Furness makes it easier for people to buy a home

Furness Building Society is making it easier for more people in Cumbria and Lancashire to get on the property ladder, with a range of new mortgage options designed to support today’s homebuyers - including those who may have struggled to secure a mortgage in the past. 

The Society has introduced more flexible lending criteria to better reflect modern working lives, helping everyone from self-employed contractors and business owners with only one year of trading to first time buyers and those just starting out in their careers. 

Buyers like these can now access mortgages of up to 95% of a property’s value, even if they have more complex income arrangements - such as working on a contract basis, starting an apprenticeship or earning through multiple sources. The changes also support those purchasing new build and shared ownership homes. 

For local landlords and second-home buyers, Furness has also increased flexibility, with up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV) available on buy-to-let and holiday-let mortgages.

At the heart of Furness’ approach is a commitment to look at each loan application on an individual basis. Rather than relying on an automated process, experienced underwriters assess each case on its own merits, helping to find solutions for people whose circumstances don’t fit the standard mould.

Jon Cartlidge, Head of Member and Broker Strategy at Furness Building Society, commented: “We know that no two buyers are the same and many people have been unfairly excluded from the market simply because their income or circumstances don’t fit traditional criteria. When we look out onto our doorstep, we see local employers who are thriving and we wanted to do our bit.

“These changes will give more local people a fair chance, whether that’s an apprentice buying their first home, a family wanting to stay in their community or someone who’s been running their business for a year. We’re here to understand real lives and make homeownership possible.” 

With further changes planned throughout 2026, Furness Building Society is continuing its mission to break down barriers and make owning a home more achievable for a wider range of people.