Saffron expands 95% LTV offering in biggest ever criteria shake-up

The ‘Let’s get them home’ campaign marks the most significant update to criteria in the society’s history.

The criteria changes were developed to bring the society’s products and criteria in line with a post-pandemic world. The most considerable focus was on self-employed support – the society can potentially exclude the pandemic year from affordability for businesses who traded for more than a year post-2020/21 financial year. In addition, it included contractor support, including zero-hour contracts, a significant change to the society’s stance on ‘minor’ adverse credit, flexibility on the acreage of land and its use, and an update on annexes – something notably more important to homeowners in 2021.

The society has launched a new 95% LTV two-year fix at 2.77%, whilst rate reductions are included across current products at 90% and 95% LTV.

Additionally, Saffron is reducing rates across its range of self-employed and contractor mortgages and introducing a new 90% LTV fixed-rate.

Tony Hall, head of mortgage sales at Saffron, commented: “We don’t use the phrase common-sense lending loosely; it is part of our ethos at Saffron. We know that every applicant has their own story. Therefore, we have spent a long time perfecting our application process, making it easier, more efficient, and accessible for brokers to submit applications. Including the ability to submit bespoke and atypical information in support of applicants who might have a unique story we must understand.

“The introduction of a 95% LTV mortgage for existing homeowners is a healthy addition to our range when considering the current marketplace. The requirements for our homes are changing, with many now working from home and re-evaluating their living space. However, some may not quite have the equity in their home or the ability to save a large deposit to make that move. This product provides a solution to those clients and can get them home in early 2022 with some new reduced rates.

“At Saffron we are always improving products and looking for ways to ensure we have plenty on offer for broker’s clients - providing a wider choice when choosing a mortgage. Whether they are an existing homeowner, are looking for a greener alternative or a first-time buyer. We hope we can now provide brokers with the opportunity to get them in their new home as the new year breaks.”