Buying a Home
Remortgaging
Landlord
Specialist
Secured Loans
Debt Consolidation
Conveyancing
Finding a Solicitor
Mortgages
Accord Mortgages is an intermediary-only lender known for flexible underwriting on self-employed, contractor, and complex income cases. Here's what you need to know before you apply.
Accord Mortgages is a strong option if you have income that doesn't fit neatly into a standard high street affordability calculator, such as self-employment, contracting, or a need to borrow at higher income multiples. It's part of the Yorkshire Building Society Group and only works through mortgage brokers, so you can't apply directly.
Where Accord is less strong is on headline rates, which aren't always the most competitive, and on options for borrowers with significant recent credit issues, since it no longer offers credit repair mortgages. Speak to an advisor to find out whether Accord suits your circumstances better than other lenders.
Not sure where to start?
Our advisors can compare Accord against a wide range of other lenders based on your income, deposit, and credit history, with no pressure to proceed.
Accord Mortgages is one of the UK's leading intermediary-only lenders, meaning you can only access their products through a mortgage broker. Part of the Yorkshire Building Society Group, they've built a strong reputation for flexible lending criteria and a common sense approach to underwriting that can help borrowers who might struggle with high street banks.
With over 200 mortgage products and a focus on complex cases, Accord has become a popular choice for brokers working with self-employed applicants, contractors, and borrowers who need higher income multiples.
Our verdict: 4/5
Accord Mortgages excels at helping borrowers who don't fit standard high street criteria. Their flexible underwriting, high income multiples (up to 5.5x salary), and willingness to consider complex income situations make them a strong choice for self-employed workers, contractors, and first-time buyers needing to stretch their borrowing. That said, their rates aren't always the most competitive in the market, and you'll need a mortgage broker to access their products.
Accord Mortgages is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorkshire Building Society, one of the UK's largest building societies with over 150 years of history. Operating as an intermediary-only lender, Accord has built a niche by focusing exclusively on working through mortgage brokers rather than dealing directly with borrowers.
This broker-only approach allows Accord to offer more flexible lending criteria and provide complex case support that would be difficult to deliver through a direct-to-consumer model. Their underwriters have discretion to make common sense decisions on cases that might be automatically declined elsewhere.
Accord is headquartered in Bradford, alongside its parent company Yorkshire Building Society.
Accord is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority through Yorkshire Building Society. This means your mortgage is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Product range
Accord offers a broad range of mortgage products covering most residential and buy-to-let needs, including an alternative product range for borrowers who may not meet standard criteria. Their common sense lending approach means many decisions are made by an underwriter who considers your full circumstances, not just an automated score.
Here's what's available:
Accord's residential range covers first-time buyers, home movers, and people remortgaging. Products are available up to 95% LTV, with the Boost LTI range allowing higher income multiples for those who need to maximise borrowing.
For first-time buyers, Accord offers a £5,000 Deposit Mortgage, making it possible to get on the property ladder with a smaller deposit. Accord also offers a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage, which lets you add a family member, such as a parent or sibling, to the mortgage without them owning a share of the property. This can increase your borrowing capacity and improve your chances of approval.
Available in 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10-year terms, these provide payment certainty throughout the fixed period. The rate you're offered depends on your loan-to-value and whether you're buying or remortgaging. Speak to an advisor for current rates.
These follow the Bank of England base rate plus a margin, so your payments can rise or fall when the base rate changes.
Accord offers offset products that link your savings to your mortgage, reducing the interest you pay. This can be particularly tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers.
Mortgage rates change frequently based on market conditions, including movements in the Bank of England base rate. Rather than quote figures that may already be out of date, speak to a mortgage advisor for current Accord rates based on your deposit, loan-to-value, and circumstances.
Landlords can access Accord's buy-to-let range, which includes products for:
Accord's buy-to-let range includes top-slicing and lower interest cover ratios for basic-rate taxpayers. For borrowers who don't qualify under the standard scorecard, Accord provides an alternative product range.
Buy-to-let products are available up to 80% LTV, with interest cover ratio (ICR) requirements of 125-145% depending on the property and mortgage type. Overpayments beyond your allowance may trigger Early Repayment Charges (ERCs), so it's worth checking your mortgage terms before paying extra.
