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.
Our standard acceptability
We do not accept Holiday Let applications
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider applications from borrowers that wish to Let the property on a Holiday Let basis and occupy the property themselves from time to time. For example whilst the property is predominantly Let on a Holiday Let a few weeks a year the applicant would like to stay in the property.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not lend on properties that are intended to be Let as a 'Holiday Let'
Last updated:
22 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept Buy to Let applications from an applicant that is considered a politically exposed person.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not consider an applicant that is classed as a politically exposed person.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Yes
Criteria definition:
Indicates if our Buy to Let mortgages are portable as standard.
Our policy notes:
Our products are portable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
No Minimum
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we specifiy a minimum income an applicant must earn in order to be considered for a Buy to Let mortgage where the applicant is considered a portfolio landlord.
Our policy notes:
The Society does not have a minimum income for Buy to Let.
Last updated:
30 April 2019
Our standard acceptability
No Minimum
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we require a minimum amount of experience (IN MONTHS) if lending to what we consider to be a portfolio landlord.
Our policy notes:
The Society does not insist on a minimum period of experience.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Accepted
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can accept 'Portfolio' landlords and IMPORTANTLY how they define a portfolio landlord.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society specifies a 'Portfolio Landlord' as 4 or more completed qualifying rental properties that are mortgaged. The number of qualifying properties that constitutes a 'Portfolio Landlord' is All applicants combined Buy To Let properties. A qualifying property:
- Includes Privately owned Buy to Let rental properties
- Includes Company owned Buy to Let rental properties where the applicant has a shareholding of more than 0 %
- Includes Consent to Let properties
- Includes Holiday Lets
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Yes
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we will allow post-offer changes
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially allow post offer changes
Last updated:
03 August 2023
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept Buy to Let applications from an applicant that is acting with Power of Attorney.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not consider an applicant from someone acting as a power of attorney.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider applications where the applicant's tenant will be paying their rent as an advance payment.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not accept 'Premium Lease Agreements' where a prospective tenant is paying their rent as an advanced payment.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can accept Buy to Let applications from applicants that have previously been repossessed and if so how many years need to have passed to be acceptable.
Our policy notes:
Unfortunately, we are unable to lend to any borrower who has been previously repossessed.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property where there is evidence of asbestos present.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does NOT lend on properties where Asbestos is identified.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider an application where the property will be purchased at auction
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can consider an Buy to Let application where the property will be purchased at auction
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we are able to potentially accept 100% timber construction properties - this is NOT the same as timber framed.
Our policy notes:
These are not acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
No
Criteria definition:
Indicates if BOPAS accreditation is required for non-standard construction where the non-standard construction type is acceptable to us
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not require BOPAS accreditation for non-standard construction where the construction type is acceptable to us
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where the construction type is British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF)
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties where the construction type is British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF)
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we are able to potentially accept concrete construction properties.
Our policy notes:
Prefabricated or large panel concrete construction (LPS) are not acceptable. Pre-fabricated reinforced concrete construction (PRC) May be considered if the property has been repaired by PRC Homes with a brick external skin and has the benefit of a 60 year guarantee, and the Valuer confirms property is readily saleable. NB. If the property is either semi-detached or terraced, all properties in the row must have been repaired. Concrete block construction designated Mundic are not acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider an application on a converted church
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially consider an application on a converted church
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where the construction type is Cornish
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not lend on cornish construction properties.
Last updated:
03 August 2022
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider Dutch Barn properties
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially lend on a Dutch Barn property
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we are able to potentially accept Easiform construction properties.
Our policy notes:
Laing Easi-Form construction (providing in good condition) is acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Yes
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we require an EWS1 certificate for properties with combustible cladding or materials on balconies
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties with combustible cladding or materials on balconies without a EWS1 form
Last updated:
09 July 2021
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept properties where there exists a flying freehold.
Our policy notes:
Flying freeholds are acceptable providing they don't exceed more than 20% of the floor area and the valuer confirming that the presence of the flying freehold will not adversely affect saleability, and the Solicitor confirming that the Title Deeds contain adequate rights of shelter and support plus arrangements for maintenance and repair.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where the construction type is Insulating concrete form (ICF)
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties where the construction type is Insulating concrete form (ICF)
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where the construction type is Large Panel System (LPS)
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties where the construction type is Large Panel System (LPS)
Last updated:
15 January 2021
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially able to accept Buy to Let applications on properties that have majority flat roof. We classify 'majority' as anything over 50%.
Our policy notes:
These are not acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept applications on properties where the construction type is Modern method of construction (MMC).
