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.

West Brom Lends £1.1bn in 2025, Majority to First-Time Buyers

West Brom Building Society completed £1.1 billion in new mortgage lending during 2025, with 72% of this lending going to first-time buyers. The mutual lent to more than 5,500 mortgage borrowers last year, with 85% of its lending made up by homebuyers.

The West Brom reported that it supported standard variable rate (SVR) borrowers by saving them around £1,200 per year compared to the market average, by offering lower rates to those with higher levels of equity at the end of their mortgage deal. The building society reported a pre-tax profit of £33.6 million, down from £36.5 million the previous year. Its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) capital ratio rose to 17.2%.

The West Brom stated that its capital strength would help the mutual support more people to buy their homes. The society also plans to continue investing in modernising its digital and technology platforms to deliver products and services to customers.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the high proportion of first-time buyers entering the market may signal increased demand for property services and potential changes in the rental sector as more tenants transition to homeownership.