29 October 2025
Newer appliances? Tick. Less need for renovation? Tick. No messy chain to navigate? Double tick! It’s no surprise so many first-time buyers like the idea of a shiny New Build.
Our October 2025 research shows that 44% of aspiring first-time buyers would prefer a New Build when they come to buy, compared to just 30% who preferred an older property. Over half (53%) say they would prefer to buy a New Build as it comes with modern fittings and appliances, while 31% would like a chain-free purchase.
With 62% of the people expecting to get onto the property ladder in the next two years – and 59% planning to use a mortgage broker – this could mean a strong pipeline of potential clients coming your way.
But you’ll know better than anyone that this creates challenges too.
We’re here to make things easier for you
At Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries, our priority is helping brokers like you turn first-time buyers’ home ownership aspirations into reality. We’re here to stop you feeling bogged down by New Build blockers. So you could Skip to getting a YES on even more 95% LTV applications.
Innovative options
Our survey also found 52% of aspiring homeowners believe New Builds in their area aren’t affordable. 35% of first-time buyers add that saving for a deposit is their biggest challenge.
We’ve developed solutions to help your client unlock the door to their first home. This includes our Track Record mortgages, where a client with a track record of paying rent could get a mortgage with little to no deposit. Meanwhile our Income Booster mortgages let your client add up to three extra people onto a mortgage to boost affordability, without making them a legal owner of the property.
If your client is struggling to build a large deposit, we may have the answer.
Both Track Record and Income Booster options are subject to eligibility and lending criteria.
Flexible New Build policy
We’ve listened to brokers like you and the challenges your clients face, and we’ve made our New Build policy more supportive of different circumstances.
For example:
- We accept applications up to 95% LTV for New Build houses and flats.
- Our 9-month offers come as standard, with a 3-month extension available (subject to up-to-date documents and re-score).
- We support Visa applicants with 90% LTV.
Our best advice: speak to your local Skipton BDM to discuss your client’s particular circumstances – we’ll help you explore what’s possible.
Friendly service
Our BDMs have direct access to underwriters who take a flexible, common-sense approach.
To help you move cases quickly, we offer desktop valuations. We could also provide off-plan valuations, with no charge for a property valuation for mortgage purposes on New Builds worth less than £1.5 million.
A yes on Deposit Unlock schemes
If your client wants to take advantage of a Deposit Unlock scheme, we accept up to 5% incentives on New Build houses and flats, up to 90% LTV.
If the LTV is above 90%, the maximum incentive we accept is 2%.
Fee-free mortgages
There are no application fees for your client to pay on all our products. And no completion fees on selected products. So that’s less of a financial commitment for your client during an expensive enough time.
Skip to getting a YES on even more of your 95% LTV applications
Demand for New Build houses is high – our research found 60% of aspiring homeowners are concerned there aren't enough New Build properties being constructed to meet demand in their area. So if your client does find their dream New Build, why not start a conversation with a lender who listens?
Let’s work together to see if we can turn your client’s New Build aspiration into their new home.
