The move follows some research from Chelsea Building Society which looked at what options were available for customers online when looking for a new mortgage product. Questioning a representative group the survey conducted by ICM Research revealed that given the opportunity, around half of those questioned said they would want to apply online when purchasing their next mortgage (45%).
Commenting on the new service, Debbie Hill, delivery manager within the Chelsea’s E-Commerce team said; “We understand and recognise the demand for online mortgage provision and this is something we have worked hard to deliver for our customers.
“Although we are aware of other lenders who have pulled out of the market we are developing and putting ourselves into that space and investing in the infrastructure of our online provision. We have listened to our customers and are delivering for them.”
For those who had already chosen to take a mortgage out online, 67% said that it was convenient, with 50% saying it was quick.
Chris Smith, the Chelsea’s group product manager added; “We are proud of the options and choice we offer our customers across our mortgage ranges. As part of the Yorkshire Group, we have been developing our online mortgage presence and this survey has highlighted the demand for online mortgage provision.
“Our experience at the Yorkshire has been a positive one and these are now skills and processes that we are transferring to Chelsea. The process of buying a mortgage like many other financial transactions is changing.
“We recognise that as workloads increase, or as our daily lives grow more hectic, many people do not have the time to go in and speak to one of our advisers about the best mortgage options for them. For others, they simply don’t want to speak to an adviser and wish to do the process on their own.”
