Lending Criteria.
Our criteria is split into residential and buy to let, so use the options below to find the criteria you need.
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Partner in a professional LLP: Affordability Assessment
We will assess partners in professional partnership LLPS the same as we assess Self-Employed applicants when assessing income.
Partner in a professional LLP: Minimum Length of Time Requirement (Months)
We require applicants to have at least 2 years accounts
Pension Income: Annuity
We will accept 100% of annuity
Pension Income: Pension – War Disablement
We can accept 100% of this income
Pension Income: Pension – War Widower
We can accept 100% of this income
Pension Income: Pension (Company)
We can accept 100% of this income
Pension Income: Pension Credit
We cannot accept this form of income
Pension Income: Private Pension
We can accept 100% of this income
Pension Income: Self Administered Drawdown Pension
We can consider self administered drawdown pension income.
Pension Income: Self-invested Personal Pension (SIPPs)
We can accept income from a Self-invested Personal Pension (SIPPs). For affordability, we will use 80% of the total fund value, which we then divide by the mortgage term. For investment portfolios we can use 75% of the income the portfolio generates.
Pension Income: State Pension
We can accept 100% of this income
Politically exposed persons
We will not consider an applicant that is classed as a politically exposed person.
Portable mortgages as standard
The majority of mortgages are portable as standard.
Power of Attorneys
We can potentially consider an application from a customer with Lasting Power of Attorney. We are only comfortable with power of attorney who is simply looking to remortgage or is making a sound decision. We are not comfortable with a power of attorney converting a property into a BTL, or a power of attorney effectively purchasing a property that they have powers over into their own name. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Previously Repossessed (years ago acceptable)
We can potentially consider applicants up to 75% LTV, as long as this was more than 3 years ago and if the lender that incurred a shortfall debt has been repaid in full by the applicant.
Professional gambler
We will not consider an application from a professional gambler
Professional Landlord (Rent is primary source of income)
We do not accept professional landlords who wish to use rental income as their primary income source
Properties with Asbestos
We can potentially lend on properties where Asbestos is identified. However, the application will be subject to the valuers comments.
Properties with Occupancy Restrictions
We will not consider an application on a property with occupancy restrictions
Property being purchased at auction
We can consider an application where the property will be purchased at auction. We do recommend calling the Business Development Team to check on current SLA’s and turnaround times to fit with your purchase.
Property Construction: 100% Timber Construction
We are not able to accept 100% timber construction. Please refer to the Business Development Team if it is a traditional Suffolk/Norfolk barn
Property Construction: BOPAS accreditation required for non-standard construction
We do require BOPAS accreditation for non-standard construction where the construction type is acceptable to us.
Property Construction: British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF)
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Concrete construction
We cannot accept this construction type. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further if it is modern concrete construction specifically.
Property Construction: Converted church
We can potentially consider an application on a converted church. This would need to be submitted to us as a self-build application. These can not be next to a graveyard.
Property Construction: Cornish construction
Suffolk Building Society does not lend on cornish construction properties.
Property Construction: Dutch barns
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Easiform
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: EWS1 required on properties with combustible cladding or materials on balconies?
We will not lend on properties with combustible cladding or materials on balconies without an EWS1 form. A1, A2 and B1 are acceptable, subject to valuers comments.
Property Construction: Flying Freehold
Maximum 25% subject to insurance available on standard terms. All cases should be referred to the Business Development Team prior to application.
Property Construction: Insulating concrete form (ICF)
We can potentially accept this construction type subject to underwriters approval. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Large Panel System (LPS)
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Majority Flat Roof
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Modern method of construction (MMC)
We are able to accept applications on properties where the construction type is Modern method of construction (MMC). We require BOPAS certification and will be subject to valuers comments.
Property Construction: Modular and POD Construction
Property Construction: Mundic block
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: No-Fines
We can potentially accept applications with No-Fines. This would be subject to our valuer’s comments and underwriters approval. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Non repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Off site manufactured (MMC)
We can potentially accept properties where the construction type is Off site manufactured (MMC) subject to it having BOPAS and underwriter approval. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Potton Homes
We can potentially lend on a Potton Home property subject to underwriters approval. Please contact our Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete
We are able accept repaired prefabricated reinforced concrete, subject to valuers comments and underwriters approval. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Single skin
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Steel framed
We may be able to accept modern steel frame specifically. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Structural Insulated Panel Solutions (SIPs)
We can consider SIP construction subject to underwriter approval. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Construction: Thatched roof
We are able to accept properties that have an element of a thatched roof.
Property Construction: Timber framed
We can accept modern timber frame (not acceptable if the property also has timber cladding)
Property Construction: Timber framed (1900 to 1970)
We can potentially accept a timber frame construction dating between 1900 to 1970.
Property Construction: Timber framed (Post 1970)
We can potentially accept a timber frame construction dated post 1970, as long as the property has masonry skin. Subject to valuers comments.
Property Construction: Timber framed (Pre 1900)
We can potentially accept a timber frame construction dating pre 1900.
Property Construction: Tower Block with Cladding
We can potentially accept a tower block of flats that have cladding. Maximum storeys acceptable is 5 and the case would be subject to a suitable EWS1 form.
Property Construction: Wholly Timbered
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property Construction: Woolaway
We cannot accept this construction type.
Property factor: Spray foam insulation
Suffolk Building Society is unable to lend on properties with spray foam insulation
Property Factors: Contaminated Land
We will not consider properties that are situated on contaminated land.
Property Factors: Mine Shafts
We will not lend on properties that are close to a mine shaft.
