Cambridge Building Society Expands Flat Mortgage Criteria: High-Rise New Builds Now Eligible Up To 80% LTV

Cambridge Building Society Lifts Height Restriction for New-Build Flats

The Cambridge Building Society has announced a major criteria update, removing the maximum height limit on new-build blocks of flats. Homeowners, first-time buyers, and property investors in England and Wales now have expanded mortgage options for high-rise residences built from January 2020 onwards, with borrowing available up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV) for both residential and buy to let purposes.

What’s Changed: Lending Criteria Update for Flats

• Previous cap lifted: The old restriction limited mortgages to flats in buildings no higher than eight storeys.
• New criteria: Flats in new-build residential towers over eight storeys, as long as completed after January 2020, are now eligible for both residential and buy to let mortgages from Cambridge Building Society.
• Maximum loan-to-value: Up to 80% LTV available (borrowers need a minimum 20% deposit or equity).
• Geographical coverage: Applies to qualifying properties in England and Wales.

Why This Matters for Borrowers

This update reflects increasing demand for modern high-rise living and the growing confidence in enhanced safety and construction standards in post-2020 buildings. By allowing high-rise flats to qualify for up to 80% LTV lending, Cambridge Building Society opens doors for:

• First-time buyers seeking affordable homes in new developments.
• Home movers considering a high-rise flat as their next property.
• Buy to let investors expanding portfolios with new-build flats.

Who Benefits from This Criteria Change?

• Prospective owners and landlords targeting new-build high-rise apartments in city centres.
• Borrowers who previously couldn’t secure a mortgage due to building height restrictions.
• Those needing up to 80% LTV for property purchase or buy-to-let investment.

Special Features of Cambridge Building Society Lending

• Manual underwriting: Each mortgage application is considered on its individual merits by an experienced team, rather than by rigid computer-based algorithms.
• Support for complex cases: Direct adviser access via phone, email, or live chat for tailored support with non-standard or challenging scenarios.
• Diverse mortgage options: Residential and buy-to-let mortgages available, with detailed eligibility outlined in their product guides.

Why Choose Cambridge Building Society?

• Flexible flat lending: Now one of the few UK lenders with no height cap on new-build flats built since January 2020 (subject to lending criteria).
• Human decisions: Mortgage decisions are made by real people, providing greater understanding of unique borrower circumstances.
• Strong regional focus: Well-established and trusted in the English and Welsh property markets.

How to Take Advantage of the New Flat Mortgage Criteria

If you are considering buying or investing in a new-build flat above eight storeys, Cambridge Building Society’s updated criteria presents valuable finance opportunities. For guidance on eligibility, suitable mortgage products, or to discuss your case, our expert mortgage advisers are available to help you secure the most appropriate deal based on your circumstances.

Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation conversation for tailored mortgage advice.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cambridge Building Society Flat Mortgage Criteria Update

• Who qualifies for mortgages on high-rise new-build flats?Borrowers (homeowners or buy to let investors) purchasing flats in buildings over eight storeys, built after January 2020, across England and Wales. Standard affordability and credit checks apply.
• How much can I borrow for a high-rise flat?Up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV), meaning a minimum 20% deposit or equity is required.
• Does this criteria update apply to older high-rise buildings?No. The new criteria only applies to new-build blocks completed after January 2020.
• Are buy to let mortgages available for high-rise flats?Yes. Cambridge Building Society offers buy to let mortgages up to 80% LTV on eligible new-build high-rise flats.
• How do I check if my property is eligible?Contact our mortgage specialists for a free assessment of your flat’s eligibility and to discuss potential next steps.