16/02/2026
The Mundic Problem…🤔
We have seen posts recently with some slightly misleading information regarding Mundic properties, which properties could be affected and even the validity of existing reports, so we thought it may be useful to anyone looking to buy a property in Cornwall to have those facts straightened out.
🧐 Mundic Concrete refers to early 20th-century concrete blocks in South West England containing degrading mining waste (pyrite/sulfur) as aggregate. This material can expand, crack, and structurally fail over time, often making affected properties difficult to mortgage. As a result, a specialist "mundic test" (concrete screening) is sometimes required by mortgage lenders when buying property in the region.
Homes potentially affected were built mainly between 1900 and 1950, with some use of affected materials up to the mid 1960s. Property built pre 1900, but with extensions added during that period can also be affected.
A stage 1 Mundic Test involves taking drilled samples from foundations, chimneys, and walls for laboratory analysis.
Approximately 5% of those properties tested are identified to be affected by Mundic and would be deemed not suitable for mortgage lending. However, if only found in part of the house (e.g., an extension), it may be possible to remove and replace the affected sections.
✅ A stage 1 Mundic test usually costs £500-£700, but if a test has been previously carried out the report can often be re-assigned at a much lower cost. It’s always worth asking the selling estate agent about this before commissioning a new report.
✅ Mundic reports DON’T have an expiry date and even older reports from many years ago are usually acceptable to a lender providing that they are re-assigned by the firm that carried out the original inspection.
✅Key take away, if you’re buying a property in the South West built between 1900-1965, or one that has had an extension added during that period, you may be asked to obtain a Concrete Screening Report.
For more information or if you have any mortgage related queries on how Mundic could affect your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
📞 0800 772 3915
📧 [email protected]
⚠️ A mortgage is a loan secured against your home or property. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
