Jim Bulmer
7 Jul 2026
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
If you are a developer or self-builder in the UK, you have probably come across both structural warranties and Professional Consultant Certificates. They are often mentioned in the same breath, and both provide a form of assurance that lenders and buyers need. But they are different products with different lender acceptance profiles, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.
Here is a plain guide to both.
WHAT IS A STRUCTURAL WARRANTY?
A structural warranty is a form of latent defects insurance. It provides 10 years of cover against structural defects that become apparent after a property is completed and handed over. The cover typically applies to the structural elements of the building: foundations, external walls, roofs, load-bearing floors, and similar components.
Structural warranties are issued by regulated providers and are accepted across the UK mortgage lending market. They are the default certification route that lenders expect for new residential developments. CertiBuild Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Acrisure Eleven Network Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 314593). CertiBuild Structural Warranties are available for developments anywhere in the UK.
WHAT IS A PCC?
A Professional Consultant Certificate is issued by a suitably qualified professional, typically an architect, engineer, or surveyor, who has inspected the build at key stages and can certify that the construction has been carried out to an acceptable standard.
PCCs are accepted by the majority of mainstream mortgage lenders, but not all. Most lenders also impose conditions: PCCs are generally only accepted for smaller schemes and lower-risk new builds, and maximum unit limits apply. For larger or more complex developments, lenders will typically require a full structural warranty instead.
CertiBuild issues PCCs following a physical property inspection. This means Certibuild PCCs are currently available only within CertiBuild's local inspection area: YO, HU, HG, LS, DN, and LN postcode areas.
HOW DO THEY DIFFER IN PRACTICE?
Lender acceptance. Structural warranties are accepted across the full UK mortgage lending market. PCCs are accepted by the majority of mainstream lenders, but with conditions around scheme type and size. For any development where lender acceptance could be marginal, a structural warranty is the lower-risk route.
Geography. CertiBuild Structural Warranties are available nationally. CertiBuild PCCs are available locally.
Scope of development. Structural warranties are appropriate for a wider range of development types and scales. PCCs work well for individual properties or smaller schemes where a professional has been involved throughout the build.
Cost and speed. PCCs are generally more cost-effective and can be quicker to arrange. For local developers working on smaller schemes within CertiBuild's inspection area where lender acceptance of a PCC is confirmed, a PCC is often the most practical route.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If your development is outside the YO, HU, HG, LS, DN, or LN postcode areas, a structural warranty is the route to go. It is available nationally and is accepted by lenders across the market.
If your development is within those postcode areas and you are working on a smaller scheme, it is worth considering whether a PCC is the more cost-effective option, provided your lender accepts it. Always confirm lender acceptance directly before proceeding.
In some cases, the lender's specific requirements will make the decision straightforward. In others, it is a judgment call. CertiBuild can advise on both products and will give you a straight answer on which route makes more sense for your specific project.
Get in touch to discuss your options