Overview
The Buchan house is a rare form of post-war system-built housing constructed during 1945 and 1946. Manufactured by Johnston Bros. Ltd, only five examples were built, making this an exceptionally uncommon non-traditional property type.
Buchan Houses are steel-framed detached bungalows, typically arranged on an L-shaped plan and found in limited rural and suburban locations.
Typical characteristics & construction
Buchan houses are detached single-storey bungalows with a medium-pitched hipped roof finished in plain clay tiles. The layout is defined by an L-shaped plan, with the main entrance positioned within the internal corner beneath an extended roof forming a porch.
External walls are formed using paint harled or painted flat steel sheets fixed to timber framing, with plasterboard internal linings. Front elevation windows typically return around the corner, a distinctive identifying feature.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete strip footings with concrete upstand and DPC | Movement, cracking, DPC integrity |
| Frame | Steel frame with RSA stanchions, RSJ beams and RSA roof members | Corrosion, protective coating condition |
| External walls | Steel sheets on timber framing with plasterboard lining | Corrosion, damp ingress, lining condition |
| Roof | Timber purlins and boarding with felt and clay tiles | Tile condition, felt deterioration, moisture ingress |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The primary concern with Buchan houses is the long-term condition of the steel frame. Corrosion can occur where protective coatings have failed, particularly in damp or exposed locations.
Dampness presents a secondary risk. Failure of the damp-proof course or moisture penetration through steel wall panels can lead to deterioration of timber framing and plasterboard linings.
As with many properties of this era, asbestos-containing materials may be present and require careful management or specialist assessment.
Is this house right for you?
A Buchan house may appeal to purchasers who understand non-traditional steel construction and are prepared for ongoing inspection and maintenance responsibilities.
- Commission a full building survey
- Confirm the condition of the steel frame and coatings
- Assess insulation performance and upgrade potential
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage availability for Buchan houses depends on lender criteria and professional reporting. Clear identification of construction type and condition is essential.
Properties with documented maintenance and no unresolved structural or damp-related defects are generally more straightforward to assess.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Buchan house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible corrosion to steel frame components
- Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
- Comment on roof coverings, drainage details, and external envelope condition
- Review the general condition of accessible floors, ceilings, and structural elements
- Highlight defects that may require repair, monitoring, or further investigation
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- Confirm the condition of concealed steel members behind linings
- Assess hidden corrosion within wall or roof voids
- Determine the full extent of deterioration to concealed elements
- Inspect areas that are inaccessible or covered at the time of inspection
Where higher-risk indicators are identified, further specialist or intrusive investigation may be recommended.
For a thorough building survey in Greater London, an instant quotation can be obtained through the online survey calculator.
Considering a Buchan House?
A detailed building survey can help clarify construction-specific risks before committing to a purchase.
Get your instant survey quoteDisclaimer: This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is based on industry research, professional knowledge, and experience. It does not relate to any specific property and should not be relied upon when making a purchasing decision. Prospective purchasers should always commission an independent RICS-qualified surveyor to conduct a full inspection and provide a report on the actual condition of any property of interest.
