Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

NatWest Launches Dedicated New-Build Support Line for Mortgage Brokers

NatWest has set up a dedicated new-build phone line to assist mortgage brokers with enquiries, offering direct access to trained business development managers (BDMs) with an understanding of new-build lending. The service is available on 0345 026 0005 (Relay UK: 18001 0345 026 0005).

The launch reflects growing lender focus on new-build transactions, a part of the market that often involves multiple parties, developer timelines and valuation considerations. Letting agents and inventory clerks regularly see knock-on effects on completion schedules and handover dates in these chains.

What the Line Covers

Brokers can use the line for a range of enquiries across the property buying process, including:

• Pre-submission case queries
• Criteria and development exposure checks
• Post-submission underwriting and valuation queries
• Urgent escalations and completion support

Nadine Edwards, head of intermediary distribution at NatWest, said: "We know new-build cases can involve additional complexity and time-sensitive milestones. The new-build line gives brokers a direct route to specialist expertise, helping them get answers quickly and support their customers with confidence from enquiry to completion."

She added: "It's important to us that we make our intermediaries services as helpful and efficient as possible."

Lending Criteria at a Glance

NatWest lends up to 95% loan to value (LTV) on new-build houses and 90% on new-build flats, subject to lending criteria. Green mortgage options are also available for qualifying properties, regardless of the developer.

The bank will consider builder and developer incentives up to 15%, though incentives above 5% are deducted from the purchase price for lending purposes. Mortgage terms are available up to 40 years, with a maximum age of 75 at the end of the term.

Why It Matters for the Wider Market

While the service is aimed squarely at brokers, smoother new-build transactions affect the wider property market too. Faster answers on criteria, valuation and escalations can help keep completions on track, which is relevant for letting agents managing move-in dates and inventory clerks scheduling check-ins on newly built homes.