Nationwide Building Society has announced a positive change to its popular Helping Hand mortgage product, making it more accessible to first-time buyers across the UK. As of Tuesday the 8th of April 2025, the minimum income requirement for sole applicants has been reduced to £35,000, opening the door for more prospective homeowners to benefit from the enhanced borrowing potential that Helping Hand offers.
What is the Helping Hand Mortgage?
Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage is specifically designed to support first-time buyers who may need a little extra help getting on the property ladder. The product allows eligible buyers to borrow up to 6 times their income, significantly more than standard affordability calculations. Helping Hand is available on 5 and 10 year fixed rate mortgages, with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios of up to 95%. In addition, borrowers receive £500 cashback on completion, with the potential for up to £500 extra for purchasing an energy-efficient home. These benefits make it a compelling option for those trying to maximise their borrowing while securing some financial perks along the way.
What’s Changed?
Previously, the Helping Hand mortgage had a higher income threshold, limiting access to only those with larger salaries. But from today, Nationwide has lowered the sole applicant minimum income to £35,000, making the product more widely available. This change reflects Nationwide’s commitment to regularly reviewing their lending criteria and responding to market needs—especially at a time when first-time buyers are facing growing affordability challenges.
Why This Matters for First-Time Buyers
Jade Pinkerton, Senior Mortgage and Protection Advisor at Oportfolio Mortgages, welcomed the change:
“This is really good news for buyers. We normally use other lenders for maximum first-time buyer borrowing, but Nationwide have now really opened things up for us and our clients. Plenty of lenders have good first-time buyer calculations, but Nationwide are usually one of the best. So them opening this up to more people is a very good thing.”
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we understand how crucial every bit of borrowing power can be, especially in a competitive housing market. With Helping Hand now more accessible, our team can work with even more buyers to explore their mortgage options and secure competitive deals that suit their circumstances.
How to Apply for a Nationwide Helping Hand Mortgage
Getting started is simple. If you’re a first-time buyer with an income of £35,000 or more, you may now be eligible for the Helping Hand mortgage. Working with a mortgage advisor like Oportfolio Mortgages means you’ll benefit from expert guidance, personalised affordability checks, and tailored mortgage recommendations.
We’ll help you:
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Understand your eligibility
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Calculate your maximum borrowing
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Compare Nationwide’s deals with other lenders
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Navigate the full application process
Speak To A First-Time Buyer Mortgage Advisor Today
With the minimum income requirement now reduced, Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage is more inclusive than ever. Whether you’re aiming to maximise your borrowing, take advantage of cashback incentives, or buy an energy-efficient home, Helping Hand could be the key. If you’re a first-time buyer looking to explore your mortgage options, get in touch with Oportfolio Mortgages today.
