Written by Kellie Steed Reviewed by Lee Trett
Sources
3 August 2026
First Published
It can be disheartening to have your mortgage application rejected, but it’s important to understand that one lender rejecting you doesn’t mean they all will. Each mortgage lender has their own unique criteria, and they often vary substantially from one lender to the next.
Leeds Building Society, as with many building societies, are known for flexibility, when compared to the main high street banks. However, you’ll still need to meet their specific criteria in order for your loan to be approved. We look at their credit, income, and property type requirements, and how to navigate the market if you don’t match them.
Why would Leeds Building Society decline a mortgage application?
Much like any lender, if you don’t meet their exact criteria, your mortgage application will likely be declined by Leeds Building Society.
It’s important to understand why you’ve been declined for a mortgage, so if you feel that your application met all of the criteria below, it’s a good idea to check with them directly.
Speaking to a whole of market mortgage broker before you apply will ensure you match their most up to date criteria. While the below reflects their current position, criteria can change quickly:
-
Credit History: While some adverse credit can be overlooked (a maximum of one satisfied CCJ/default in the past 3 years and value no more than £500). They may consider an active debt management plan (DMP) in some circumstances, but severe credit issues, such as an active IVA will likely result in a decline
-
Income: They prefer a stable income, and some products, such as their Income Plus range, have minimum income requirements. If you’re self-employed you’ll likely need 12-24 months of trading history
-
Property Issues: Some properties may be deemed unsuitable, but they are quite flexible and will consider certain non-standard construction properties, depending on the surveyors comments and valuation
-
Age Limits: For residential mortgages the maximum age at the end of the term is 85, or 80 if unsuitable pension income is available. They have no maximum age for buy-to-let mortgages
What to do if they have rejected you for a mortgage
While it can be frustrating, being turned down by Leeds Building Society is not necessarily the end of your homebuyer journey. Follow these 3 steps to give yourself the best opportunity to overcome the rejection of a mortgage application:
-
Don't panic: With over 90 lenders potentially available, a rejection from one does not necessarily mean that all lenders will decline your application
-
Find out why you were declined: It’s critical to find out the exact reason why you don’t meet Leeds Building Society’s criteria. It can also be helpful to find out which credit reference agency was used (currently Leeds BS use Experian) and get a free credit report so you can see where any issues are holding you back
-
Consult with a broker: Rather than immediately approaching another lender, which can harm your credit score, armed with your reason for rejection and credit report, approach an expert broker, like us. We can identify those lenders more suited to your circumstances
Get your mortgage back on track
Is Leeds Building Society a strict mortgage lender?
Leeds don’t really have stricter rules than any other similarly sized building societies. Some borrowers will find them to be more accommodating than high street banks, especially when it comes to the consideration of non-typical construction styles. However, they can be strict with their guarantor mortgage criteria, which can be a frustration for some first-time buyers.
Most lenders are strict in at least one area of typical mortgage criteria, so it’s important to ensure you apply with one that best reflects your circumstances. Speaking to a whole of market broker can be the simplest way to find the right lender for your situation.
How Money Helpdesk can help you get your plans back on track
If you’ve been declined for a mortgage by Leeds Building Society, or any other lender, try not to worry. Professional help and guidance can make all the difference when it comes to securing a mortgage.
At Money Helpdesk, our brokers have secured many mortgages for applicants who have previously been declined. In some cases we may be able to make recommendations and negotiate with lenders on your behalf.
Failing that, our whole of market access means that we can look at alternative lenders with criteria that more closely matches your current circumstances.
If you are not currently able to qualify for the mortgage you need, our brokers can also advise you on how to become mortgage-ready for future applications. For example:
-
We can provide tips on improving your credit rating
-
We can make recommendations on how to reframe your finances so that lenders view your application in a more attractive light
-
We can potentially suggest ways to navigate or overcome any property-related obstacles
Get started here to begin a free, no-obligation chat with a motgage adviser who can go through all of your options with you.
FAQs
Generally, no. Mortgage application fees are non-refundable once the valuation has been done. However, Leeds BS will usually refund any product fees.
It depends on the level of gambling. Gambling costs directly affect your affordability for most lenders, Leeds included. This could reduce the amount you can borrow, meaning you may be rejected on the basis of affordability.
However, if you have a serious current or recent gambling issue, you may be declined despite your level of affordability. Lenders often view gambling problems as a red flag that you will not repay your loan consistently.