Criteria A-Z

As we manually underwrite our mortgages we're much more flexible with our criteria than most. Using our common sense approach (and our ears!) means we can cater for a wide spectrum of solutions for your clients, no matter their circumstances.

Browse criteria by A-Z below or search criteria by keyword to find what you need.

Take a look at what we have to offer
Buy to Let Criteria
Maximum Aggregate Portfolio LTV (within group or lender)

Our standard acceptability

We do not lend to Portfolio Landlords

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we specify a maximum LTV of all properties owned by the applicants that are mortgaged to them or their group.

Our policy notes:

The Society doesn't usually lend on portfolios.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Maximum debt to income ratio

Our standard acceptability

No Maximum

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum potential debt to income (DTI) ratio we might accept for Buy to Let applications. For example, an applicant has outstanding unsecured debts of £26,000 and a salary of £40,000. Therefore their DTI is 65%.

Our policy notes:

The Society does not have a maximum debt to income ratio.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Maximum Ground Rent (as % of Property Value/Purchase Price)

Our standard acceptability

Fixed Amount (Not percentage based)

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we have a maximum threshold, and if so what it is, that the ground rent on a leasehold property cannot exceed measured against the property value on Buy to Let applications. For example, Applicant 'A' is purchasing a leasehold flat valued at £100,000 that has a ground rent payable annually of £100. This ground rent equates to 0.1% of the property value. Lender 'A' has no maximum threshold on ground rents and therefor Applicant 'A' is able to proceed with a mortgage application on this property.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider properties where the ground rent exceeds £250 outside Greater London or £1,000 inside Greater London.

Last updated:

02 September 2021

Maximum length of time of assured shorthold tenancy (AST)

Our standard acceptability

12

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum number of months we specify is required on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

Our policy notes:

The Society will normally expect ASTs to be for no more than 12 months.

Our outside policy allowances:

Potentially the Society could accept up to three years although ASTs above 12 months should be referred for agreement prior to submission of an application.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Maximum Loan Size (80% LTV)

Our standard acceptability

0

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum potential loan size we can consider lending at 80% loan to value or less. Be aware that this relates to the maximum and other factors may reduce this maximum such as property type etc.

Our policy notes:

The Society won't lend above 70% LTV on buy to lets

Last updated:

31 January 2018

Maximum Loan to Value (LTV)

Our standard acceptability

70

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum LTV we can consider for Buy to Let applications

Our policy notes:

The Society will lend up to 70% LTV.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Maximum LTV across the whole portfolio

Our standard acceptability

No Maximum

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we specify a maximum LTV of all properties owned by the applicants across their entire portfolio. This includes mortgages held with the lender and group and all other mortgages held with other lenders.

Our policy notes:

The Society has no maximum LTV across the rest of the portfolio. Only a maximum LTV that applies to the properties being brought to FBS which will vary. Please refer any enquiries.

Last updated:

03 August 2023

Maximum Mortgage Arrears in last 24 Months

Our standard acceptability

Not Acceptable

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially accept Buy to Let applications from an applicant who has mortgage arrears in the past 2 years and if so what is the maximum number of missed payments in the past 2 years that can be accepted.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with any mortgage arrears in the previous 24 months.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Maximum number of applicants allowed

Our standard acceptability

4

Criteria definition:

The maximum number of applicants able to go on a Buy to Let mortgage application.

Our policy notes:

We can consider applications for up to four applicants.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Maximum Number of CCJs (Satisfied)

Our standard acceptability

1

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with previously satisfied CCJs and if so what the maximum allowable number registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 previously satisfied CCJs in the past 6 years and Lender 'A' says the maximum number they will allow is 2 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total value and other adverse credit.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society can consider applicants with up to one satisfied CCJ.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Maximum Number of CCJs (Unsatisfied)

Our standard acceptability

0

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with unsatisfied CCJs and if so what the maximum allowable number registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 previously unsatisfied CCJs in the past 6 years and Lender 'A' says the maximum number they will allow is 2 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total value and other adverse credit.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with unsatisfied CCJs.

Last updated:

29 September 2023

Maximum Number of Defaults (Satisfied)

Our standard acceptability

1

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with previously satisfied Defaults and if so what the maximum allowable number registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 previously satisfied Defaults in the past 6 years and Lender 'A' says the maximum number they will allow is 2 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total value and other adverse credit.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society can consider applicants with up to 1 satisfied Defaults relating to a utility or communications supplier.

