Paradigm secures exclusive distribution partnership with Ecology

Paradigm has become the first mortgage club distributor to add Ecology Building Society to its lender panel.

The new partnership provides Paradigm member firms with exclusive access to Ecology’s range of residential, community and buy-to-let mortgage products, all designed to support borrowers whose properties or projects have a positive environmental or social impact.

Ecology specialises in mortgage lending for sustainable projects, including energy-efficient self-builds, eco-renovations, conversions, and retrofits. 

Its mission-driven approach means it can support a diverse range of borrowers and properties, from those building to Passivhaus standards, to buyers of non-standard construction homes, live/work units, or properties with agricultural ties. Ecology also supports community-led housing, including housing co-operatives and co-housing schemes.

Ecology uses a bespoke, case-by-case underwriting approach, which it says is particularly useful for advisers working with borrowers who are undertaking non-standard or complex projects. Its lending is UK-wide, including rural and remote locations.

The Society also offers a C-Change incentive which rewards borrowers with discounted mortgage rates based on improvements they make to the energy efficiency of their property. The more they cut their carbon footprint, the greater the discount. 

Richard Howes, director of mortgages at Paradigm, commented: “We’re very pleased to be the first mortgage club distributor to add Ecology Building Society to our lender panel. Their commitment to financing greener, more sustainable housing is both unique and incredibly relevant in today’s market, where many clients are choosing to renovate or build with the environment in mind. Their flexible, bespoke underwriting and deep understanding of sustainable housing means they can support a wide range of projects that other lenders may struggle to consider. We know this will be a valuable addition for our member firms and look forward to working with the team at Ecology to help bring more sustainable homes to life.”

Daniel Capstick, senior mortgages product and proposition manager at Ecology Building Society, said: “We’re very glad to be joining Paradigm’s panel, which will support our ambitions to grow the reach and impact of our green mortgage lending. As more people look to live more sustainably and bring down their carbon footprint, we know brokers can help us to reach a wider audience. We’re excited to share our knowledge to support Paradigm brokers and their clients, including for specialist projects, complex cases and builds using non-standard construction.”