Leeds Building Society has announced the launch of a new capability which improves the opportunity to own a greener home by changing the way it assesses mortgage applications on selected modern properties.

The upgraded affordability calculator for mortgage brokers takes into account the reduced monthly outgoings on utilities associated with newer, more energy efficient homes, meaning increased lending allowances for mortgage applicants.

The update gives customers improved affordability for homes built since 2020, and factors in the type of property a customer is seeking a mortgage for. The changes implemented by the Society aim to reduce the deposit hurdle many first-time buyers face. By reducing the amount that borrowers need to save up to get a foothold on the property ladder, the Society will allow customers to borrow more than they could on an equivalent, less energy efficient property.

Richard Rothwell, commercial development manager for Leeds Building Society, said: “This latest innovation is part of our ongoing work to support our members in reducing their carbon footprint. Housing is responsible for 16% of the UK’s total emissions, so it’s important as a lender that we play our part.

“Thanks to the changes we have made, we can help more customers get the greener home they want. For example, a customer seeking a residential mortgage up to 90% loan to value against a new build standard property valued at £225,000 could borrow £210k versus £199k on a non-new build property.”

Emma Harvey-Smith, programme director at the Green Finance Institute, added: “It is wonderful to see Leeds Building Society offering customers improved affordability on greener properties. To successfully decarbonise the UK’s housing stock we need to encourage more and more people to live in energy efficient homes. Incentives such as preferable mortgage rates for greener homes – combined with increasing consumer awareness – will be vital to boost demand.

“Mortgage lenders and intermediaries will play a key role in educating homeowners which is why the Green Finance Institute launched the Broker’s Handbook – a first-of-its-kind resource that provides key information on the different green home retrofit solutions and technologies available to consumers.”