The Cruden House

Cruden houses are a form of post-war non-traditional housing constructed between 1947 and 1950 by Cruden Houses Ltd. Around 3,000 units were built during a period of acute housing shortage, primarily in suburban and rural locations. These properties are also referred to as Cruden Brick-Clad or Cruden Rural houses.

They are generally two-storey semi-detached or terraced dwellings, typically finished with a medium pitch gable roof covered in interlocking concrete tiles. A flat or sloping canopy over the front entrance is a common identifying feature.

A typical Cruden house, showing the two-storey form, gable roof, and simple post-war detailing.

Cruden houses are formed around a steel frame incorporating cold rolled steel channel stanchions, beams, and perimeter ties. External walls are constructed using precast reinforced concrete blocks, often finished with harling or paint.

Internally, timber stud partitions are common, with floors formed from precast concrete slabs at ground level and timber boarding on joists supported by steel beams at first floor level. Insulation is generally glass-fibre quilt located between frame studs.

In practice, inspection priorities centre on the condition of the steel frame and its interaction with the surrounding concrete. Severe corrosion to stanchion bases and beam connections, particularly at first floor level, is a known issue in properties of this type.

Bowing of external wall panels, cracking to render, and spalling of concrete around window openings were all recognised risks associated with this form of construction and require careful assessment during inspection.

Purchasing a Cruden house requires an understanding of non-traditional construction and acceptance that defects are often concealed within the structure.

• Commission a full building survey by a surveyor experienced with PRC housing
• Pay close attention to any evidence of corrosion or concrete deterioration
• Be prepared for targeted repairs or further investigation where risks are identified

Mortgage availability for Cruden houses can be influenced by construction type, condition, and the findings of a professional survey. Lender attitudes may vary, particularly where evidence of structural deterioration is present.

Clear reporting, evidence of past repairs, and the absence of significant unresolved defects are commonly important factors in mortgage and resale decisions.

A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Cruden house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.

• Identify visible corrosion to steel stanchions and associated cracking or spalling of concrete
• Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
• Comment on roof coverings, drainage details, and the external envelope
• Review the general condition of accessible floors, ceilings, and structural elements
• Highlight defects requiring repair, monitoring, or further investigation

However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.

• Confirm the condition of concealed steelwork within concrete or wall panels
• Assess hidden structural elements behind finishes or linings
• Determine the full extent of internal corrosion or concrete carbonation
• 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.