Leeds Building Society
Building SocietyLeeds Building Society is the UK's fifth-largest building society, offering a diverse range of residential, buy-to-let, self-build, and shared ownership mortgage products. It is particularly well regarded in the intermediary market for its flexible underwriting approach and specialist lending criteria.
About Leeds Building Society
Leeds Building Society was founded in 1848 and has its headquarters in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It has grown to become the UK's fifth-largest building society through organic growth and a focus on serving members. Leeds is a mutual organisation with no shareholders, prioritising member value and service.
Leeds Building Society offers a diverse mortgage range including residential, buy-to-let, self-build, and shared ownership products. The society is particularly well regarded in the intermediary market for its flexible underwriting and willingness to consider non-standard cases. Leeds has built strong relationships with mortgage brokers across the UK.
The society serves customers through branches in the North of England and nationally through intermediaries. Leeds is regulated by the FCA and PRA and is a member of the Building Societies Association. The society has a reputation for competitive rates and pragmatic lending decisions.
Lending Focus
Leeds Building Society offers mortgage products across 4 categories including Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build and 1 more.
Key Features
- Self-build and custom-build mortgage with staged advance payments
- Shared ownership mortgages with competitive rates
- Flexible underwriting criteria for complex income types
- Strong intermediary-focused product range with broker exclusives
- Overpayment facility with no early repayment charges on selected deals
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Self-build and shared ownership mortgages available — broader range than most building societies
- Flexible underwriting that considers complex income types individually
- Strong broker-exclusive deals with competitive intermediary-only rates
- Excellent reputation in the intermediary market for service quality
Cons
- –Some of the best rates are only available through brokers
- –Branch network limited to Northern England
- –Digital application tools less developed than larger lenders
Fees & Charges
- Arrangement Fee
- £999 or fee-free options available
- Valuation Fee
- Free on selected products; otherwise £250–£1,500 depending on property value
- Early Repayment Charge
- 1–5% during the initial deal period
- Overpayment Allowance
- Up to 10% per year without charge on selected products
Mortgage Rates
Rate data coming soon. View rates on Leeds 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
- 2–4 weeks from application to offer
- Online DIP
- Yes — available online
- Offer Valid For
- 6 months
Lending Criteria
- Maximum LTV
- 95%
- Max Loan Amount
- £2m
- Min Loan Amount
- £25k
- Rate Types
- fixed, tracker, discount
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Leeds Building Society offer self-build mortgages?
Yes, Leeds Building Society offers self-build and custom-build mortgages with staged advance payments released at key construction milestones. They are one of the more accessible lenders for self-build projects.
Does Leeds Building Society offer shared ownership mortgages?
Yes, Leeds Building Society offers shared ownership mortgages allowing buyers to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remainder. Staircasing to full ownership is supported.
Can I get a Leeds Building Society mortgage through a broker?
Yes, Leeds Building Society has a strong intermediary channel with broker-exclusive products that often offer more competitive rates than their direct range.
Does Leeds Building Society accept complex income types?
Yes, Leeds Building Society is known for its flexible underwriting approach and will consider complex income types including contract work, multiple income sources, and overtime on a case-by-case basis.
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% |
| Scottish Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build+1 | Building Soc. | 90% |
| Suffolk Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build+3 | Building Soc. | 90% |
| Chelsea Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership | Building Soc. | 95% |
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