecting Spray Foam Properties
Case Study: Trapped in Braintree
Many of the UK’s top mortgage and equity release providers are now refusing to lend on homes with spray foam insulation in roof spaces. According to a survey by Today’s Conveyancer, lenders including Skipton, Co-operative Bank, Principality, TSB, and equity release firm Aviva confirmed they won’t approve applications involving spray foam unless it’s removed. (source)
Even those that do allow it—such as Metro Bank or Yorkshire Building Society—often impose restrictions, and approvals are highly unlikely without full roof visibility.
Why?
Spray foam hides structural issues. Lenders can’t inspect the roof properly.
Moisture retention and timber rot is a known risk if the insulation isn’t installed with exact control.
Documentation is rarely enough. Even with BBA or Kiwa certification, lenders frequently demand physical removal to progress lending.
Leading property solicitors and surveyors have echoed this stance, stating that up to a quarter of UK lenders now automatically reject homes with spray foam. (source)
Jim and Anna, from Braintree, had spray foam installed in 2022 through a government initiative. In 2024, they applied to remortgage for home improvements. Despite having all the correct documents, every lender declined their application unless the foam was fully removed. Their removal quote: over £3,300.
This story is not unusual—we’re hearing it repeatedly across Essex, from Chelmsford and Colchester to Brentwood and Clacton.
Why Equity Release Is Even Tougher
1. Collect any documentation you have
This includes BBA/Kiwa certificates, installer guarantees, before/after loft photos, and moisture reports. Keep them for reference—but understand that these documents rarely change lender decisions.
2. Budget for spray foam removal
Removal costs range from £3,000 to £10,000 depending on property size and roof condition. In some cases, partial roof replacement is required.
“Spray foam removal cost calculator”
3. Get expert advice from a local Essex specialist
If you’re trying to remortgage, sell, or release equity—speak to someone who understands the Essex market and lender expectations.
Contact Us Today
If you’re based in Essex or anywhere in the East of England and you’re facing mortgage or equity release issues due to spray foam insulation, we can help.
Phone: 07356 259292
Email: info@sprayfoamremovaladviceline.co.uk
We provide straightforward, practical advice from professionals who understand both the building and finance sectors.
Why Essex Properties Are Especially Vulnerable
Many homes across Essex—particularly older ones with timber framing—are more prone to moisture-related issues. Spray foam hides any problems from surveyors, making mortgage approval nearly impossible without a full removal.
Even newly built homes are being caught out if spray foam was added post-construction under green incentive schemes.
Final Thoughts
Spray-foam insulation has gone from being an energy-efficiency trend to a serious lending barrier. Whether you’re in Chelmsford, Basildon, Braintree or beyond, the result is the same:
Lenders are rejecting properties with spray foam in the roof—even if they’re otherwise in excellent condition.
If you’re planning to remortgage, downsize, or release equity, this could stop you in your tracks unless the insulation is removed first.