Our policy notes:
Not normally accepted but considered on a case by case basis. These need to be referred to an underwriter to be assessed on a case by case basis.
Our outside policy allowances:
Please refer cases of good loan to value for consideration as an exception.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept applications on properties where the construction type is Mundic block.
Our policy notes:
Our general stance is we won't lend on properties where the construction, or part of the construction, is from Mundic block.
Our outside policy allowances:
Please refer for individual consideration with the address of the property and any existing reports that may assist the underwriter in making a decision.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept applications on properties where the construction type is No-Fines.
Our policy notes:
Wimpey No Fines construction (providing in good condition) is acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept NON repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete as suitable security for lending purposes.
Our policy notes:
These are not acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where the construction type is Off site manufactured (MMC)
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties where the construction type is Off site manufactured (MMC)
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider Potton Home properties
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially lend on a Potton Home property
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete as suitable security for lending purposes.
Our policy notes:
Pre-fabricated reinforced concrete construction (PRC) May be considered if the property has been repaired by PRC Homes with a brick external skin and has the benefit of a 60 year guarantee, and the Valuer confirms property is readily saleable. NB. If the property is either semi-detached or terraced, all properties in the row must have been repaired.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider single skin properties
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially lend on single skin property subject to valuer's comments.
Last updated:
09 July 2021
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept steel framed properties as suitable lending security.
Our policy notes:
These are not acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where the construction type is Structural Insulated Panel Solutions (SIPs)
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties where the construction type is Structural Insulated Panel Solutions (SIPs)
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept properties that have any element of a thatched roof.
Our policy notes:
These are acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept timber framed properties.
Our policy notes:
Timber frame dwellings that are listed as Tudor buildings or those built after 1965 are acceptable.
Last updated:
30 March 2022
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property that is of Timber-Framed construction built between 1900 to 1970 for Buy to Let applications.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties that are a timber frame construction dating between 1900 to 1970.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property that is of Timber-Framed construction built after 1970 for Buy to Let applications.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties that are a timber frame construction dated post 1970.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property that is of Timber-Framed construction built prior to 1900 for Buy to Let applications.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties that are a timber frame construction dating pre 1900.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider lending on a property in a tower block with cladding
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on a tower block of flats that have cladding
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider wholly timbered property
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on a wholly timbered property
Last updated:
11 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider a woolaway property
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on a woolaway property
Our outside policy allowances:
These are declared defective under the Defective Housing Act and the Society can only consider those that have been adapted and have a PRC certificate.
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept applications from property developers
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially accept Buy to Let applications from individuals they deem property developers.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider properties where there is spray foam insulation
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society is unable to lend on properties with spray foam insulation
Last updated:
03 August 2022
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property that is close to a mine shaft for Buy to Let applications.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially consider lending on properties that are close to a mine shaft.
Last updated:
12 February 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property where it borders Class A1 commercial premises. Class A1 businesses are shops and retail.
Our policy notes:
The Society can usually lend on properties bordering Class A1 commercial premises although these should be referred to ensure they are accpetable.
Last updated:
02 September 2021
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property where it borders Class A2 commercial premises. Class A2 businesses are professional services.
Our policy notes:
The Society can usually lend on properties bordering Class A2 commercial premises.
Last updated:
02 September 2021
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property where it borders Class A3 commercial premises. Class A3 businesses are for food and drink.
Our policy notes:
The Society will usually not lend on properties bordering Class A3 commercial premises.
Last updated:
02 September 2021
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a property where it borders Class A4 commercial premises. Class A4 businesses are drinking establishments.
Our policy notes:
The Society will usually not lend on properties bordering Class A4 commercial premises.
Last updated:
02 September 2021
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on properties that have overhead power lines running above them.
Our policy notes:
The Society will not lend on properties with powerlines overhead.
Last updated:
17 August 2023
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider Buy to Let applications where refurbishment is required
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not consider a Buy to Let application where the property requires refurbishment before it can be Let.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on properties that have been underpinned in the last 10 years on Buy to Let applications
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties that have been underpinned in the last 10 years
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider a property with an Overage Clause
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially consider a property with an Overage Clause for loans up to 50% LTV
Last updated:
28 January 2021
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on Buy to Let applications for properties that only have possessory title.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties that are subject to a possessory title.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider a property with shared access or shared services
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially consider a property with shared access or shared services
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider an application where the splitting of a title deed will take place on completion
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially consider an application where the splitting of a title deed will take place on completion
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on Buy to Let applications on properties where the joint ownership is set up on a tenants in common basis where each owner has an unequal share. For example, Applicant 'A' owns 70% of the property and Applicant 'B' owns 30%.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not consider joint applications where the property ownership will be as tenancy in common with unequal shares.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on Buy to Let applications for properties that are owned by a trust.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not lend on properties that are owned by a trust.