This lets parents or family members support a borrower by including their income in affordability calculations, without being named on the property title. It's available up to 95% LTV and can help first-time buyers who can afford the payments but need help meeting income requirements. Accord's flexible underwriting means some JBSP cases that don't meet standard criteria are still approved.
For borrowers needing higher income multiples, Accord's Boost LTI products offer up to 5.5x income. First-time buyers can access this at up to 95% LTV with no minimum income requirement. Home movers and remortgagers need a household income of £50,000 or more and can access up to 90% LTV.
Accord has specific criteria for contractors on umbrella payroll or fixed-term contracts, assessing income based on day rates or contract values rather than requiring a long employment history.
Understanding Accord's lending criteria helps you assess whether they're likely to accept your application. Their flexible underwriting process can help with complex cases, using a common sense approach rather than automatic referrals or committees. You'll also have a dedicated underwriter managing your case, which can make the application process smoother.
Accord uses affordability calculations rather than strict income multiples to determine how much you can borrow. That said, their income multiple guidelines give a useful benchmark:
Boost LTI's higher income multiples look attractive, but they come with stricter affordability stress testing. If your outgoings are high relative to your income, you may not get the full 5.5x even if you qualify on income alone. It's worth checking the full affordability picture with a broker before you rely on the higher multiple.
Accord's Boost LTI range lets borrowers with household incomes of £50,000 or more access higher borrowing limits. Accord also removed the minimum income requirement for first-time buyers using the 5.5x income multiple, meaning first-time buyers can now borrow up to 5.5 times their income at up to 95% LTV, provided they meet affordability requirements.
Accord allows mortgage terms up to 40 years, with the loan needing to be repaid by age 80. This means older borrowers may have more limited options, since the mortgage must be settled by the time the oldest applicant turns 80.
If you're borrowing on an interest-only basis, this can't extend beyond your stated retirement age.
For later-life lending, Accord requires a minimum property equity of £200,000 and a realistic downsizing strategy if you're planning to use the sale of your property to repay the mortgage.
Accord takes a case-by-case approach to credit history, but has general guidelines.
Typically accepted:
Typically declined:
Accord no longer offers credit repair mortgages to new customers. If you have significant credit issues and don't meet their standard criteria, Accord may still consider you for its alternative product range, or a broker can suggest other lenders that may be a better fit.
If you're struggling with debt or unsure where to turn, MoneyHelper offers free, independent guidance and can be reached on 0800 138 7777.
Accord is particularly accommodating for self-employed borrowers and contractors.
Self-employed: typically requires 2 years' accounts, though there's some flexibility for established businesses with a strong track record.
Contractors: Accord assesses contractor income using day rates. Their calculation is day rate x 5 days x 46 weeks. For umbrella contractors, they deduct payroll fees before calculating affordability. Multiple contracts can be combined, which can significantly boost how much you can borrow.
Directors: salary plus dividends can be used for affordability, with SA302s and tax year overviews required as evidence.
Accord lends on most standard UK residential properties.
Acceptable property types:
Restrictions:
Understanding the full cost of an Accord mortgage means looking beyond the interest rate. Here's what you can expect to pay in fees.
Accord's arrangement fees, also called product fees, vary by deal. Some products have no fee, while others charge a fee that can be added to the loan or paid upfront.
Typical product fee ranges:
Adding the fee to your mortgage increases your loan amount, which means you'll pay interest on it over the full term. Speak to an advisor to work out whether paying the fee upfront or adding it to your loan works out better for your circumstances.
Many Accord products include a free standard valuation, which is a useful saving since standard valuations typically cost £200 to £500 depending on the property value. If you want a more detailed survey, you can upgrade to a HomeBuyer Report or full Building Survey at extra cost.
If you think you might want to overpay significantly or repay your mortgage early, check the ERC schedule before you commit to a deal. Accord's 10% annual overpayment allowance is generous, but charges on anything above that can add up quickly during the fixed period.
If you repay your mortgage early or switch lender during your fixed or tracker deal, early repayment charges (ERCs) apply. These typically range from 1-5% of the outstanding balance and reduce each year of the deal.
Accord allows overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance per year without triggering an ERC, giving you some flexibility to reduce your mortgage faster if your circumstances allow.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Most Accord residential mortgages are portable. If you move home within your deal period, you can usually take your rate with you, and Accord will refund any ERCs you incur, provided you borrow the same amount on the same deal.