Last updated:

22 November 2019

Maximum Number of Defaults (Unsatisfied)

Our standard acceptability

0

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with unsatisfied Defaults and if so what the maximum allowable number registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 previously unsatisfied Defaults in the past 6 years and Lender 'A' says the maximum number they will allow is 2 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total value and other adverse credit.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with unsatisfied Defaults.

Last updated:

23 March 2023

Maximum number of rental properties MORTGAGED with ALL lenders

Our standard acceptability

No Maximum

Criteria definition:

Indicates if there is a maximum number of mortgaged Buy to Let properties and if so how many, an applicant can have in the background. 

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society has no maximum limit to the number of Buy to Let mortgages applicants hold with other lenders.

Last updated:

29 November 2018

Maximum number of storeys considered for lending on ex local authority flats

Our standard acceptability

Not Acceptable

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum number of stories we can consider when lending on ex local authority high rise flats.

Our policy notes:

We do not lend on ex-local authority flats/maisonettes.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Maximum number of storeys considered for lending on flats

Our standard acceptability

4

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum number of storeys we can consider when lending on high rise flats.

Our policy notes:

The maximum number of floors we can consider is four stories although we can consider flats in block with more stories but these must be referred to the Society individually prior to application submission.

Our outside policy allowances:

We can consider lending on properties above four stories but these need to be referred.

Last updated:

06 November 2018

Maximum number of students considered on one AST

Our standard acceptability

We do not accept student tenants

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum number of students we can consider on a single AST

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society does not accept students Lets

Last updated:

16 September 2020

Maximum number of tenants on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST)

Our standard acceptability

4

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum number of tenants permitted by us on a single Assured Shorthold Tenancy

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society can consider applications where there are no more than four tenants on the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Maximum Term (Years)

Our standard acceptability

40

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum term a Buy to Let mortgage can be taken over.

Our policy notes:

Our maximum term is 40 years. However, the actual maximum term is linked to the oldest applicant's age. Please refer to our website for more information.

Last updated:

03 May 2022

Maximum Unsecured Arrears in last 24 Months

Our standard acceptability

Not Acceptable

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially accept Buy to Let applications from an applicant who has unsecured arrears in the past 2 years and if so what is the maximum number of missed payments in the past 2 years that can be accepted.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with any unsecured arrears in the previous 24 months.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Maximum Value of CCJs (Satisfied)

Our standard acceptability

500

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with previously satisfied CCJs and if so what the maximum allowable value of all registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 previously satisfied CCJs in the past 6 years totaling £1,230 and Lender 'A' says the maximum value they will allow is £500 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total number registered and other adverse credit registered against the applicant.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society can consider applicants with satisfied CCJs up to a maximum value of £500.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Maximum Value of CCJs (Unsatisfied)

Our standard acceptability

0

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with unsatisfied CCJs and if so what the maximum allowable value of all registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 unsatisfied CCJs in the past 6 years totaling £1,230 and Lender 'A' says the maximum value they will allow is £500 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total number registered and other adverse credit registered against the applicant.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with unsatisfied CCJs.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Maximum Value of Defaults (Satisfied)

Our standard acceptability

500

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with previously satisfied Defaults and if so what the maximum allowable value of all registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 previously satisfied Defaults in the past 6 years totaling £1,230 and Lender 'A' says the maximum value they will allow is £500 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total number registered and other adverse credit registered against the applicant.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society can consider applicants with satisfied Defaults up to a maximum value of £500 relating to utilities or communications suppliers.

Last updated:

22 November 2019

Maximum Value of Defaults (Unsatisfied)

Our standard acceptability

0

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially consider Buy to Let applications from applicants with unsatisfied Defaults and if so what the maximum allowable value of all registered against an applicant is. For example, applicant 'A' has 3 unsatisfied Defaults in the past 6 years totaling £1,230 and Lender 'A' says the maximum value they will allow is £500 registered on the applicants credit file. Therefore applicant 'A' would be unable to apply for a mortgage with Lender 'A' at this time. Other factors may also be factored in such as (but no limited to) total number registered and other adverse credit registered against the applicant.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with unsatisfied Defaults.

Last updated:

23 March 2023

Minimum Income Requirement

Our standard acceptability

No Minimum

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we have a minimum income requirement for Buy to Let applications and if so what it is.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society has no minimum income requirement.

