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Family Building Society

Building Society
EpsomEst. 2014

Family Building Society, formerly National Counties Building Society, specialises in intergenerational and later life mortgage products, helping families across generations to access property finance through innovative and flexible lending criteria.

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About Family Building Society

Family Building Society was formed in 2014 when National Counties Building Society rebranded to better reflect its evolving mission. National Counties itself was originally established in 1870, giving the society over 150 years of heritage in mortgage lending. The rebrand signalled a shift in focus towards intergenerational lending and products designed to help families at every stage of life.

Family Building Society has carved out a distinctive niche in the UK mortgage market by offering products specifically designed for family-based lending. This includes mortgages where parents can use their property or savings to help children buy their first home, later life lending for borrowers in retirement, and products where family income can be combined to improve affordability. The society also offers standard residential and buy-to-let products.

The society is headquartered in Epsom, Surrey, and lends across England and Wales. Family Building Society products are available both directly and through mortgage brokers, and the society has built strong intermediary relationships. It is regulated by the FCA and PRA and is a member of the Building Societies Association.

Lending Focus

Family Building Society offers mortgage products across 2 categories including Residential, Buy-to-Let.

Key Features

  • Intergenerational mortgages allowing family members to support each other
  • Later life lending products for borrowers in or approaching retirement
  • Family income can be combined to improve mortgage affordability
  • Individual underwriting with flexible assessment of complex cases
  • Products available directly and through mortgage brokers

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique intergenerational products designed to help families buy together
  • Strong later life lending options for older borrowers
  • Flexible underwriting considers non-standard income and family support
  • Experienced mutual with over 150 years of heritage

Cons

  • Niche focus means standard products may be less competitive than larger lenders
  • No specialist products such as self-build, bridging, or equity release
  • Brand recognition is lower than larger building societies

Fees & Charges

Arrangement Fee
Varies by product; typically £499–£999
Valuation Fee
Charged based on property value; free on selected products
Early Repayment Charge
1–3% during the initial deal period
Overpayment Allowance
Up to 10% per year without charge on most products

Mortgage Rates

Rate data coming soon. View rates on Family Building Society

Application Process

Processing Time
3–5 weeks
Online DIP
No — via broker or branch
Offer Valid For
6 months

Lending Criteria

Maximum LTV
90%
Self-Employed Welcome Contractors Welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an intergenerational mortgage?
An intergenerational mortgage allows family members across different generations to combine their resources to purchase a property. This might involve parents using their income or property as security to help adult children get on the property ladder.
Is Family Building Society the same as National Counties Building Society?
Yes, Family Building Society was formerly known as National Counties Building Society. It rebranded in 2014 to better reflect its focus on family-based lending products.
Does Family Building Society offer later life mortgages?
Yes, Family Building Society offers mortgage products designed for borrowers in or approaching retirement, including options where pension income and other retirement income can be used for affordability.
Can I apply for a Family Building Society mortgage through a broker?
Yes, Family Building Society products are available through mortgage brokers across England and Wales, as well as directly from the society.

How to Apply

Direct & broker access. Apply directly or via a broker for whole-of-market access. Find a broker

Regulatory

StatusActive

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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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