Scottish Building Society Doubles Mortgages for First-Time Buyers Amid Economic Challenges

The Scottish Building Society has announced a significant increase in the number of mortgages extended to new homeowners, with figures showing more than double the amount offered compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the organisation’s commitment to assisting individuals in achieving homeownership.

This announcement coincides with the release of the Society’s annual results and follows a series of industry accolades, including the Gold Customer Satisfaction Badge and Consumer Guardian Badge from Smart Money People, as well as a Special Judges’ Award for Outstanding Contribution at the 2025 Scottish Financial Enterprise Awards.

Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society, remarked, “When I look back on the past year, what stands out most is the number of people we’ve been able to help to buy their first home. For many, that moment can feel out of reach, so to have supported more than twice as many first-time buyers as we did the year before is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Denton further emphasised the importance of supporting savers, stating, “At the same time, we know that for every member buying a home, there are many more focused on building their savings and feeling secure about the future. That’s why it’s just as important to us that we’ve remained a safe, dependable place for savers, somewhere people can trust with their money, especially when things feel uncertain.”

He acknowledged the financial pressures faced by households, noting, “It’s been a year where household finances have been under real pressure. We’ve seen members navigating changing tax thresholds, rising costs and difficult choices. Through all of that, our focus has simply been on being there – offering straightforward products, human support when it’s needed, and digital services that make managing money that bit easier.”

Denton expressed pride in the positive feedback from members, stating, “The recognition we’ve received this year matters to us because it reflects real experiences of people feeling supported, listened to and valued.”

Looking ahead, he added, “What gives me the most confidence is that this isn’t about one strong year. It’s about continuing to strike the right balance – helping more people into homes, while making sure we’re always a secure and trusted home for savings too. That’s what being a building society is all about, and it’s what we’ll keep focusing on in the years ahead.”

Members of the Society are set to convene at the Annual General Meeting in May, where Andrew Hastings will take over as Chair following Ian Wilson’s retirement at the end of the financial year. Newly appointed chair, Andrew Hastings, commented, “Despite economic uncertainty, it’s encouraging to see our membership continue to grow.”

He added, “Our values have guided us since 1848 and remain at the heart of how we support members today. We’ll keep investing in digital services alongside our Relationship Centres so members feel supported in the way that works for them. I’m truly honoured to step into the role of Chair at such an exciting point in the Society’s journey.”