Saffron broadens range and updates criteria Mortgage Finance Gazette

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Saffron for Intermediaries has introduced four new lending categories alongside a series of criteria enhancements designed to broaden eligibility and boost affordability for borrowers with complex incomes.

A tiered loan-to-income (LTI) matrix has been introduced across standard residential categories and self build.

With LTIs available up to 5.5x, the framework builds on Saffron’s Professional Income Boost, which allows borrowing up to 6x income.

This could mean clients borrowing up to £39,000 more where LTV is 85–90%, and up to £76,000 more where LTV is below 85%, subject to individual circumstances and affordability.

Saffron has also expanded its joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) proposition, now covering home movers and remortgages. This change offers greater flexibility for families pooling resources – including second steppers, older borrowers  and divorced parents – to sustain property ownership in a challenging affordability environment.

A premier income product is now available for borrowers earning over £150,000 (sole or joint income). With uncapped LTI and loan sizes up to £5m, the product creates a more specialist offering for higher-income clients, supporting brokers in segments often constrained by standard criteria.

Also, an expat residential product has been introduced, available to borrowers returning to the UK where direct family remain in the property.

In addition to the new lending products, Saffron has also introduced a series of broader updates, including:  a 1% reduction in stress rates means clients could unlock up to £25,000 in additional borrowing potential.

Affordability calculations have also been updated in line with the latest ONS cost of living data, giving brokers a more accurate reflection of household budgets and opening up more opportunities for clients whose cases might previously have fallen short

Saffron has also extended its Professional Income Boost to self-employed applicants trading for more than two years, with a wider set of accepted qualifications, and updated its first-time buyer JBSP product, which now accepts two owner borrowers and two supporter borrowers.

Commenting on product launches Saffron for Intermediaries head of business development Tony Hall said: “This is one of our most comprehensive refreshes to date, with our brand new LTI Matrix, Expat Residential, Premier Income, and JBSP categories all designed to reflect the clients brokers are working with today. These updates directly support globally mobile professionals, high earners, and families pooling income across generations.”