Skipton Mortgages – Forward-Thinking Lending for First-Time Buyers, Freelancers & Flexible Workers

Skipton Building Society has built a reputation as a flexible, borrower-friendly lender, especially for first-time buyers, contractors, self-employed clients, and those using shared ownership or affordable housing schemes. Their Deposit-Free Track Record Mortgage has made headlines, and their overall approach is designed for people with real-world income.

At Mortgage Knight, we often recommend Skipton for clients who need something a little different — whether that’s no deposit, contract-based income, or shared ownership staircasing.

Key Benefits of Skipton Mortgages

Innovative No Deposit Mortgage

Deposit-Free “Track Record Mortgage” for renters with 12 months of on-time rent Ideal for renters with strong affordability but no savings Exclusive to first-time buyers meeting criteria

Innovative No Deposit Mortgage

Deposit-Free “Track Record Mortgage” for renters with 12 months of on-time rent Ideal for renters with strong affordability but no savings Exclusive to first-time buyers meeting criteria

Contractor & Self-Employed Friendly

Supports day-rate contractors and freelancers Accepts 1 year of trading in many cases Uses gross contract value or average income from SA302s/accounts

Contractor & Self-Employed Friendly

Supports day-rate contractors and freelancers Accepts 1 year of trading in many cases Uses gross contract value or average income from SA302s/accounts

First-Time Buyer Support

95% LTV deals for buyers with small deposits Strong shared ownership and new build support Products with cashback, no fees, or free valuations

First-Time Buyer Support

95% LTV deals for buyers with small deposits Strong shared ownership and new build support Products with cashback, no fees, or free valuations

Flexible with Employment Types

Accepts fixed-term contracts, zero-hour, and multiple incomes Will consider applicants in probation or new roles Manual underwriting where needed

Flexible with Employment Types

Accepts fixed-term contracts, zero-hour, and multiple incomes Will consider applicants in probation or new roles Manual underwriting where needed

Great for Staircasing & Shared Ownership

Lends on initial purchase, staircasing, or final share buyout Shared ownership up to 95% of the share being purchased Clear, fair criteria for affordable housing schemes

Great for Staircasing & Shared Ownership

Lends on initial purchase, staircasing, or final share buyout Shared ownership up to 95% of the share being purchased Clear, fair criteria for affordable housing schemes

Who Skipton Is Best For

  • First-time buyers, including those with no deposit
  • Renters with 12+ months of payment history
  • Day-rate contractors, freelancers, or agency workers
  • Self-employed clients with 1+ year of trading
  • Buyers using shared ownership or new build schemes
  • Buyers using shared ownership or new build schemes
  • Applicants with non-standard employment or multiple jobs

Types of Mortgages Skipton Offers

  • Residential purchases (standard and new build)
  • Shared ownership & staircasing
  • Deposit-free mortgages (Track Record scheme)
  • Remortgage & capital raising
  • Contractor & self-employed mortgages
  • First-time buyer incentives
  • Interest-only (case-by-case)

Need a Lender That Understands You’re Not “Standard”? Try Skipton

Whether you’re a freelancer, renting with no deposit, or buying a shared ownership home, Skipton offers flexible, accessible mortgage solutions for today’s buyers.

Speak to Mortgage Knight today, and we’ll walk you through your options with Skipton — ensuring you get the support you need and the mortgage you deserve.

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

A: It’s a no-deposit mortgage for first-time buyers who have paid rent consistently for at least 12 months. The monthly mortgage must be no more than the average rent paid in that time.

A: Yes. Skipton accepts 1 year of accounts or SA302s, especially if you’ve been in the same industry prior to becoming self-employed.

A: Absolutely. Day-rate contractors and freelancers are welcome, with income calculated from contract value or recent income history. Umbrella workers also considered.

A: Yes. Skipton is one of the most supportive lenders for shared ownership — lending up to 95% of your share, and happy to support staircasing later on.

A: Deposit requirements range from 0% (Track Record Mortgage) to 5–10% for most other products. Better rates unlock with higher deposits.

A: Yes. Skipton supports new build houses and flats, including builder incentives and Help to Buy-style structures (where applicable).

A: Yes. Capital raising is allowed for most common purposes, including home improvements, debt consolidation, or deposit for a family member.

A: You can apply directly, but working with Mortgage Knight means we handle the packaging, affordability check, and communication, so your case is cleanly presented and moves faster.

Types of Mortgages Accord Offers