The Cambridge Building Society

The Cambridge Building Society: a mutual lender rooted in Cambridgeshire

The Cambridge Building Society is an independent mutual society that has served its local community since 1850, a span the organisation itself describes as 175 years. Its stated purpose has remained constant over that period: helping people buy a home and giving savers a secure place for their money. Because it is a mutual rather than a shareholder-owned bank, customers who save with it or take out a mortgage become members and gain a say in how the society is managed and how it gives back to the community.

The society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Its registered office is at 51 Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8EG, and its website is intended for UK residents only.

Savings products on offer

The savings range is broad and organised by type of saver and by access needs. The catalogue lists easy access accounts, bonds, cash ISAs, regular savings, children's savings and business savings. Among the fixed-term options, the society highlights a two-year fixed rate bond aimed at people setting money aside for future plans, and a one-year fixed rate business bond that lets businesses know in advance what their savings will earn over twelve months.

Beyond the products themselves, the site groups practical guidance for savers: what to do when an account matures, how to set up a savings account, an explanation of ISAs, checking a variable interest rate, verifying identity, paying into an account and additional support. The society also offers its own money app for managing finances remotely.

Mortgage options and borrower support

On the lending side, the society publishes a range of mortgage products and rates covering first step mortgages, first-time buyers, shared ownership, Help to Buy, buy to let, self-employed applicants, remortgaging and retirement interest-only loans. Support material accompanies these products, including how to book a mortgage appointment, how to switch an existing deal, guidance for those worried about repayments and a mortgage glossary.

The society frames its approach around taking time to understand a borrower's circumstances and working through the options together, whether the customer is buying or remortgaging.

Rent to Home: rent as a route to a deposit

One of the more distinctive schemes described is Rent to Home, which turns renting into a path towards homeownership. Under the programme, up to 70% of the rent paid can be returned to help fund a future home deposit. Applications were open, at the time of writing, for a property in Longstanton.

Community impact and sustainability

The society presents its mutual status as the basis for a community-oriented model, putting members ahead of shareholders. It reports having invested into Greater Cambridge Impact to help tackle inequality and housing issues across the region, and states that it donated to charities and good causes in 2025. It also reports hours volunteered by team members in the local community. Separately, it publishes material on greener living, including guidance on making a home more sustainable and on weighing the costs and practical considerations of an air source heat pump.

Recognition and practical information

The society describes itself as having been ranked the best first-time mortgage provider of the year for three years running. It operates a branch network that can be located through its site, and its main telephone line is a 0345 number charged at local rate. The society notes that communications may be monitored or recorded to improve service quality and for protection and security.