The Saffron Building Society has launched a new campaign – ‘Let’s get them home’ – which it claims marks the “most significant update to criteria” in its history.

It also has reduced rates across a selection of products and unveiled a new 95% LTV residential mortgage.

The mutual says the criteria changes were developed to bring the society’s products and criteria in line with a post-pandemic world. The most considerable focus was on self-employed support: the society can potentially exclude the pandemic year from affordability for businesses who traded for more than a year post-2020/21 financial year.

In addition, it included contractor support, including zero-hour contracts, a significant change to the society’s stance on ‘minor’ adverse credit, flexibility on the acreage of land and its use, and an update on annexes.

Tony Hall, head of mortgage sales at Saffron, said: “We don’t use the phrase common-sense lending loosely; it is part of our ethos at Saffron. We know that every applicant has their own story. Therefore, we have spent a long time perfecting our application process, making it easier, more efficient, and accessible for brokers to submit applications. Including the ability to submit bespoke and atypical information in support of applicants who might have a unique story we must understand.”

The society has launched a new 95% LTV product for broker’s clients who may have limited equity in their current home. It is launching as a two-year fixed rate at 2.77%. In addition, rate reductions are included across the current range.

Hall said: “The introduction of a 95% LTV mortgage for existing homeowners is a healthy addition to our range when considering the current marketplace. The requirements for our homes are changing, with many now working from home and re-evaluating their living space. However, some may not quite have the equity in their home or the ability to save a large deposit to make that move. This product provides a solution to those clients and can get them home in early 2022 with some new reduced rates.”

Meanwhile, the society has made a reduction in rates across the range of self-employed and contractor mortgages and also introduced a 90% LTV, fixed-rate mortgage.

First-time buyers also benefit from the campaign, as the society reduces rates across the 90% and 95% LTV, 2 and 5-year products. The society is still offering one two-year and one five-year with no arrangement fee, allowing clients to choose between a reduced rate or lower upfront costs. The Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor product also benefits from a rate reduction, allowing those struggling with affordability the opportunity to get on to the property ladder with family support.

Hall concluded: “At Saffron we are always improving products and looking for ways to ensure we have plenty on offer for broker’s clients – providing a wider choice when choosing a mortgage. Whether they are an existing homeowner, are looking for a greener alternative or a first-time buyer. We hope we can now provide brokers with the opportunity to get them in their new home as the new year breaks.”