Saffron Building Society
Building SocietySaffron Building Society is an Essex-based mutual offering residential, buy-to-let, and self-build mortgages. They are known for their flexible approach to complex cases including self-employed borrowers and unusual property types, and they support both direct applicants and broker-introduced business.
About Saffron Building Society
Saffron Building Society was founded in 1849 and has its headquarters in Essex. The society is a mutual with no shareholders, offering residential, buy-to-let, and self-build mortgages. Saffron is known for its flexible approach to complex cases including self-employed borrowers and unusual property types.
Saffron supports both direct applicants and broker-introduced business. The society serves customers in Essex and the wider South East, with products available nationally through intermediaries. Saffron's manual underwriting allows it to consider cases that fall outside standard criteria.
Saffron Building Society is regulated by the FCA and PRA and is a member of the Building Societies Association. The society has built a reputation for flexibility and a willingness to consider non-standard applications.
Lending Focus
Saffron Building Society offers mortgage products across 3 categories including Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build.
Key Features
- Self-build mortgages with stage payment options
- Flexible criteria for self-employed and complex income
- Residential and BTL products up to 90% LTV
- Available direct and through intermediary channels
- Consideration of non-standard property construction types
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Self-build mortgage specialist with stage payment options
- Flexible criteria for self-employed and complex income
- Considers non-standard property construction types
- Available both direct and through intermediary channels
Cons
- –Small regional building society — limited brand awareness
- –No bridging, commercial, or specialist lending
- –Self-build products may require more documentation and longer processing
Fees & Charges
- Arrangement Fee
- Typically £499–£999 — varies by product
- Valuation Fee
- Varies by property value — quoted at application
- Early Repayment Charge
- Typically applies during fixed-rate period — varies by product
- Overpayment Allowance
- Up to 10% of outstanding balance per year
Mortgage Rates
Rate data coming soon. View rates on Saffron 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
- 3–6 weeks from application to offer
- Online DIP
- No — via broker or branch
- Offer Valid For
- 6 months from date of offer
Lending Criteria
- Maximum LTV
- 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saffron Building Society offer self-build mortgages?
Yes, Saffron Building Society is well-known for their self-build mortgages with stage payment options, making them a popular choice for custom-build projects.
Can Saffron Building Society lend on non-standard construction?
Yes, Saffron Building Society considers non-standard property construction types that many mainstream lenders would decline.
Where is Saffron Building Society based?
Saffron Building Society is based in Saffron Walden, Essex, but lends nationwide through both direct and broker channels.
What is the maximum LTV for a Saffron Building Society mortgage?
Saffron Building Society offers residential and BTL products up to 90% LTV for qualifying applicants.
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% |
| Dudley Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build+1 | Building Soc. | 90% |
| Leeds Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build+1 | Building Soc. | 95% |
| Leek Building Society | Residential, Buy-to-Let, Self Build | 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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