With the announcement by the Council of Mortgage Lenders that loans to first-time buyers have grown to their highest level in Northern Ireland since mid-2007, Progressive Building Society has committed to providing more flexibility and input for applicants with its announcement of a new mortgage deal available specifically through its branches.

The competitive five year fixed and three year variable rates are available to first time buyers and home movers until 30th April 2014 with Progressive donating £200 for each completed application to the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC).Progressive, Northern Ireland’s largest locally-owned financial institution, recently announced that its demand for new mortgage applications to date in 2014 had increased by 80% compared with the same period last year, building upon the 40% increase on the last three months of 2013.

The mutual based organisation, which does not have call centres, is expecting a significant demand for its new products which provide the opportunity of a more direct approach for mortgage applicants. Qualified advisors will be on hand to offer advice and guidance through each stage of the mortgage process including free valuation for all rates with the commitment of a quick decision.

Darina Armstrong, Chief Executive of Progressive Building Society, said, “We understand that the procedure of applying for a mortgage can appear complex and this unique and competitive package enables customers to come into one of our branches and directly engage with our staff who will take them through every step of the application, ensuring they fully understand the mortgage process.

“These products highlight our on-going commitment to supporting both first time buyers and those moving home within Northern Ireland and with £200 donated for every completed mortgage application we are also continuing to support NICFC, making a contribution to the lives of children, teenagers and young adults living with cancer.”

Pictured are Lynne Lyness, Branch Manager Progressive Portadown, Michael Boyd Deputy Chief Executive Progressive Building Society and Sorcha Chipperfield, Regional Fundraiser Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

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For further information, please contact The Progressive team at Aiken PR:Shane Finnegan shane@aikenpr.com or Caroline Murphy caroline@aikenpr.com Tel: 02890663000

Notes to Editors:• Progressive Building Society is celebrating its centenary in 2014.• The Northern Ireland based mutual has been rated as Northern Ireland’s most ethical financial institution and second in the UK, in a survey by the bank based website ‘Move Your Money’ which compared over 70 UK and global banking providers