Darlington Building Society grew its mortgage lending activity by 58% last year, reaching a record £234m.
The building society also reported net lending of £101m, growth in retail deposits to £939m.
This contributed to a core operating pre-tax profit of £3.7m, up from £3m the year before.
Last year was also a milestone for the Darlington, which marked its 170th anniversary, with total assets placing it 19th among the UK’s 42 building societies.
During 2025, the group invested in its digital capabilities, expanding its business development and underwriting teams while introducing three broker service commitments based on speed, access and consistency.
“What is particularly pleasing about 2025 is the way we were able to overcome so much volatility in the global economy to stay true to our core purpose of supporting people into home ownership,” said Andrew Craddock, CEO at the Darlington Building Society (pictured above).
“It is a source of great pride that 40% of the record figure for gross new lending in 2025 was supporting first-time buyers to achieve their dreams of getting onto the property ladder.
“That has been central to our ethos for 170 years, and the fact that we have broken the society’s record in such a crucial area of the business is testament to the hard work and commitment of our colleagues.”
Andrew, who will step down at the society’s AGM after seven years as CEO, added: “It has been an immense privilege and honour to work with so many talented and dedicated colleagues, serving the community in such a special part of the country.
“I am really proud to have seen our society grow, prosper and mature, and am delighted to be leaving the society in such robust health.”
