The Intermediary – October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 27
Q&A
to this, we created a dedicated space on our
website to support members in understanding
their emissions and reducing their carbon
footprint.
We became the first provider to offer enhanced
affordability for mortgages on the most energyefficient new homes. We projected lower fuel
bills for new-build homes with an A or B Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) rating versus a
less energy efficient property. We’ve started
to see other lenders come out with similar
initiatives as we work together towards
building a greener planet.
How do you assess the risk return of
the Income Plus product line, and
will it evolve?
We hear regularly from our intermediary partners
that this range is having a huge impact on their
clients, and allows them to say ‘yes’ to far more
borrowers.
This range, along with the adjustments to
our affordability model give a more realistic
view of what borrowers can afford to
repay every month. The purposeful
action we take now will pave the way
for future homeowners, and we hope
that more lenders will come up with
solutions to support more first-time
buyers.
How far do you intend
to scale your use of Open
Banking following the pilot?
How does Leeds approach its
relationships with intermediaries?
We are lucky to have around 25,000 mortgage
advisors in the UK, who are helping people to
secure a home of their own. Our relationship
with these brokers is integral to the success of
our business. Communication is integral to good
relationships, whether that be between broker
and client, or lender and intermediary partner.
This is why we consider our business
development managers (BDMs) the lifeblood of
our lending team. Their support at every step of
the client’s journey is so valuable, and our BDMs
can give brokers a quick indication of whether
a case is likely to be approved and walk them
through the simple steps a homebuyer can take
to improve their chances of having an application
accepted.
Through extensive training, our 31 BDMs
across field and head office are equipped with
the knowledge and skills to find solutions
for those stepping onto and up the property
ladder. We have a range of contact options all
staffed by experts. These include dedicated
contact telephone numbers for new or existing
applications, a live broker webchat service, and a
dedicated BDM for every broker.
With increasing focus on energy
efficiency and green homes, how is
Leeds adapting?
Borrowers are increasingly aware of the need to
take control of their energy consumption and the
environmental impact of their home. In response
MARTESE
CARTON
Our collaboration with L&C Mortgages
has enabled mortgage applications to
progress more quickly and efficiently by using
an automated process to access applicants’
recent financial history. By connecting to
Experian’s open banking platform, clients of L&C
Mortgages have provided access to their financial
records, showing regular income and outgoing
payments, in place of gathering and submitting
bank statements.
The process has now been adopted as routine
procedure in applications between Leeds and
L&C, freeing up time for brokers and clients
and reducing steps in the mortgage application.
Through our partnerships with L&C Mortgages
and Experian, we have been able to demonstrate
how new technology and close collaboration
can deliver outcomes that will make meaningful
differences to the mortgage journey.
We are looking forward to taking the learnings
from this pilot forward with more of our
intermediary partners and expanding our use of
automation.
What’s next for the
mortgage market?
Recent years have taught me to expect the
unexpected, but it’s fair to say that things are
starting to look up for aspiring first time buyers
and the overall state of the market. Recent
historically high house prices, the increasing cost
of living and limited housing stock has made it
difficult for borrowers.
The action we take now will pave the way for
future homeowners, and we hope that more
lenders will come up with solutions to bolster the
future of the housing market.
October 2025 | The Intermediary
25
