Introduction
The mortgage market can feel complex, but brokers play a crucial role in guiding clients to the right products. To support them, Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries provides a dedicated service tailored to brokers’ needs. It offers specialist products, online tools, lending criteria, and strong support teams.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what Skipton offers intermediaries, how its systems work, the advantages and limitations, and why many brokers consider it a go-to choice.
What Is Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries?
Skipton Building Society is one of the UK’s largest building societies, with roots dating back to 1853. Its intermediary division exists to help brokers place mortgages more efficiently.
Instead of working directly with customers, this arm focuses on brokers. The goal is to provide them with tools, clear lending criteria, and products that solve real-world challenges. This makes the mortgage process smoother both for intermediaries and for clients.
Key Features for Mortgage Brokers
eMortgages Portal
At the heart of Skipton’s broker service is its eMortgages portal. This online platform lets intermediaries submit applications, track progress, and manage cases. Registration requires a company email and intermediary number. Once approved, brokers can log in and work on cases anytime.
Product Range
Skipton offers a wide product mix through its intermediary channel. These include:
- Standard residential mortgages
- Buy-to-let products
- First-time buyer mortgages
- Shared ownership schemes
- New-build mortgages
- Green mortgages
The breadth of this range allows brokers to match products to varied client needs.
Income Booster and Joint Borrower Options
Skipton understands that many first-time buyers struggle with affordability. Its Income Booster (also known as Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor) product helps. It allows family members to add their income to the mortgage calculation without being on the property deeds. This can make the difference between a declined case and an approved one.
Specialist Products
Skipton stands out for its innovative products. For example:
- Track Record Mortgage – lets first-time buyers use their rent history to prove affordability.
- Delayed Start Mortgage – offers a three-month payment holiday at the start of the term (interest still accrues).
- Green Mortgages – incentivize energy-efficient homes.
These products give brokers more flexibility when standard lending doesn’t fit.
Lending Criteria and Eligibility
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Options
Skipton offers up to 95% LTV on selected first-time buyer products. This is especially valuable for clients with small deposits.
Affordability Rules and Income Multiples
Loan-to-income multiples are competitive. In certain cases, such as when using a Skipton Lifetime ISA, borrowers may access higher multiples. This can improve affordability assessments.
Self-Employed and Contractor Policies
Self-employed clients often face hurdles with lenders. Skipton supports these cases with clear documentation requirements. Typically, brokers must provide accounts, SA302 forms, or accountant’s certificates. Contractors are assessed on contract value and work history.
Age and Retirement Guidelines
Skipton allows terms to extend past retirement, but brokers must provide evidence of retirement income. Generally, terms must end before the borrower’s 76th birthday.
Tools and Support for Intermediaries
Calculators and Forms
Skipton provides affordability calculators, payment estimators, and downloadable forms. These save brokers time and help present accurate figures to clients.
Remortgage Customer Portal
For remortgage clients, Skipton runs a dedicated customer portal. This lets clients track conveyancing progress and upload documents. Not every case qualifies for the portal, but when it does, it reduces delays.
Business Development Managers (BDMs)
Every broker has access to a regional Business Development Manager. BDMs provide case guidance, product updates, and packaging tips. They are a vital link between brokers and Skipton’s underwriting team.
Service Standards
Skipton publishes service standards so brokers know what to expect. While turnaround times can vary during busy periods, transparency helps brokers manage client expectations.
Advantages of Using Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries
Working with Skipton offers several clear benefits:
- A wide product range tailored for diverse clients
- Innovative products like Track Record and Delayed Start
- Strong support from BDMs and broker helplines
- Transparent service standards
- Tools that simplify affordability and case packaging
For brokers, these advantages translate into smoother applications and happier clients.
Limitations and Things to Watch Out For
No lender is perfect, and Skipton has some limits.
- Panel Access: Only registered intermediaries can use the eMortgages system.
- Product Availability: Rates and terms change often, so brokers must check current details before advising.
- Exclusions: Some remortgage and conveyancing cases cannot use the online portal.
Being aware of these helps brokers avoid surprises.
How to Register and Get Started
Getting started with Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries is simple:
- Register with eMortgages using a company email and intermediary number.
- Review the A–Z Lending Criteria to understand case requirements.
- Contact your local BDM for help with tricky cases.
- Gather client documents early (ID, accounts, bank statements).
- Submit the application and track progress through the portal.
With preparation, brokers can reduce delays and boost approval rates.
Recent Updates and Innovations
Skipton is proactive about product development. Recent launches include:
- Delayed Start Mortgage – helps first-time buyers ease into repayments.
- Track Record Mortgage – uses rent history as proof of affordability.
- Enhancements to its first-time buyer range, including cashback offers and flexible LTV options.
These updates reflect Skipton’s commitment to helping brokers serve modern borrower needs.
Conclusion
Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries is more than just a mortgage provider. It’s a partner for brokers, offering tools, flexible products, and dedicated support. From first-time buyer innovations to strong BDM networks, Skipton stands out as a lender that listens to intermediaries.
For brokers, working with Skipton means having more options to solve client challenges — and that often makes the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries?
It’s the broker-focused arm of Skipton, offering products, tools, and support for mortgage intermediaries.
How do brokers register?
They register through Skipton’s eMortgages portal using a company email and intermediary number.
What products are available?
Skipton offers residential, buy-to-let, first-time buyer, new-build, shared ownership, and specialist mortgages.
Does Skipton support first-time buyers?
Yes, with up to 95% LTV options, Track Record mortgages, and even a Delayed Start product.
How can brokers contact Skipton?
Through regional Business Development Managers, broker helplines, and web chat.
