Nationwide Building Society
Building SocietyNationwide is the world's largest building society and the UK's second-largest mortgage provider, serving over 16 million members. As a mutual organisation, it returns profits to members through competitive rates, and offers one of the broadest mortgage product ranges in the market.
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About Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide Building Society was formed in 1970 through the merger of the Co-operative Permanent Building Society and the Nationwide Building Society. It has grown through further mergers to become the world's largest building society and the UK's second-largest mortgage provider. Nationwide serves over 16 million members and holds no shareholders, returning profits to members through competitive rates.
As a mutual, Nationwide offers one of the broadest mortgage ranges in the UK market. The society provides residential, buy-to-let, shared ownership, Help to Buy, self-build, and later-life mortgages. In 2024, Nationwide acquired Virgin Money, creating an even larger mortgage provider while retaining both brands.
Nationwide operates through branches, telephone, and digital channels. The society is known for competitive rates, member benefits, and a commitment to supporting first-time buyers. Nationwide is regulated by the FCA and PRA.
Lending Focus
Nationwide Building Society offers mortgage products across 4 categories including Residential, Buy-to-Let, Shared Ownership and 1 more.
Key Features
- World's largest building society with member-owned mutual status
- Helping Hand mortgage for first-time buyers with 5% deposit
- Shared ownership and government-backed scheme support
- FlexPlus mortgage with offset and drawdown facilities
- Free standard valuation and no application fees on selected products
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mutual ownership means profits are returned to members through better rates
- Broadest product range of any building society — including shared ownership and Help to Buy
- Largest branch network of any building society in the UK
- Helping Hand mortgage specifically designed for first-time buyers with small deposits
Cons
- –Maximum loan capped at £2 million
- –Processing times can be longer than some high street bank competitors
- –Some products only available to existing Nationwide members
Fees & Charges
- Arrangement Fee
- £999 or fee-free options available
- Valuation Fee
- Free standard valuation on most 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 Nationwide 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 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, offset
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nationwide accept gifted deposits?
What is the Nationwide Helping Hand mortgage?
Does Nationwide offer offset mortgages?
Can I get a Nationwide mortgage through a broker?
How to Apply
Direct & broker access. Apply directly or via a broker for whole-of-market access. Find a broker
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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.