A lender has teamed up with a leading credit reference agency to introduce new credit scoring for first-time buyers. This new approach will help first-time buyers climb the property ladder and purchase their first home.
Under the new scheme, buyers can use their rental payments as part of their credit history to prove they can afford mortgage repayments. This means a broader range of payments can build up a picture for lenders.
Previously, credit scores only showed debt repayment, including loans, store cards, and credit cards. But now, Leeds Building Society will look at other repayments in the 12 months leading up to an application – this includes Council Tax, subscriptions and even things like Netflix and Spotify.
Richard Fearon, chief executive at Leeds Building Society, said: “We’re proud to be the first mortgage lender in the UK to make it easier for aspiring homeowners by incorporating free ‘boosted’ credit scores.”
Leeds offers mortgages that require only a 5% deposit, with rates starting at 4.94% for a five-year fixed rate deal with a £999 product fee.
The new service, Experian Boost, uses Open Banking to keep track of your regular payments made via your current account. You can now show this additional data to third parties regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority through secure connections. The data can’t be shared without your consent. Experian Boost is free, but Leeds is the first mortgage lender to use it for lending decisions.
It is anticipated that 7.5% of those applying for a first mortgage with the lender will improve their credit score. It particularly benefits young low-income buyers who must show a stronger credit history and score to lenders.
Your credit score is determined by how much of the available credit you are using, the number of credit applications, the frequency of late payments, the number of loans, credit cards and store cards you have, and how much debt you are in. Most use a points system to show your score; this will range from 0 to 1000, with the higher score being the best. If you score above 961, this is deemed excellent and can secure a better rate. You may be turned on for a mortgage application if you have a low credit score.
If you are a first-time buyer, other initiatives can help you. Skipton Building Society has launched a 100% mortgage – the first one of its kind since 2008. Borrowers must show that they have paid their rent on time, have a good credit score, and pass affordability tests.
The team at Hub Financial are uniquely placed to provide whole-of-market mortgage advice and our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to talk you through the application process, the credit requirements, what’s available and what to expect. We’re available 6 days a week and are ready and eager to help.