Supporting homeownership

Building societies and mutual-owned banks hold 29% of the UK’s outstanding mortgage balances yet provided 32% of the UK’s net lending in the period. More than 220,000 new mortgages were approved, representing 31% of all market approvals.

Building societies’ support for first-time buyers remains significant, as they continue to offer innovative solutions to the barriers faced by aspiring homeowners. In the six months to September 2025 they provided 59,861² mortgages to first-time homebuyers.

Supporting savers

Building societies and mutual-owned banks continue to attract a high proportion of savings . They received 27% of all UK cash savings in the six months to September 2025, considerably higher than their 23% market share of savings balances.

Building societies and mutual-owned banks hold 46% of all Cash ISA balances, totalling £205.0 billion, more than double their share of the total savings market. This reflects consumer appetite for providers offering straightforward products and competitive long-term value.   
 

Supporting communities

The member-ownership model enables building societies to focus on value for consumers rather than external shareholders. Last year members received an extra £4 billion³ in additional benefits compared to the rates and benefits offered by banks.

At a time when many banks have reduced their face-to-face services, building societies continue to maintain a strong high street presence, supporting access for consumers who value in-person services. With a number of building societies actively opening new branches and innovating how they use them, such as sharing their space with local charities and community groups, they now account for 35%² of all high street branches, up from 14% in 2012.

Building societies’ support for local communities also includes the provision of financial education and initiatives like UK Savings Week, which help individuals and families build financial confidence and resilience.