Skipton Group recorded over £3.4bn in mortgage advances in H1 this year, up more than 27% year-on-year.
According to the group’s half year results, it also serviced nearly 9,000 first-time buyers during the period, marking an annual increase of 43%.
Mortgage arrears of three months or more accounted for only 0.18% of Skipton Group’s mortgage accounts, compared with the industry average of 0.72%.
The group recorded profits before tax of £148.9m, and committed to donating 1% to charitable causes.
Stuart Haire (pictured), group chief executive at Skipton Group, said: “We have an ambition to make a positive impact through assisting the buying and selling of homes and offering innovative home financing solutions.
“In May we took a stand, by launching a new option for aspiring first-time buyers that no lender has before with our Track Record mortgage helping those trapped in expensive rents to get access to a mortgage. It links clearly to our founding purpose and why building societies exist.
“Despite it being a new product on the market, we are very encouraged by its early impact. Not only does this help people realise their home-ownership aspirations, they are also saving money compared to more expensive rental payments.”
He added: “We provide free financial advice to our members, helping them decide on their saving and investment options, and to make their money work harder.
“With access to a financial adviser in every one of our branches, this is a service that sets us apart.
“We have launched a new regular saver that pays an interest rate of 7.5%, allowing members to make the most of their hard-earned savings.
“And we have announced a free EPC Plus assessment and report for members, to make their homes more energy efficient.”
Haire concluded: “I joined Skipton Group with a passion to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who want to help as many people as possible in achieving their financial and home security dreams.
“We are uniquely placed to help even more people have a home, save for life ahead and deal with these testing financial times.”