Last updated:
07 November 2019
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on a basement flat
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially lend on a basement flat
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider a coach house property
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially lend on coach houses
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially able to lend on ex local authority flats/maisonettes.
Our policy notes:
We would not lend on this property type.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on ex local authority houses/bungalows.
Our policy notes:
These are acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept flats above a commercial food outlet.
Our policy notes:
We would not accept this sort of property.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept flats that are above commercial offices.
Our policy notes:
Prestige locations only. Properties should have separate title and access. Valuer to confirm the property is readily saleable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept flats that are above a pub.
Our policy notes:
We would not consider this type of property.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept a flat or maisonette where the tenure is freehold.
Our policy notes:
Freehold flats/maisonettes are not acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider lending on property classified as a Grade 1 listed building. Categories of listed buildings in England & Wales: Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest. Grade II*: particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Grade II: buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.
Our policy notes:
The Society is unable to lend on Grade 1 listed properties.
Last updated:
16 August 2023
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider lending on property classified as a Grade 2 Listed Building. Categories of listed buildings in England & Wales: Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest. Grade II*: particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Grade II: buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.
Our policy notes:
The Society will lend on Grade II listed properties.
Last updated:
17 August 2023
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially lend on studio flats.
Our policy notes:
Studio flats are not normally acceptable.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
We do not lend on studio flats
Criteria definition:
Indicates the area in square metres required when lending on studio flats for Buy to Let lending.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not lend on studio flats.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept properties that have agricultural restrictions.
Our policy notes:
The Society will not usually lend on properties with agricultural restrictions.
Last updated:
03 August 2022
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept properties that have a significant amount of land (properties that have acreage).
Our policy notes:
These are not acceptable unless the land is separated from the main house' title. Valuations are assessed on the house and immediate gardens.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we are able to potentially accept buy to let applications from applicants who are looking to purchase a property that has an age restriction. For example, Mr Jones is looking to purchase a retirement apartment that can only be occupied by people who are at least 55 years of age.
Our policy notes:
The Society will not lend on properties with any form of occupancy restriction.
Last updated:
16 August 2023
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept properties that have deck access.
Our policy notes:
We do not accept this property type.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept an application where the security property has more than one kitchen. This is not the same as a property split into two or more units or a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Our policy notes:
Properties with more than one kitchen are not normally acceptable.
Our outside policy allowances:
Consideration can be given where a property has a 'granny' annexe. These must be referred prior to submission on an application. Please provide the property address and any sales particulars (where applicable) for an underwriter to give consideration.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept Buy to Let applications on properties that are subject to a Section 106 restrictive covenant.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not lend on properties that have a section 106 restrictive covenant.
Last updated:
31 January 2018
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially consider a Buy to Let application where the applicant will purchase a new build property and rent back to the builders as a show home
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society will not consider a Buy to Let application where the applicant will purchase a new build property and rent back to the builders as a show home
Last updated:
16 September 2020
Our standard acceptability
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept situations where the property being purchased on a Buy to Let basis has an existing tenant who wishes to remain in the property and therefore vacant possession on completion would not exist.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society does not accept situations on purchase applications where there is a tenant in situ at the property where it is the intention to allow them to remain as the ongoing tenant.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept an application where a Limited Company wishes to purchase a property from one of its directors or shareholders. This is typically referred to as a 'Related Transaction'.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially consider applications where the Ltd Company is purchasing the property on a related transaction basis.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
Our standard acceptability
Acceptable
Criteria definition:
Indicates if we can potentially accept an application where the purchaser is looking to purchase a property from a limited company for which he/she is a shareholder.
Our policy notes:
Family Building Society can potentially accept these types of transaction where the individual is looking to purchase a property from a Ltd Company that they are a director or shareholder of.
Last updated:
31 May 2018
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
Your Local BDM:
Neil Cadwallader
Your Local BDM:
Stuart Heavens
Your Local BDM:
Amar Mashru
Your Local BDM:
Arif Kara
Your Local BDM:
Nathan Waller
Your Local BDM:
Grace Bennett
Your Local BDM:
Gina England
Your Local BDM:
Paul Roberts
We do not currently have a BDM covering your area. Please contact our Mortgage Helpdesk:
- 01372 744155
- 01372 745607
- mortgage.desk@familybsoc.co.uk
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