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A1 – shops and retail outlets)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class A1 commercial premises. Please refer the property before application submission
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A2 – professional services)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class A2 commercial premises. Please refer the property before application submission
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A3 – food and drink)
We will not lend on properties that border class A3 commercial premises.
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A4 – drinking establishments)
We will not lend on properties that border class A4 commercial premises.
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class A5 – hot food and takeaway)
We will not lend on properties that border class A5 commercial premises.
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class B)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class B commercial premises.
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class C)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class C commercial premises. Please refer the property before application submission
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Class D)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class D commercial premises. Please refer the property before application submission
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Sui Generis)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class ‘Sui Generis’ commercial premises. Please refer the property before application submission
Property Factors: Next to Commercial (Sui Generis)
We can potentially lend on properties that border class ‘Sui Generis’ commercial premises. Please refer the property before application submission
Property Factors: Overhead Power Lines
We will not lend on properties that have overhead power lines running above them.
Property Factors: Part Renovated (Is Habitable)
We can potentially lend on properties that have been part renovated that are likely to be considered habitable by a surveyor. Subject to valuers comments.
Property Factors: Part Renovated (Not Habitable)
We can potentially lend on properties that have been part renovated that are likely to be considered NOT habitable by a surveyor. Subject to positive valuers comments. We would consider this under our self build scheme
Property Factors: Underpinned within last 10 years
We will not lend on properties that have been underpinned in the last 10 years.
Property has self contained annex
We accept annexes as long as they do not have separate utilities. We accept cases up to 80% LTV. Please note that we do not accept annexes on BTL or Holiday Let applications.
Property Issues: Overage Clause
We can potentially consider a property with an Overage Clause. This will depend on the percentage and it would require underwriters approval.
Property Ownership: Possessory Title
We will not lend on properties that are subject to a possessory title.
Property Ownership: Shared access or shared services
We can consider a property with shared access or shared services. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.
Property Ownership: Splitting of a title deed on completion
We will consider an application where the splitting of a title deed will take place prior to/on completion.
Property Ownership: Tenancy in Common with Unequal Shares
We will consider joint applications where the property ownership will be as tenancy in common with unequal shares.
Property Ownership: Trust
We will not lend on properties that are owned by a trust.
Property Type Studio Flat Minimum Floor Area (Sq Metres)
We do not lend on studio flats, however, our minimum requirement is 30sqm.
Property Type: Basement flat
We can potentially lend on a basement flat. Please refer the property to our Business Development Team. Maximum of 5 storeys, including the basement flat.
Property Type: Coach house
We can consider coach houses but we will need to determine if the property is freehold or leasehold, and if there is an element of flying freehold
Property Type: Commonhold Properties
We do not lend on commonhold properties.
Property Type: Ex local auth flat/maisonette
We are not able to lend on ex local authority flats/maisonettes outside Right to Buy
Property Type: Ex local authority house/bungalow
We are able to lend on ex local authority houses/bungalows.
Property Type: Farmhouse (where farmhouse and land are contiguous)
We are not able to lend on farmhouses where the farmhouse and land are contiguous.
Property Type: Flat above commercial food outlet
We will not lend on properties above a commercial food outlet
Property Type: Flat above commercial offices
We may be able to lend on flats above commercial officies.
Property Type: Flat above commercial pub
We will not lend on a property above a commercial pub
Property Type: Flat above shop (not food outlet)
We may be able to lend on flats above shops. This is subject to type of shop and general location.
Property Type: Freehold flats and maisonettes
We will not lend on freehold flats or maisonettes
Property Type: Grade 1 Listed Building
We can potentially lend on properties that are classified as a Grade 1 Listed Building. These properties are acceptable subject to valuers comments.
Property Type: Grade 2 Listed Building
We can potentially lend on properties that are classified as a Grade 2 Listed Building. These properties are acceptable subject to valuers comments.
Property Type: Grade 2* Listed Building
We can potentially lend on properties that are classified as a Grade 2* Listed Building. These properties are acceptable subject to valuers comments.
Property Type: Mobile homes and houseboats
We are not able to lend on mobile homes and houseboats
Property Type: Studio flat
We are not able to lend on studio flats
Property Usage: Acceptable commercial limit
We are not able to accept applications where the property usage has an element of commercial use.
Property Usage: Agricultural restrictions
We are able to accept properties that have agricultural restrictions. Please refer on an individual basis. No cases considered above 50% LTV.
Property Usage: Bed and Breakfast
We will not lend on residential properties that will continue to be used as a B&B.
Property Usage: Empty Property (Unoccupied)
We will not lend on properties that will remain unoccupied after completion.
Property Usage: Holiday/Second Home
On a second home purchase we will lend up to 80% LTV. In regards to the affordability assessment we will include all costs for both properties
Property Usage: Holiday/Second Home maximum LTV
On a second home purchase we will lend up to 80% LTV. In regards to the affordability assessment we will include all costs for both properties
Property Usage: Home for dependant
Maximum LTV would be 80%
Property Usage: Home for dependant maximum LTV
Maximum LTV for a home for a dependent is 80%
Property Usage: Live/Work units
We are unable to accept applications on properties defined as Live/Work units.
Property Usage: Mixed Use Residential / Commercial
We will not lend on properties that have mixed use commercial/residential.
Property with acreage
We are able to accept properties that have 10 acres of land
Property with Age Restrictions / Retirement Properties
We are not able to accept properties with Age Restrictions or that are Retirement Properties
Property with Annex where Annex will be Let
Property with deck access
We are unable to lend on properties with a deck access
Property with more than one kitchen
We do not lend on properties that have more than one kitchen
Property with Restrictive Covenant Section 106
Applications would be dependent on wording of Section 106 and LTV. Please contact the Business Development Team to discuss further.