Accord stands out for its common sense lending approach and its willingness to consider cases that fall outside standard scorecards. For borrowers who don't qualify under its main criteria, Accord also offers an alternative product range.
While Accord accommodates some credit history issues, it no longer offers credit repair mortgages. If you have more significant credit problems, such as recent defaults, an active debt management plan, or discharged debt, specialist adverse credit lenders may offer more suitable products, though typically at a higher rate. Accord's alternative product range may also be worth exploring if you don't qualify for its standard products due to stricter criteria.
Is Accord right for you?
Customer reviews of Accord Mortgages are broadly positive, though not universally so. Many borrowers highlight clear communication and a straightforward application process, while some report issues with account access or offers being withdrawn.
Accord holds a strong 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot, with most reviewers rating them 4 or 5 stars. Recent reviews highlight:
Positive themes:
Negative themes:
In Which?'s mortgage lender survey, based on thousands of customer responses, Accord achieved a customer score of 72%, ahead of many high street lenders. Customers rated them highly for the clarity of mortgage statements and ease of online account access. However, Which? noted that Accord's rates weren't consistently among the most competitive when compared with the wider market.
Among mortgage brokers, Accord has a strong reputation. Direct underwriter access, a pragmatic approach to lending decisions, and responsive business development managers make them a popular choice for complex cases. The lender regularly features in industry awards and broker recommendations.
Based on our analysis, here's who Accord tends to work best for, and who might be better served elsewhere.
First-time buyers needing to maximise borrowing: with income multiples up to 5.5x and no minimum income requirement for first-time buyers, Accord helps those who can afford mortgage payments but struggle to borrow enough through standard lenders. The Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor option also lets family members support affordability without being on the title.
Self-employed professionals: Accord's flexible income assessment and underwriter discretion make them particularly suitable for business owners, freelancers, and those with complex income structures. They'll consider retained profits, dividends, and contract values rather than just salary.
Contractors: whether you're on day rates, fixed-term contracts, or using umbrella companies, Accord has specific criteria designed for contractor income. They'll aggregate multiple contracts and use day rate calculations to help maximise borrowing.
Borrowers declined elsewhere: if a high street lender has declined you because of income complexity rather than credit issues, Accord's underwriters may take a different view. Their case-by-case approach can find solutions where automated systems can't.
Those with significant credit issues: without credit repair products, borrowers with recent defaults, active debt problems, or discharged debts may find specialist adverse credit lenders more accommodating.
Rate-focused borrowers with simple circumstances: if you have straightforward PAYE income, excellent credit, and a large deposit, you might find marginally better rates by shopping around high street lenders directly.
Those wanting direct lender access: if you'd prefer to deal directly with your lender rather than through a broker, Accord's intermediary-only model won't suit you. Consider Halifax, Nationwide, or other direct lenders instead.
How it works
Find a mortgage broker
You can't apply to Accord directly, so you'll need a broker who has access to their products and understands their criteria.
Initial assessment
Your broker gathers information about your circumstances and runs a soft credit check to see what you might qualify for.
Decision in Principle
If things look positive, your broker submits a Decision in Principle for conditional approval, usually within 1-3 working days.
Full application
Once you've had an offer accepted, your broker submits the full application along with your supporting documents.
Underwriting and valuation
A dedicated underwriter reviews your case and commissions a property valuation, contacting your broker if anything needs clarifying.
Mortgage offer
If approved, you'll receive a formal offer, typically valid for 6 months, while your solicitor handles the legal work.
Since Accord only works through mortgage brokers, here's how the application process works in more detail.
You can't apply directly to Accord, so you'll need a broker. Money Saving Advisors can connect you with specialists who have access to Accord's products and experience with their criteria.
A good broker will:
Your broker will gather information about your circumstances and run an initial eligibility check. This soft search won't affect your credit score and gives an indication of what products you might qualify for.
Information you'll need:
If initial checks look positive, your broker will submit a Decision in Principle application. This provides a conditional approval and gives you confidence when making offers on properties.
The DIP involves a soft credit check and typically takes 1-3 working days for a decision.
Once you've had an offer accepted on a property, or are remortgaging, your broker submits the full mortgage application. You'll need to provide:
Accord assigns a dedicated underwriter to manage your case and commission a property valuation. If anything needs clarifying, they'll contact your broker directly. This stage typically takes 3-5 working days for straightforward cases, though complex applications may take longer.
