The Nottingham has announced that people applying for mortgages will no longer have a ‘hard’ footprint left on their credit file at the application and Decision in Principle (DIP) stage.

The mutual has introduced soft searches, via Experian, at the start of the process. It means a broker can apply for a DIP on behalf of their client safe in the knowledge that it won’t impact on credit rating until it is converted into a full mortgage application (FMA).

At FMA stage The Nottingham will then focus in on factors such as a customer’s income, financial circumstances, if mortgage payments are affordable now and in future and look more at credit history, as part of its policy of responsible lending.

Christie Cook (pictured), head of mortgage product, said: “The introduction of soft credit searches at application stage is really positive for brokers and their clients.

“A strong driver for me to come to The Nottingham was hearing about its dedication to reinventing how it does mortgages and this is another great example of that.

“What’s fantastic is that all this is just the start of an exciting year where there will be more initiatives and products announced, all which slot nicely into our ethos of listening to feedback from, and being built around, brokers.

“Most importantly of all the aim is to continue helping people put roofs over their heads – something The Nottingham has been proud to do for over 170 years and that I’m extremely proud to be part of now, too.”