Chelsea Building Society
Building SocietyChelsea Building Society is part of the Yorkshire Building Society Group, offering residential and buy-to-let mortgages with competitive rates and a focus on straightforward, member-focused lending through its branch network and intermediary partners.
About Chelsea Building Society
Chelsea Building Society was founded in 1875 in London and grew to become one of the UK's well-known building societies. In 2010, Chelsea merged with Yorkshire Building Society and now operates as a brand within the Yorkshire Building Society Group. Despite the merger, the Chelsea brand has been retained, continuing to serve members under its own name.
Chelsea Building Society offers a range of residential and buy-to-let mortgage products, benefiting from the scale and financial strength of the Yorkshire Building Society Group. The society provides competitive rates and straightforward products, with a focus on delivering good value to its members. Chelsea products are available both directly and through mortgage brokers.
The society operates branches primarily in the South West of England and has a strong intermediary presence. As part of the YBS Group, Chelsea benefits from robust risk management, strong capital reserves, and access to a wider product development capability. It is regulated by the FCA and PRA.
Lending Focus
Chelsea Building Society offers mortgage products across 3 categories including Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership.
Key Features
- Competitive rates backed by the Yorkshire Building Society Group
- Shared ownership mortgage products for first-time buyers
- Available through brokers and direct via branches
- Overpayment facility on most mortgage products
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Benefits from the financial strength of Yorkshire Building Society Group
- Competitive rates across residential and buy-to-let products
- Shared ownership support for first-time buyers
- Good intermediary channel with broker-exclusive deals
Cons
- –Branch network concentrated in South West England
- –Product range can overlap with YBS Group brands, causing confusion
- –No self-build, bridging, or specialist lending products
Fees & Charges
- Arrangement Fee
- Varies by product; fee-free options available
- Valuation Fee
- Free on many products
- Early Repayment Charge
- 1–5% during the initial deal period
- Overpayment Allowance
- Up to 10% per year without charge
Mortgage Rates
Rate data coming soon. View rates on Chelsea Building Society
| Product | Initial Rate | Type | Initial Term | Revert Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Year Fixed | TBC | Fixed | 24 months | TBC |
| 5 Year Fixed | TBC | Fixed | 60 months | TBC |
| Tracker | TBC | Variable | 24 months | TBC |
Application Process
- Processing Time
- 2–3 weeks
- Online DIP
- Yes — available online
- Offer Valid For
- 6 months
Lending Criteria
- Maximum LTV
- 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelsea Building Society the same as Yorkshire Building Society?
Chelsea Building Society merged with Yorkshire Building Society in 2010 and now operates as a brand within the YBS Group. It maintains its own brand identity and product range but benefits from the Group's financial strength.
Does Chelsea Building Society offer shared ownership mortgages?
Yes, Chelsea Building Society offers shared ownership products that allow you to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remainder.
Can I apply for a Chelsea Building Society mortgage through a broker?
Yes, Chelsea Building Society products are available through mortgage brokers as well as directly through the society's branches and telephone service.
What is the maximum LTV Chelsea Building Society offers?
Chelsea Building Society offers residential mortgages up to 95% LTV on selected products, making them suitable for buyers with a 5% deposit.
How to Apply
Direct & broker access. Apply directly or via a broker for whole-of-market access. Find a broker
Similar Lenders
View all lenders| Name | Niches | Type | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build+1 | Building Soc. | 95% |
| Nationwide Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership+1 | Building Soc. | 95% |
| Newbury Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership | Building Soc. | 95% |
| Suffolk Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build+3 | Building Soc. | 90% |
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Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.Always verify lender details directly and seek independent advice before making financial decisions.
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