This month saw Nationwide Building Society launch a range of self-funded 95% mortgages, its first since 2008. (That is to say the limited 95% loans offered recently have been insured and backed by the Government Help to Buy 2 scheme). 

In the past when lenders have launched 95% deals, you get the impression it’s for the headlines, rather than the actual lending. We have found that even the best customers in highly paid jobs have failed to pass the 95% score, and are offered a 90% deal instead.

Early signs however show that this doesn’t seem to be the case with Nationwide as Mortgage Required have submitted a number of successful 95% applications during September.

The products start at 3.99% which is extremely competitive and first-time buyers also receive £500 cashback when they move.

The lender says it has earmarked an additional £1bn in lending for the range over the next year, which firmly endorses their willingness to lend at this level.

Nationwide join The Principality, Santander, TSB, Woolwich, Clydesdale, Virgin, Accord and Halifax in this sector which shows lender confidence returning to the riskier end of the lending mortgage market.

For more information contact us or call 01628 507477 to speak to a mortgage adviser.

Recent posts

In September 2026, they extended this to a wider range for those moving home. Eligible homeowners looking to purchase their next property can access the delayed start mortgage, which could help with the overlap between properties, solicitor, removal, and repair costs.

Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.

Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.

A mortgage ‘stress test’ revolves around predicting future ‘affordability’. It is seen by many borrowers as just another hurdle to overcome, but it’s important to understand why it was introduced and who it is meant to protect.

There are several scenarios for a landlord where standard buy-to-let lending isn’t enough for their investment. For more complex properties, ownership structures, or borrowing circumstances, a specialist buy-to-let mortgage may provide options that are not available through mainstream lenders.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced a new measure to protect leaseholders in England and Wales from high fees and poorly regulated property management companies.

Saturday 26th September, Andy Burnham announced a new equity loan scheme called “Your First Home”. The scheme, which will be confirmed at next month’s budget, is aimed at first-time buyers looking to purchase a new-build property from a developer signed up to the scheme.

Losing your job or finding yourself ‘between jobs’ is, unsurprisingly, a stressful place to be. Keeping a cool head and taking action is important.

This price gap between the cost of houses and flats is the biggest it has ever been. Houses are now costing 1.7 times more than a flat, which is 0.4 times higher than 10 years ago

Take a look at our list of houses vs. flats per area.