Darlington BS launches new high-LTV specialist mortgage products 

Darlington Building Society has announced a series of rate reductions of up to 0.35% across its residential mortgage range, alongside the launch of new fixed rate options at 90% and 95% LTV for specialist and visa applicants. 

Across the Society's standard residential range, two-year fixed rates have reduced to 5.19% at 90% LTV and 5.39% at 95% LTV, with five-year fixes down to 4.94% and 5.14% respectively.

The new specialist/visa range includes two-year fixed rates from 5.59% at 90% LTV and 5.89% at 95% LTV, with existing five-year fixes reducing to 5.39% at 90% LTV and 5.69% at 95% LTV.

These products are well-suited to clients with non-standard circumstances, including those with limited UK credit history, smaller deposits, or a need to borrow later in life. The latest changes are designed to support brokers working with first-time buyers, the self-employed, and clients seeking borrowing in or into retirement, including joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) cases.

Darlington lends up to six times loan-to-income on eligible applications, lending to foreign nationals with no minimum time in the UK or remaining on a visa, and using a credit search rather than a credit score to inform decisions. The Society also accepts discount market value purchases and new builds, and offers interest-only borrowing into retirement, with a maximum age of 86 at the end of the mortgage term.

Christopher Blewitt (pictured), head of mortgage distribution at Darlington Building Society, said: “The market remains challenging for brokers, particularly when working with clients who have smaller deposits or non-standard income. With affordability still under pressure, we know how important it is to offer competitive options that reflect the realities advisers and their customers are facing.

“By reducing rates, we’re aiming to give brokers a wider choice of solutions across both standard and specialist lending. That includes cases involving foreign nationals, interest-only into retirement, and purchases at a discount to market value.

“We continue to take a flexible, common-sense approach to underwriting and remain focused on helping brokers place cases that may fall outside the scope of more rigid lending models.”