Yorkshire had 1,500 best buy mortgage mentions by the end of 2010, many for its fixed rate deals and loans for first-time buyers or 90% LTV borrowers.
In 2011, the Society launched its Rollover Mortgage, aimed to help those coming to the end of their mortgage as well as promoting its Offset Plus facility, allowing family members to help first-time buyers onto the ladder by offsetting their own savings.
Chris Smith, group direct mortgage manager for the Yorkshire said: “As a building society, helping people to get onto the property ladder is very important to us, as is ensuring we offer our borrowers competitive deals that suit their needs.
Andrew Hagger of Moneynet said: “It has been another extremely challenging year for banks, building societies and credit card companies, but some have gone the extra mile to outperform their rivals with excellent deals for the consumer.
“Despite the tough economic backdrop and ultra low base rate, there have been some first class products in the marketplace and we feel that it is important that the ‘best in class’ are recognised for their efforts.”
Mike Fitzgerald, sales director for the Emba Group said Yorkshire is viewed as a strong direct lender, but whole-of market brokers are unlikely to do much volume with its broker arm Accord.
“Accord’s rates are very keen, but their credit scoring system is also very keen, which has stymied a few deals for us,” said Fitzgerald.
“The time has come for lenders to give equal credence to both direct and intermediary channels. The Halifax is making a lot of noise about how keen it is to lend to brokers but charges intermediary channel clients a £995 fee for a product they can get fee-free in branch.”
Meanwhile, Abbey for Intermediaries has won three awards at the Finance Planning Group’s awards.
It was named Top Lender, Best Lender for Purchase, and Abbey’s Tom Spatchurst was named Best BDM.
Adrian Whittaker, key accounts director at Abbey for Intermediaries, said: “We have continued to support the intermediary market over the past 12 months with consistent lending, great products and a much improved service offering, and these awards are testament to our commitment to the intermediary market.”
