Access Financial Services partners with StrideUp

Mortgage and protection brokerage Access FS has signed a new partnership with Islamic home finance provider StrideUp. The deal means that the former's advisers will refer cases relating to halal mortgages to the latter, with the aim of bringing flexible Shariah-compliant home ownership to more Muslim buyers. 

StrideUp is certified Shariah-compliant and interest-free, and is regulated by the FCA. The home finance provider purchases property in partnership with customers, with each party owning a share. The customer then buys StrideUp’s stake in the property over time, paying rent on the portion they do not yet own.

By gradually buying out StrideUp’s share of the property, at the end of the agreement, the customer owns the property outright - without ever paying interest.

Access FS advisers will refer cases to the provider, but cannot sell StrideUp’s products, which require Home Purchase Plan (HPPs) permissions.

Nick Jones, mortgage sales and marketing director at Access FS, said: "Some of our more experienced brokers have been seeing an increase in demand for ethical finance options from Muslim clients looking for Islamic home finance. We need to respond to that. Having recently signed up lenders Gatehouse Bank and Nomo, we’re now looking to offer more to this underserved part of the market and bolstering our proposition further with StrideUp.

"While their products are Sharia-certified by Amanah Advisors, unlike some other providers, StrideUp aren’t too expensive, too rigid or particularly limited in whom they serve. We are looking forward to referring clients for their halal mortgages."

Rizwan Ali, sales director of StrideUp, added: "We’re pleased to welcome Access FS to the StrideUp broker panel at a time when demand for faith-aligned financing is increasingly evident, with 76 per cent of British Muslims stating that it’s important their finance reflects their beliefs. With a large and rapidly growing broker network, Access FS will play an important role in improving access to these solutions in areas where provision remains limited.

"Through partnerships like this, StrideUp supports brokers in delivering owner-occupied and buy-to-let solutions, including HMOs and MUFBs, to a broad range of homebuyers and property investors. We look forward to working closely with the Access FS team as they continue to grow and expand their proposition."