Cambridge Building Society has reported a record year as mortgage lending rose sharply during its 175th anniversary.
The mutual said total mortgage lending reached £434 million in 2025, marking its highest level on record and a 42% increase on the previous year, as it helped more borrowers onto the housing ladder than at any point in its history.
Pre-tax profit came in at £10.8 million, while capital reserves stood at £141.3 million and liquidity assets at £356 million. The society also recorded 10% growth in its overall mortgage book.
Customer retention remained strong, with more than 70% of borrowers choosing to renew their mortgage with the lender as their existing deals expired. On the savings side, the society reported £58 million in net inflows, with 85% of accounts retained at maturity.
Customer satisfaction levels remained consistently high, with ratings above 90%.
MORTGAGE AND SAVINGS GROWTH
During the year, the society expanded its mortgage proposition, widening access for borrowers and refining its criteria to better reflect modern working patterns.
Changes included support for applicants without permanent UK residency, the removal of application fees, increased maximum loan sizes and enhancements to its digital mortgage switching process.
The savings range was also broadened, contributing to strong inflows and continued member retention.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Alongside its financial performance, the society increased its community activity, donating more than £175,000 to good causes — its highest annual total — and committing £1 million to Greater Cambridge Impact to support long-term regional initiatives.
Staff contributed 934 volunteering hours to community partners, focusing on projects linked to housing and local support services.
To mark its anniversary, the society also ran a coin design competition with local schools in partnership with The Royal Mint, with the winning design produced as a commemorative chocolate coin.
Peter Burrows, chief executive of The Cambridge, said: “Last year was a record-breaking year for The Cambridge, with exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, continued strong financial performance, and more money channelled to good causes in our community than ever before. It was a fitting way to celebrate our 175th anniversary.
“Our core purpose of helping people have a home has never been stronger. We achieved record mortgage lending of £434 million and more than 70% of our borrowers whose current deal was coming to an end chose to renew their mortgage with us, reflecting the trust our members place in the Society.
“Being a force for good remains at the heart of everything we do, and last year was no exception – with more than £175,000 donated to good causes and £1 million committed to Greater Cambridge Impact to tackle inequality in our city region over the next decade. We believe that there’s no better way to honour our 175-year legacy than by investing in the future.”
The results underline the continued resilience of mutual lenders, with strong retention and steady balance sheet growth supporting lending expansion despite wider market uncertainty.
