Family Building Society
Building SocietyFamily 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.
Visit Website
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
| 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
- 3–5 weeks
- Online DIP
- No — via broker or branch
- Offer Valid For
- 6 months
Lending Criteria
- Maximum LTV
- 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intergenerational mortgage?
Is Family Building Society the same as National Counties Building Society?
Does Family Building Society offer later life mortgages?
Can I apply for a Family Building Society mortgage through a broker?
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
Buckinghamshire Building Society
Building SocietyHigh Wycombe
Cambridge Building Society
Building SocietyCambridge
Chelsea Building Society
Building SocietyCheltenham
Coventry Building Society
Building SocietyCoventry
Related Articles
Practical guides and explainers from our blog — relevant to this mortgage type.
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.