Nationwide is set to increase maximum loan-to-value on new build houses to 95% LTV, including for first-time buyers.
Nationwide has issued a massive mortgage change with millions set to benefit. Nationwide is set to increase maximum loan-to-value on new build houses to 95% LTV, including for first-time buyers.
Nationwide is the largest lender to offer up to 6 times’ income, and 95% LTV on new build houses via Helping Hand scheme. Its maximum LTV on new build flats to be increased to 85% LTV.
The mortgage offers on new builds will be extended to nine months – providing more certainty and flexibility for borrowers. Nationwide has also called for an increase to the limit on high loan-to-income lending to help 10k more first-time buyers.
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Helping Hand has supported more than 57,000 customers since its launch in 2021 and has proven even more popular recently, with more than 26,000 customers using Helping Hand between April 2024 and March 2025.
Nationwide will also be increasing the maximum loan-to-value available for applications involving new build flats to 85 per cent. Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s Director of Home, said: “A strong housebuilding sector drives growth, and as the UK’s biggest building society, we’re backing it with a trio of positive changes.
“Not only are we increasing lending up to 95 per cent LTV on new build properties, but we are also offering first time buyers the ability to borrow up to six times’ income through our Helping Hand proposition on new builds.
“In addition, we’re extending our mortgage offers to nine months – recognising the construction delay that can occur with new build properties and giving greater peace of mind to applicants.
“These changes have the potential to meet the strong first-time buyer demand for new builds that has gone unmet since the end of Help to Buy, whilst also stimulating the construction sector to build more homes with the confidence that buyers can get a mortgage on them.
“However, without a review of the high loan to income limit, this potentially significant change for first-time buyers, the construction sector and growth more broadly, will be constrained in terms of impact.”
Adrian MacDiarmid, of Barratt Redrow plc said: “Nationwide Building Society has, for many years, been a valued, trusted partner of Barratt Redrow in supporting our customers who aspire to homeownership.
“These latest changes are a testament to their commitment to the market, and we believe will help more buyers on this journey. Improving affordability and access to home ownership helps underpin housebuilders’ confidence to invest in order to deliver the homes that this country needs.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Nationwide Building Society to support our mutual customers.”
Ceri Pearce, UK Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey said: “Nationwide’s latest mortgage enhancements are a welcome step at a time when desire for home ownership is strong but affordability continues to challenge some customers – especially first time buyers.
“The increase in the maximum loan to value on new build houses to 95 per cent will make it easier for buyers to secure a mortgage with a smaller deposit, and the extension of mortgage offers to nine months will give borrowers greater certainty and flexibility during the construction process.
“These changes reflect a strong commitment to supporting the housing market and responding to the underlying demand for new homes.”
