Skipton Building Society has outlined a series of measures designed to help brokers and their clients navigate the new-build market, as research shows growing appetite among first-time buyers for modern homes.
A survey of 1,000 aspiring homeowners commissioned by Skipton as part of its ‘SKIPto’ campaign found that 44% are now actively considering new-build properties, compared with 30% looking at older homes. Buyers cited modern design and conveniences (53%), energy efficiency (37%), and the appeal of chain-free transactions (31%) as key reasons for preferring new-builds.
However, affordability remains a major concern. More than half (52%) of respondents said new-builds in their area were not affordable, while 60% worried about a lack of supply. Saving for a deposit was highlighted by 35% of first-time buyers as their biggest obstacle to homeownership.
Skipton, which has long focused on helping first-time buyers overcome such barriers, offers several products aimed at supporting new-build purchasers. Its Track Record Mortgage, available for both new-build houses and flats, provides up to 100% loan-to-value for renters who can demonstrate a consistent 12-month rental payment history within the past 18 months and have not owned a property for three years.
The lender also offers up to 95% loan-to-value for buyers who have managed to save a deposit.
The society has tailored its offer to reflect the longer timelines typical of new-build completions, with nine-month mortgage offers as standard and the option of a three-month extension, subject to updated documentation and re-assessment.
Skipton also supports visa applicants up to 90% loan-to-value, provides off-plan valuations at no charge for properties under £1.5 million, and charges no application fees across its range, with some products also carrying no completion fee.
Jonathan Evans, new build lead at Skipton Building Society, said: “Our aim is simple… to be transparent, reliable and provide mortgage options that make sense. We know that affordability and deposit barriers are real concerns for many first-time buyers, especially in the new-build market.
“That’s why we’ve developed solutions like our Track Record Mortgage and 95% LTV products, to help renters and aspiring homeowners take that crucial first step.
“By listening to brokers and understanding the challenges their clients face, we’re building a proposition that’s not just competitive, but genuinely supportive.
“Our lending criteria is designed with brokers in mind, clear, flexible and built to help them place more cases with confidence.”
With 58% of aspiring buyers planning to use a mortgage broker, Skipton’s intermediary offering is intended to give advisers the flexibility and tools needed to help clients secure their first home.
Brokers can access product criteria, affordability calculators and submission tools via Skipton’s intermediary portal, as well as speak directly with business development managers for case-specific guidance.
The research also showed that 48% of prospective buyers plan to use a broker for help navigating the process, 46% want access to a broader range of options, and 41% are looking to save time. Many cited the need for tailored advice to handle more complex financial situations.
Skipton says its approach combines fairness and innovation, drawing on real-time data from across the Skipton Group — which includes the UK’s largest estate agency — as well as regular feedback from brokers to shape products that reflect market realities.
With 62% of respondents expecting to buy within the next two years, the society believes the time is right for solutions that address both affordability and accessibility in the new-build sector.
