Are Timber Framed Houses Difficult to Sell?

Timber framed houses have been around for centuries in Britain. Some of our most picturesque cottages and listed buildings were built this way, and many are still standing strong today. 

But when it comes to the modern property market, the question often comes up: are timber framed houses difficult to sell?

We’ll walk you through what a timber framed house is, how to tell if a house is timber framed and the pros and cons of selling one. We’ll also look at what buyers think, what lenders consider and how to get the best result if you own one and want to move on.

What is a timber framed house?

A timber framed house is exactly what it sounds like: a house with a structural frame made of wood rather than brick or concrete. The timber frame is the ‘skeleton’ of the building, and filled in with other materials like brick or stone.

Timber framing has a long history in the UK. Those beautiful Tudor houses with their exposed beams – that’s timber framing right there. They can be more modern too though: many post-war homes and modern eco-friendly designs also use timber frames, sometimes hidden behind brickwork or render.

New builds are increasingly timber framed too. According to the National House Building Council (NHBC), timber frame homes accounted for 19% of the market in 2015, rising to 22% by 2021.

How to tell if a house is timber framed

If you’re unsure whether a property is timber framed, there are a few signs you can look out for. In older homes, you may notice exposed wooden beams either inside or outside the building. Another simple test is to tap the walls. That’s because timber framed houses often give a hollow sound compared to the solid feel of brick.

You can also check building records, as local authorities or an EPC will usually note the construction type. For the most reliable confirmation, a professional survey is the best option, as it will clearly identify the house’s structure. Because many modern timber framed houses are clad in brick, they can be tricky to spot without this kind of check.

Why timber framed homes raise questions

Timber is a durable natural material, but buyers often worry about things like rot, pests or fire risk. Mortgage lenders sometimes add extra conditions when financing timber framed homes, especially older ones. All of this can add up to uncertainty, which is why people sometimes assume these homes are difficult to sell.

But the truth isn’t quite so simple. The market for timber framed homes depends on their age, condition and location.

The appeal of timber framed houses

Timber framed houses come with plenty of positives that can attract buyers. Timber framed houses can be:

• Energy efficient, with good insulation and lower heating costs
• Eco-friendly, as timber is a renewable material
• Full of charm and character, especially in older homes
• Quick to build, making them popular for modern developments

These are all strong selling points, and they’re worth highlighting if you’re marketing your property.

The downsides buyers may worry about

On the other hand, there are some concerns that can slow down a sale. Buyers may see timber framed houses as:

• Prone to maintenance issues such as damp or rot
• Vulnerable to pests like woodworm
• A higher fire risk compared to brick
• Sometimes restricted by mortgage lenders, especially on older homes

The perception of risk is often bigger than the reality, but perception alone can affect how quickly a property sells.

Are timber framed houses difficult to sell?

The short answer is: sometimes.

If the house is well maintained, in a desirable area and relatively modern, selling a timber framed house isn’t usually much harder than selling any other type of property. Buyers increasingly value eco-friendly homes, and timber framing has a good reputation in modern builds.

But if the property is older, hasn’t been well looked after or is in an area where buyers are cautious, it can take longer. 

The main hurdle tends to be finance. Some lenders impose stricter conditions or higher interest rates, which can reduce the pool of buyers.

How lenders view timber framed houses

Mortgage lenders play a big role in how easy it is to sell. Generally speaking:

• Post-1970s timber framed houses are usually accepted by most lenders, as building regulations improved significantly by then.
• Pre-1960s timber framed houses, especially those with exposed wood, may face more scrutiny.
• Houses that combine timber framing with other ‘non-standard construction’ methods (like concrete panels) can be trickier to mortgage.

However, remember that cash buyers often don’t face these barriers, so that can speed things up.

How to improve the chances of selling a timber framed house

If you’re preparing to sell a timber framed home, a few practical steps can make a big difference:

• Get a survey done to reassure buyers and lenders
• Fix maintenance issues such as damp, rot or cosmetic problems
• Highlight positives like energy efficiency, eco credentials and charm
• Provide documentation about construction, repairs or treatments

The more information you provide upfront, the less chance buyers have to worry.

Location makes a difference

In some parts of the UK, timber framing is common and accepted, while in others it’s rarer and viewed with more caution. 

For example, parts of Scotland and Wales have a stronger tradition of timber construction. In rural areas, period timber framed cottages are often sought after, while in cities, modern timber framed flats may face stiffer competition.

Is there a fast way to sell timber framed houses?

For those who want to sell quickly, using a cash buyer can be the simplest route. 

Because cash buyers don’t rely on mortgages, they’re not held back by lender restrictions on timber framed properties. That means a sale can often complete in days rather than months, with none of the usual delays caused by surveys or finance checks.

Sell your timber framed house with confidence

Selling a house built with a timber frame doesn’t need to be a headache. 

At Sell House Fast, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the UK, including those with timber framed, non-standard or quirky homes that the open market can struggle with. We buy any house, flat, bungalow – and indeed any timber-framed house.

With us, you’ll benefit from:

• A personalised service tailored to your circumstances.
• A transparent process with no hidden fees.
• Speed and certainty, with often completing in a matter of days
• Our experience and knowledge, meaning we handle timber framed homes with ease.

When you’re ready to sell your timber framed house, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation cash offer. With Sell House Fast there are no chains, no waiting, no stress. Just your sale, your way.