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 larger variety of life stages and circumstances for your clients than many other lender.
Browse criteria by A-Z below or search criteria by keyword to find what you need.
90000
Criteria definition:This criteria indicates if we offer Retirement Interest Only (RIO) mortgages and if so if we have a minimum property value requirement.
Our policy notes:The Society's standard minimum property value is £75,000, however, RIOs have a maximum LTV of 50% Therefore, the effective minimum property value for RIOs is £90,000
Last updated:29 April 2026
55
Criteria definition:Indicates the minimum required lease remaining at the date of application we can potentially accept. For example,
The Society doesn't have a minimum lease term at application but the minimum is 50 years unexpired at the end of the mortgage term (with the minimum mortgage term being five years).
We can consider shorter leases where the purpose of the remortgage is to extend the lease on completion.
23 July 2019
50
Criteria definition:Indicates the minimum required lease remaining at the end of the mortgage term we can potentially accept. For example, Alex is looking to purchase a flat which currently has a remaining lease term of 90 years and wishes to take out a mortgage over 20 years. Therefore his remaining lease at the end of the mortgage term will be 70 years (90-20=70).
The Society requires an unexpired lease of 50 years at the end of the term of the mortgage.
02 August 2018
5
Criteria definition:Indicates the minimum term a mortgage can be taken over.
Our policy notes:Our minimum term is 5 years.
20 April 2017
No Minimum
Criteria definition:Indicates if we have a minimum requirement that an applicant must have been an owner occupier for (in MONTHS) in order to be considered for a residential mortgage.
Our policy notes:We will lend to first time buyers and therefore has no minimum requirement for how long an applicant needs to have been an owner occupier. For remortgages, we will only consider applicants who have held a mortgage for at least 6 months.
Last updated:14 May 2026
24
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 residential mortgage applications.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can potentially ignore previous mortgage arrears that are older than 24 months old subject to a satisfactory explanation.
Last updated:25 September 2019
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially consider an application for a new build purchase 'Off-Plan'. Buying new build property off-plan means you agree to purchase a property before the property is built or sometimes before construction has even started.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society can potentially consider an application for a new build purchase 'off plan'
Last updated:11 September 2020
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if AEDIS is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:This is not acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Build Assure is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:
This is acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Building Life Plans is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:This is acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Buildzone is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:This is acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Checkmate (Castle 10) is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:This is acceptable. Where outbuildings, such as a detached garage, are included in the construction, an endorsement to include these in the cover is required)
Last updated:17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if CRL Management Ltd is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:This is acceptable.
17 July 2017
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Global Home Warranties is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:This is not acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if we can potentially accept ICW as an acceptable new build warranty
Our policy notes:Family Building Society accepts ICW as an acceptable new build warranty
Last updated:15 January 2021
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if LABC is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
This is acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if NHBC Guarantee is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
We will accept NHBC guarantees.
03 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Premier Guarantee Scheme is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
This is acceptable.
17 July 2017
Not Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Professional Consultants Certificate is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
This is not acceptable.
17 July 2017
Acceptable
Criteria definition:Indicates if Protek is an acceptable new build warranty to us on new build properties.
Our policy notes:Family Building Society accepts Protek as an acceptable new build warranty.
Last updated:09 March 2021
Affordability Calculator
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