The Skipton Group, which includes the UK’s largest estate agency, Connells, has released its annual results for 2022, and has broken its records in the mortgage sector.
The Group’s mortgage portfolio grew by 9.6% to £25.5bn, well above Skipton’s market share, with nearly 30,000 completions and lending over £5.8bn.
Skipton helped over 13,800 first-time buyers realise their homeownership aspirations.
The bank base rate increased eight times in the year, from 0.25% to 3.50%, and Skipton passed on just 1.50% of the 3.25% base rate increases to mortgage variable rate borrowers, saving them on average £1,300 per year.
Additionally, the Society committed to the housing market’s green agenda, with the introduction of its first paperless mortgage offers and the offer of free Home Energy Efficiency Reports to all borrowing members and Society colleagues.
The Society also made this offering available to its buy-to-let customers, including those with only one property mortgaged through Skipton.
In January 2023, the free EPC Plus offer was extended to all Society savings and mortgage members.
Stuart Haire, Skipton’s new group chief rxecutive, said: “The attraction of this role was the opportunity to leverage Skipton’s Group structure, unique business mix and mutual status to help support our Society members and Group customers now and in the future.
“Our performance in 2022 casts no doubt on just how valued member-ownership is, particularly during such unprecedented times for people.
“It is a privilege to lead a proven purpose-driven business. I cannot take any credit for the performance of the Skipton Group in 2022. However, I can wholeheartedly thank our 18,000+ colleagues who have played their part in helping grow our business while successfully navigating these difficult times.
“Our Group has helped more people to save for their future, helped more people into homes, and it’s also sharing the success of its efforts, giving more back with clear positive impact, and reinvesting in the future for the benefit of all.
“Just two months into my role I can clearly see why more people are coming to Skipton and developing deeper relationships with us to help them secure their financial futures.”
