Skip to content Sitemap

FAQs

Below are some of the most popular questions our Business Development Managers get asked about our mortgage products. We’ve tried to include answers for everything we think you will need to know, but if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact the Intermediary team.

You will also find details of our residential and buy to let lending criteria here on the website.

  • How do I request a Decision in Principle?

    You can request a decision in principle via the online form on the How To Submit Business page. The team will review your request and respond within 48 hours.

     

  • Which documents do I need to complete an application?

    Please check the How To Submit Business page where you will also find our packaging requirements.

  • Do I need to register to use Broker Online?

    No, you only need your FCA number, your FCA status and company name to submit a case. If you are acting on behalf of a network or mortgage club you’ll need their name and FCA number too.

  • Where do I find your affordability calculator?

    You can use our affordability calculator on the website.

  • How do I request an ESIS?

    Please contact one of our Business Development Managers via email and we will be happy to provide an illustration: intermediaries@bibs.co.uk

  • Where can I find your mortgage application declaration?

    You can download the form here.

    Or contact the team to obtain a copy.

  • Which geographical areas do you lend in?

    We currently lend on property in England, Wales, Scotland and some Scottish Islands.

  • Up to what age will you consider employed income?

    We currently consider earned income until the age of 70. However we do consider individual circumstances  and in some instances will consider applications from individuals up to the age of 85.  If you believe your clients have a unique case, please contact the Intermediary team to discuss.

  • What is the process for submitting business with Bath Building Society?

    You’ll find a step by step guide to submitting business with us here.

  • How can I disclose an applicant’s vulnerabilities to you?

    If one of your customers has a vulnerability for you to disclose, you can do so on the full mortgage application form. Ensure you have explicit permission from your customers to record and disclose any vulnerabilities.

    If the customer’s application has already been submitted, please email the details of the vulnerability to mortgageadmin@bibs.co.uk. Be sure to specify whether the vulnerability is temporary or permanent.

     

  • What is your minimum loan amount?

    Our minimum loan amount is £50,000.

  • What is your Interest Only policy?

    The maximum loan will be 70% LTV, except in the case of certain niche products.

    Acceptable repayment vehicles are Endowments, Pensions, Trust funds and sale of other properties and downsizing. Please call our Intermediaries team to discuss the specific requirements for your client.

  • Do you credit check or credit score?

    We credit check all customers as part of our manual underwriting process for all applications.

  • How can I set up a product transfer for an existing Bath Building Society customer?

    To help an existing Bath Building Society customer choose a new retention product, the first step is to have them complete an Authority to Disclose form.  Once this form is completed, upload it to our online Broker Retention Form on the How To Submit A Case page.

    The retention form allows you to enter both customer and intermediary details, as well as select the product for which you’d like us to generate an offer. Additionally, we’ll ask you to upload your bank account details to ensure prompt payment of the procuration fee. After submission, we will provide you with an offer, which must be signed by the applicant(s) and returned to us so we can arrange the new product.

    We pay a 0.3% procuration fee on rate transfers.

     

  • Are there any restrictions on which acceptable solicitors customers can use?

    Any firm of two or more SRA* approved managers/partners is acceptable provided that the firm has CQS* (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) status.
    *n/a in Scotland.

    If the firm does not have CQS status, we will only accept solicitors who meet the following criteria:

    • Must be a practice that has been established for a minimum of 10 years (where there have been mergers we must be satisfied that, where they were firms of a similar size, they both had a 10 year history or where it was more of a takeover that the larger firm meets the 10 year rule)
    • The majority of the partners/SRA approved managers (i.e. greater than 50%) should have been fully qualified Solicitors for a minimum of 5 years.
    • Where the solicitors acting are a branch of a firm that branch should have been established for a minimum of 5 years and the ‘local’ partner must have 5 years’ experience.
    • The firm must have a minimum of 4 partners with an equitable interest whether by way of partnership agreement or, in the case of a limited company, by way of a shareholding.

    Additional information

    • The Society will not use Licensed Conveyancers under any circumstances
    • The Society will only instruct Solicitors who are registered with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and this will be validated by a search of the SRA website.
    • In Scotland, the firm must be a member of the Law Society of Scotland.
    • The Solicitors may not be subject to any disciplinary action from the Solicitors Regulatory Authority or similar.

    For all loans to Limited Companies the Society will need separate legal representation at the cost of the borrower. We do accept a different partner acting in the same firm. The only exception is if the company is already a borrower with the Society, in which case we will allow the same Solicitor to act for us and the borrower.

  • Contact us

    Still looking for answers? Contact the Intermediary team.

Customer feedback

Read what our members say about Bath Building Society on the review platform, Smart Money People

Latest news

Professional Intermediaries only

This section is for use by professional Intermediaries only.
If you are a customer, please visit our Mortgages section.