Earl Shilton Building Society (ESBS) is a small, traditional, and proudly independent mutual building society based in Leicestershire.
They are a prime example of a local building society that prioritises personal service and manual underwriting. They are an excellent choice for borrowers in their local area or those with slightly unusual circumstances who would benefit from a human, common-sense approach to lending.
You can use our mortgage sourcing tool below to compare the latest rates from ESBS against the rest of the market for free.
Compare Rates
Showing Top Result Results
No results matching your criteria
Lender Details
Product Details
Who are Earl Shilton Building Society?
Founded in 1857, ESBS is a member-owned institution with a deep commitment to serving its local communities. Being a mutual means it is run for the benefit of its members, not for external shareholders.
In the mortgage market, their greatest strength is their individual approach. Every single application is assessed by a person, not a computer. This allows their underwriters to understand the story behind the numbers and make fair decisions for people who don't fit the standard mould, such as the newly self-employed or those with multiple income streams.
What are they known for?
While ESBS offers a range of standard mortgage products, their reputation is built on their flexibility and willingness to consider cases that larger lenders might automatically reject.
A Personal, Common-Sense Approach
This is their core philosophy. They are a strong option for borrowers who value a human touch:
-
Complex Income: They are happy to assess applications from the self-employed, contractors, and those with multiple jobs.
-
Mortgages for Later Life: They are known for being flexible on age, assessing each case on its merits and offering products for older borrowers.
-
Local Knowledge: Their deep understanding of the local property market in Leicestershire and the surrounding areas can be a significant advantage.
Niche Lending Areas
They also have an appetite for certain specialist areas that bigger banks often avoid:
-
Expat Mortgages: They offer products for UK citizens living and working abroad who wish to purchase a buy-to-let property in the UK.
-
Holiday Let Mortgages: They provide mortgages for the purchase of holiday homes intended for short-term rental.
Compare today's best mortgage rates
We work with 90+ UK mortgage lenders, including Earl Shilton Building Society. You can use our service to compare mortgage rates from across the market to find the right deal.
Our mortgage sourcing tool is FREE and will show you the latest deals from Earl Shilton Building Society and others so you can make an informed decision about which to choose.
Click the button below to get started comparing the entire market for free.
Pros and Cons of an Earl Shilton Building Society Mortgage
Pros:
-
Truly Personal Service: You can speak directly with the team, and every case is reviewed by a person.
-
Flexible Underwriting: An excellent choice for borrowers with complex incomes or those who are self-employed.
-
Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of their core operating area in the East Midlands.
-
Specialist Niches: A good option for expat and holiday let mortgages.
Cons:
-
Strong Regional Focus: While they lend in England and Wales, their primary focus and brand recognition are in Leicestershire.
-
Rates May Be Less Competitive: For a completely straightforward case, you may find lower interest rates with a major high-street bank.
-
Smaller Product Range: They don't have the vast number of different deals that a national lender would offer.
How to apply
Earl Shilton Building Society offers two main channels to apply for a mortgage:
-
Directly: You can apply yourself by speaking to their mortgage advisers over the phone or in one of their local branches.
-
Through a Mortgage Broker (recommended): You can also use an independent mortgage adviser who can access their products and manage the application process for you.
Get started here to begin a free, no-obligation chat with a broker who specialises in ESBS’ product range and can compare it against the rest of the market for you.