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Community Groups and Charities Mortgages

Mortgages designed for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups working to protect the environment or deliver lasting benefits to local people and places.

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Any home or property given as security may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it

Why partner with Ecology?

Key features of our mortgages

Borrow up to 75% loan‑to‑value, subject to eligibility.
Mortgage terms typically range from 1 to 35 years.
Mortgages available on a capital and interest basis, with interest‑only considered during a new build or renovation project.
Stage release payments available during construction or renovation (subject to our maximum loan-to-value).
Suitable for a wide range of community‑focused projects – from conservation and heritage to co‑operative ventures and community services.
We take an individual, case‑by‑case approach and consider the social, community and environmental impacts of each application.

How we support your project

We work closely with you to understand your organisation’s aims and the difference your project will make.
We take a balanced view of the social, community and environmental value your project creates.
Our flexible underwriting supports organisations delivering community benefit, even where projects fall outside mainstream lending criteria. A site visit may be arranged to help us understand your plans more closely.
You will have direct access to our team who are experienced in community-led and not for profit projects.

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View Eligibility, Fees and Charges

Eligibility

Borrowers must be a UK registered organisation.
We support a wide range of organisations including charities, voluntary groups and community groups working towards environmental, social or community benefit.
We do not provide loans for new start‑up organisations – we will need to see your last two years’ annual accounts and detailed financial projections.
All secured loans are subject to valuation.
Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit such as:
- protecting or conserving local heritage or natural spaces
- tackling social or ethical issues (e.g. fuel poverty, homelessness)
- strengthening the local economy or community (e.g. community‑owned shops, post offices, local amenities)
- creating affordable housing to meet local needs
- delivering services, education or research relating to sustainability

Fees and charges

Non‑refundable application fee payable when you formally apply.
Offer acceptance fee payable when you accept a formal mortgage offer.
Early repayment charge may apply if you repay all or part of your mortgage within the first two years.
Stage‑release valuations and associated fees will be discussed with you.

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Our mortgages for Community Groups and Charities are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

People and projects we support

We work with organisations that are improving places, strengthening communities, and protecting the environment.

Projects we support:

Conservation or protection of natural or built heritage
Community‑owned shops, post offices and local amenities
Services that support community wellbeing or strengthen local economies
Affordable housing initiatives

Organisations tackling fuel poverty or homelessness
Educational or research activities that advance knowledge on sustainability

We do not lend for:

New start-up organisations (two years of accounts are required).

Enquire Now

Complete our enquiry form to get started.
Or, if you prefer, call or email us.

01535 650770
[email protected]
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except Tuesdays when we open at 10am)

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Fill out this form and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can find details about repayment types, loan-to-values, and available loan sizes on the relevant product page.

First Name*

Last Name*

Organisation Name*

Date Established*

Contact Number*

Email*

How much would you like to borrow?*

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Tell us briefly about your project or how we can help

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FAQs

Do we need to provide planning permission for a new build development?
Yes, we require detailed planning permission for an application.

What information do we need to progress a mortgage application?
We will need to be satisfied that you have enough income or surplus to meet the mortgage repayments. We’ll also need to see a business plan showing the forecast income and expenditure for the organisation, together with copies of your past three years’ accounts.

What deposit do we need for our mortgage?
You need a minimum deposit of 25% of the purchase price or value of the property(ies) being mortgaged, whichever is the lower.

Do we still need a deposit if we already own the land and have planning permission?
No, you don’t always need a deposit; we can lend based on the value of your land or property, providing you already own the land and it’s mortgage-free. Also, if you need us to, we can help you repay any outstanding finance on the land.

How long do we have to complete a new build or renovation project?
Subject to planning constraints, we allow a maximum of 2 years for you to complete the project.

Do you offer stage payments?
Yes, although we do not release payments at set construction milestone stages (e.g. foundation, wall plate etc.). We release funds as and when the build progresses and release up to a percentage of the increased value of the property.

Can we have interest-only during a new build or renovation phase?
Yes, we can consider an interest-only period during the construction or renovation phase.

Does Ecology require a particular build warranty on completion of my project?
A build warranty is not a mandatory lending requirement of our mortgage and we are happy with a Building Regulation Completion Certificate. However, if you wish to take out a build warranty for the completion of the property then this is acceptable to the Society.

Do we need to have been established for a minimum period before you will lend to us?
Yes, you need to have a minimum of three years’ trading or accounting history

How much will our mortgage cost a month?
As soon as we know that we can help, we’ll provide you with an indicative illustration, showing how much your monthly repayment will be for the amount you want to borrow, over the term you require.