News

• 83% of 18-24-year-olds expect to gamble more frequently due to major sporting events in 2026 – more than double the rate of over-55s (37%)
• Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) 18-24-year-old gamblers cite ‘addicted’ as a reason they gamble – around 9 times the rate among over-55s (2%)
• 1 in 4 (25%) young gamblers say they gamble to get more money to pay essential bills, against 7% of over-55s
• But reassuringly three-quarters (74%) of 18–24-year-olds have used a gambling block, against just 22% of over-55s
• Nationwide urges customers to get in touch, or to contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 if in need of support

The Mortgage Works is from tomorrow (Thursday 28 May) introducing new two-year tracker products to its buy-to-let range as well as cutting rates on selected two, three and five-year fixed rate products for new and existing customers.

• Nationwide to become the UK’s biggest group branch network from 4 June
• The 696-branch network includes 605 Nationwide and 91 Virgin Money branches
• Nationwide has pledged in November to keep every single branch open until at least 2030
• Last year, Nationwide supported 6.7m unique branch users and was responsible for 57% of all UK branch-based product openings, with its branch current account sales up 21%
• Nationwide continues to invest in branches and digital service as part of offering customers choice in banking

• Around 4.4m eligible members to receive £100 Fairer Share in June, taking total paid since 2023 to c£1.5bn 

• Nationwide returned £1.8bn of value back to its members as it announces full year financial results 

• New 5% Member Exclusive Bond and £175 current account switching incentive also announced 

• Record year for personal current account growth as more than 1m accounts opened with Nationwide (which now includes Virgin Money) 

• Nationwide becomes first high street banking provider to launch in-app payment reference feature supporting survivors of economic abuse
• Surviving Economic Abuse estimates 4.2 million women in the UK has experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner
• New feature builds on introduction of three-stage warning letters that can ultimately lead to account closure
• Comes as part of wider support offered by Nationwide – from Safe Spaces in branches to referrals to domestic and economic abuse charity Refuge
• Nationwide and charity Surviving Economic Abuse urge people to seek support if experiencing abuse

The Mortgage Works is from tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) cutting rates by up to 0.20 percentage points on selected one, two and five-year fixed rate products across its mortgage range for new and existing customers as well as introducing new products to its buy-to-let range.

• Reductions of up to 0.36 percentage points across first-time buyer, home mover and remortgage ranges
• Nationwide’s lowest rate now 4.35% for new and existing customers looking to move home

• 66% of first-time buyers bought a cheaper home because it needed DIY or renovation work done.
• Many choosing a ‘fixer-upper’ were able to buy in their preferred location, add value and put their stamp on it.
• DIY almost mandatory among first-time buyers, with 93% completing at least one project since moving in.
• But three quarters of first-time buyers have carried out more work than they expected at the outset.
• Nationwide’s recent ‘What Adds Value’ report reveals extensions or loft conversions can add up to 24% value.
• By borrowing more through Nationwide’s Helping Hand mortgage boost, Louis from Essex was able to keep money back from deposit to finance renovation costs.

• North of England attracts largest price and rental premium for more energy efficient buy-to-let properties.
• With potential value added to house prices, coupled with higher rents, the majority of landlords in the Midlands and North likely to recoup the initial investment within five years.
• Pre-1919 properties make up nearly a third of the private rented stock and the cost to upgrade those properties to EPC band C is c£10,700. This compares to just £2,500 for a property built between 2003 and 2013.
• Terraced properties make up a third of England’s private rented sector properties and will require around £7,900, on average, to improve them to an EPC ‘C’ rating.
• 51% of private rented stock in England now rated A to C, up from 25% ten years ago.
• Property rated A or B attracts a significant premium of 12.2%, compared to a similar property rated ‘D’ (up from 10.9% in 2024).
• Rental premium of 8.1% for A or B rated property (compared with similar D-rated property), equivalent to c£85 per month (up from £70 per month in 2024).

The Mortgage Works is from tomorrow (Wednesday 29 April) cutting rates for existing customers by up to 0.20 percentage points across its buy-to-let and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) ranges.

In addition, selected two and five-year fixed rate products up to 75 per cent Loan-to-Value (LTV) for new customers will be reduced by up to 0.10% across the limited company buy-to-let range.

• Customers can now pay into their account at more than 3,000 PayPoint locations
• Service complements Nationwide’s branches - the UK’s largest single brand network
• Members can deposit up to £300 a day, with funds showing in accounts within minutes
• Partnership supports Nationwide’s commitment to access to cash and communities