Rightmove makes NatWest exclusive mortgage partner

The portal signs a deal with the banking giant that means homebuyers will be able to apply for a home loan and receive an instant decision.

Rightmove has announced a deal with NatWest to make the banking giant its exclusive mortgage partner.

Home buyers will be able to apply for a mortgage through Rightmove and receive an instant decision in principle.

From April, when the arrangement starts, customers will be able to go on and make a full application for a home loan online and receive an offer within 24 hours.

Anyone who needs extra support will be connected to a NatWest adviser to help with their application.

Rightmove says its mission is to digitise more of the UK property market to help speed up the home-moving process through innovative technology solutions.

The ‘Mortgage in Principle’ from NatWest, which is the third biggest mortgage lender, will join a suite of affordability tools on Rightmove including stamp duty, mortgage and renovation calculators, along with instant and in-person property valuation tools.

By helping home-movers to understand what they can afford earlier, Rightmove aims to send its agent partners more informed and better qualified enquiries.

The portal’s share price plunged last week at a time when it is under fire for raising the fees agents pay.

Earlier in the week, independent agents warned they will go out of business if Rightmove ploughs ahead with proposed fee increases of up to 18% this year.

We help consumers to better understand what they can afford earlier in their home-moving journey.”

Johan Svanstrom, CEO at Rightmove says: “Our aim is to give people more confidence when they’re moving home.

“We help consumers to better understand what they can afford earlier in their home-moving journey, which in turn also helps estate agents or home developers have more qualified discussions with them.”

Solange Chamberlain, CEO of Retail Banking at NatWest, says: “Partnering with Rightmove ensures NatWest can be there for customers at the exact moment they’re thinking about buying a home – combining our mortgage expertise, with a seamless digital experience.”

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