Last updated:

14 December 2018

Minimum Landlord Experience (in MONTHS)

Our standard acceptability

No Minimum

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we require a minimum amount of experience (IN MONTHS) when lending on Buy to Let applications

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society has no minimum experience requirement for applicants.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Minimum Length of Time Employed (in MONTHS)

Our standard acceptability

No Minimum

Criteria definition:

Specifies if there is a minimum number of months (if so how many) employed applicants must have been continuously employed on Buy to Let applications.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society has no minimum length of time applicants need to have been in continuous employment.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Minimum length of time of assured shorthold tenancy (AST)

Our standard acceptability

No Minimum

Criteria definition:

Indicates the minimum number of months we specify is required on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

Our policy notes:

The Society has no minimum period an assured shorthold tenancy agreement has to be set up for.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Minimum Loan Size

Our standard acceptability

45000

Criteria definition:

Indicates the minimum loan size (if there is one) that we accept for new applications.

Our policy notes:

Our minimum loan is £45,000

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Minimum Percentage of Properties under Private Ownership on Ex-Local Authority Blocks of Flats

Our standard acceptability

We do not lend on Ex Local Authority Flats

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially lend on a ex-local authority flat/apartments and if so is there a minimum percentage in the block that must be privately owned when assessing Buy to Let applications.

Our policy notes:

We do not lend on ex-local authority flats.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Minimum Property Value for standard Buy to Let lending

Our standard acceptability

120000

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we have a minimum property value they require for new Buy to Let applications.

Our policy notes:

Our minimum property value is £120,000.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Minimum remaining lease at application

Our standard acceptability

55

Criteria definition:

Indicates the minimum required lease remaining at date of application we can potentially accept. 

Our policy notes:

The Society requires 50 years unexpired at the end of the mortgage term. The minimum term is 5 years.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Minimum remaining lease at end of term

Our standard acceptability

50

Criteria definition:

Indicates the minimum required lease remaining at the end of the mortgage term we can potentially accept.

Our policy notes:

The Society requires an unexpired lease term of 50 years at the end of the mortgage term.

Last updated:

31 January 2018

Minimum Term (Years)

Our standard acceptability

5

Criteria definition:

Indicates the minimum term a Buy to Let mortgage can be taken over.

Our policy notes:

Our minimum term is 5 years.

Last updated:

31 May 2018

Months passed where Mortgage Arrears can be ignored

Our standard acceptability

No Mortgage Arrears Accepted

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially ignore mortgage arrears that are historic and if so at what point they can potentially be ignored when assessing Buy to Let mortgage applications.

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society will not consider applicants with any mortgage arrears on their credit file.

Last updated:

07 November 2019

Multi Unit Freehold (multiple properties on same title)

Our standard acceptability

Acceptable

Criteria definition:

Indicates if we can potentially lend on single title multi-unit properties

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society can potentially lend on 'Multi Unit Freehold' properties.

Last updated:

09 July 2021

Multi Unit Freehold Maximum Number of Flats

Our standard acceptability

3

Criteria definition:

Indicates the maximum number of units permitted on a single title multi unit property

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society does lend on 'Multi Unit Freehold' properties.

Last updated:

09 July 2021

Multi Unit Minimum Floor Area of each Unit Requirement (Sq Meters)

Our standard acceptability

No Minimum

Criteria definition:

Indicates if there is a minimum square meterage requirement on a single title multi unit property

Our policy notes:

Family Building Society does lend on 'Multi Unit Freehold' properties.

Last updated:

09 July 2021

Affordability Calculator

Find out how much your residential client may be able to borrow. To see affordability for a Buy to Let client, use our Buy to Let calculator

Find Your Local

Business Development Manager

Your Local BDM:

Sam Morrison

Working out of our head office, as our phone-based BDM in Epsom, Sam has a wealth of knowledge regarding our processes and criteria and covers a variety of postcodes across the UK.
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Your Local BDM:

Neil Cadwallader

Neil has over 19 years experience in Financial Services from pensions and investments to mortgages. Neil focuses around South Wales and the West of England area. Contact Neil for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Stuart Heavens

Stuart focuses on the South Coast area. Contact Stuart for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Amar Mashru

Amar focuses on the Central London area. Contact Amar for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Arif Kara

Arif was previously a mortgage adviser, and focuses on North and West London. Contact Arif for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Nathan Waller

Nathan, previously a mortgage broker, focuses on Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Kent. Contact Nathan for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Grace Bennett

Grace focuses around the West M25 area. Contact Grace for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Darren Deacon

Darren has over 28 years' Financial Services experience and focuses on both the East and West Midlands as well as the Southwest. Contact Darren for help with your clients' mortgages.
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Your Local BDM:

Paul Roberts

Paul has over 30 years' experience and focuses on the North (inc. M62 corridor), Yorkshire and the North East. Contact Paul for help with your clients' mortgages.
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We do not currently have a BDM covering your area. Please contact our Mortgage Helpdesk:

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 5.30pm. Saturday: Closed

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