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.
75
Criteria definition:Indicates the maximum potential loan to value (LTV) we can accept where the property type is a flat or maisonette and it is NOT considered a new build.
Our policy notes:The maximum LTV the Society will lend on any BTL is 75%
Last updated:12 February 2025
20
Criteria definition:Indicates the maximum percentage of gross floor area the flying freehold part covers that can be considered by us
Our policy notes:Family Building Society accepts flying freehold up to a maximum gross floor area of 20%
Last updated:11 September 2020
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially consider applications from foreign nationals living overseas who wish to obtain a BUY TO LET mortgage here in the UK. For example, a Chinese applicant who does not live or work in the UK who wants to purchase property here in the UK on a Buy to Let basis as an investment.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society will not consider Buy to Let applications for foreign nationals (living overseas)
Last updated:07 November 2019
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we are potentially able to accept applications from foreign nationals that have indefinite leave to remain.
Our policy notes:We do accept applications from foreign nationals with a permanent right to reside.
31 May 2018
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we are potentially able to accept applications from foreign nationals that DO NOT have indefinite leave to remain.
Our policy notes:We would not be prepared to accept applications from non-EU nationals without a permanent right to reside.
31 May 2018
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially lend to what we consider to be professional landlords. Typically a professional landlord is an applicant whose main income source is from their rental income from property.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can potentially accept applications from 'Full Time Landlords'.
Last updated:31 May 2018
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially consider applicants with recurrent gambling transactions on BTL applications
Our policy notes:Family Building Society will not consider applicants that have recurring gambling transactions
Last updated:11 September 2020
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially accept a Green Mortgage buy to let application.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society is unable to consider a Green Mortgage buy to let application
Last updated:02 August 2021
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if a we will consider applications on a Guaranteed Rent Scheme
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider applications where a Guaranteed Rental Scheme will be set up only if the tenancy agreement is between our client and the underlying tenant.
Last updated:04 July 2025
3
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially accept Buy to Let applications from an applicant that is on the CIFAS register and if so, what time must have passed in order for them to be potentially accepted by the lender for a new mortgage application.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can potentially accept customers that are registered on the CIFAS register. We require the applicant's registration date to be at least 3 Years ago.
Last updated:07 November 2019
ICR based
Criteria definition:This relates to the potential rental calculation we will apply.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered
30 July 2025
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can consider a Buy to Let application on an HMO property from a first time landlord.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered. HMO first time landlords are not acceptable
Last updated:02 September 2025
75
Criteria definition:Indicates the maximum LTV we can consider for Buy to Let applications on HMO properties
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered
30 July 2025
6
Criteria definition:Indicates if we have a maximum number of bedrooms allowed on HMO properties and if so how many
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered.
Up to 6 bedrooms considered and a maximum of 6 tenants.
21 January 2026
1
Criteria definition:Indicates the maximum number of kitchens permitted by us in an HMO property
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered
30 July 2025
4
Criteria definition:Indicates the maximum number of storeys permitted on HMO properties.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. This Mortgage is aimed at Limited Company SPV landlords, only
A 'Small HMO' is a property with up to six occupants from more than one household in a maximum of four bedrooms
The occupants live together and share common facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen or toilet with one main access
The property can be easily converted back into a single main dwelling (family home)
A borrower (the Limited Company) who has at least one existing Buy to Let property that they have maintained for at least 12 months
20 February 2025
12
Criteria definition:Indicates if we require applicants to have a minimum HMO experience and if so how much (IN MONTHS)
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered
30 July 2025
We do not accept HMO applications
Criteria definition:Indicates if we have a minimum square metreage requirement on a double bedroom and if so what it is.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society does not lend on 'Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'.
Last updated:31 May 2018
75000
Criteria definition:Indicates if we specify a minimum property value for HMO properties and if so what it is.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can consider lending on 'Small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'. UK Landlords, Limited Companies and Expats can be considered
29 April 2026
We do not accept HMO applications
Criteria definition:Indicates if we have a minimum square metreage requirement on a single bedroom and if so what it is.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society does not lend on 'Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)'.
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