Rightmove and Nationwide have launched a real-time digital tool that enables prospective homebuyers to check the mortgage eligibility of specific properties before arranging a viewing.
The “property lending check” assesses whether Nationwide would be likely to lend on a property based on key risk factors, such as flood exposure or short lease terms and provides potential buyers with instant insights into the mortgage viability of individual homes, well in advance of making an offer.
LENDING RISKS
Until now, buyers could use tools such as a Mortgage in Principle to estimate how much they might be able to borrow, but these assessments did not consider the lending risks associated with particular properties.
As a result, many buyers only discovered issues that could prevent them from securing finance after making an offer or progressing through the transaction process.
The lending check, integrated into Rightmove’s platform and powered by Nationwide, is designed to reduce uncertainty and improve buyer confidence early in the journey. It complements Rightmove’s existing affordability tools, including its Mortgage in Principle feature, which has seen a record number of users in early 2025.
STREAMLINE BUYING TIME
The feature also aims to streamline the broader home-buying timeline, which currently takes over five months on average to complete in the UK. By reducing time spent on unsuitable viewings and lowering the risk of failed transactions, the new tool is expected to benefit sellers and serious buyers alike.
REAL-TIME VIEW
Matt Smith, Rightmove’s head of mortgages, said: “This is the next step in our mission to digitise more of the UK property market – the ability to give home-movers a real-time view of whether they are likely to be able to get a mortgage on a specific property.
“Our ambition is to build digital solutions that make the home-buying process more efficient, giving buyers a better understanding of their affordability much earlier. This is a first rollout phase, and we’ll be making lots of enhancements to the property lending check over the coming months.”
SIMPLIFYING HOMEBUYING
Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s director of home, added: “We know that the homebuying process needs simplifying and streamlining and technology plays a crucial role in that.
“By working closely with Rightmove, we’ve already been able to introduce the successful Mortgage in Principle tool.
“However, we know that people who find a property listing they like are keen to know whether they’ll be able to get a mortgage on it. So, the launch of the property lending check feature is the natural next step.”