If approved, you'll receive a formal mortgage offer, typically valid for 6 months, giving you time to complete the purchase. Your solicitor handles the legal work, and once everything is in place, funds are released for completion.
Since Accord only works through intermediaries, you'll need a mortgage broker to access their products.
Common questions
No. Accord Mortgages is an intermediary-only lender, which means you can only access their products through a mortgage broker. This model allows them to offer more flexible criteria and provide complex case support. We can connect you with a broker who has access to Accord's products.
Accord doesn't publish minimum credit score requirements. They assess applications individually, considering your overall credit history rather than relying solely on a score. Minor credit issues from the past may be acceptable, but recent defaults or missed payments on secured debts will typically cause problems.
Accord accepts some adverse credit situations, including satisfied defaults over 36 months old (up to £500), minor missed payments on unsecured credit, and satisfied IVAs over 6 years old. However, they no longer offer credit repair mortgages for new customers. If you have significant credit issues, a broker can assess whether Accord will consider your case or suggest alternative lenders. In some cases, Accord may offer an alternative product range for borrowers who don't qualify for its standard products.
For straightforward applications, expect 2-3 weeks from full application to mortgage offer. Complex cases involving self-employment, multiple income sources, or non-standard properties may take 3-5 weeks. Your broker can give you a more accurate estimate based on your circumstances.
Yes. Most Accord mortgages allow overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance per year without early repayment charges. If you exceed this limit, you may incur Early Repayment Charges (ERCs), so it's worth checking your mortgage terms before making additional payments. This flexibility can help you reduce your mortgage faster and save on interest if you have spare cash.
When your fixed or tracker deal ends, you'll move to Accord's standard variable rate (SVR). To avoid this, it's worth looking for a new deal 3-6 months before your current product expires. Accord offers product transfers for existing customers, or you can remortgage to a different lender.
Yes. Accord offers buy-to-let products for individual and portfolio landlords, including limited company options. They require an interest cover ratio of 125-145% depending on the property and mortgage type, with a maximum LTV of 80%. For borrowers who don't meet the standard eligibility criteria, Accord also provides an alternative product range.
Yes. Most Accord residential mortgages are portable, meaning you can transfer your existing rate to a new property if you move home. If you need to borrow more, this can usually be arranged as additional lending alongside your ported mortgage. Accord will also refund early repayment charges if you port your mortgage to a new property at the same rate.
Yes. Accord Mortgages is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yorkshire Building Society, one of the UK's largest building societies. This relationship provides financial stability and regulatory oversight, while allowing Accord to focus on specialist intermediary-only lending.
Accord will lend up to £2.6 million on residential mortgages. For loans over £1 million, the maximum LTV reduces to 75%. Additional rules may apply for high-value cases.
Initial eligibility checks and Decision in Principle applications use a soft credit search, which doesn't affect your credit score. Only when you proceed with a full application will a hard credit search be conducted, which may temporarily affect your score.
Potentially, yes. Accord's underwriters have discretion to consider cases individually, and their flexible criteria for self-employment and contractor income means they may approve applications that automated systems decline. This depends on why you were declined, so a broker can assess whether Accord is likely to view your case differently.
You'll typically need proof of identity, proof of address, income evidence (payslips or accounts), bank statements, and property details. Self-employed applicants need additional documentation including tax calculations (SA302s) and company accounts. Your broker will provide a complete list based on your circumstances.
Accord's rates are reasonable but not always market-leading. Their value lies more in lending flexibility and willingness to consider complex cases than in offering the lowest possible rates. If you have straightforward circumstances, you might find slightly better rates elsewhere, but if you need flexible criteria, Accord is worth considering.
What our clients say
Shortly after I spoke with Anna, she was also very helpful and made it effortless and a nice experience.
Had a really good experience regarding arranging a secured loan. They introduced me to a great advisor. Thanks for the help.
For once a loan transaction without stress and complications. Very impressed and highly recommended.
Thrilled to share my exceptional experience with Money Saving Advisors. The website made it incredibly simple and easy to connect with an advisor. They helped me find the best deal on my remortgage and secured a very competitive interest rate!
Great advice and money saved on mortgage.
I have previously declined a loan of the value I needed from various brokers, but this website found me a reputable broker with surprisingly decent rates.
Mortgages
Compare mortgage rates from a wide range of lenders. Our expert advisors are here to help you find the right deal.
