Building Societies in the UK - Market Research Report (2014-2029)

Cracks appear: Inflation remains sticky and interest rates climb, hitting demand for housing

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

Building society revenue is anticipated to increase at a compound annual rate of 9% over the five years through 2023-24 to £26 billion. Low interest rates prior to the COVID-19 outbreak aided demand, as residential mortgage repayments became more affordable and the number of mortgage approvals picked up. Building societies have also benefited from an influx of re-mortgaging activity, as homeowners have sought to lock in lower rates before expected interest rate rises. However, societies faced challenging operating conditions, including intense competition from other financial institutions like retail banks, and a tightening regulatory environment.

Building societies are cooperative financial institutions that are owned by their members (i.e. their customers, depositors and borrowers). Like banks, they take deposits and provide banking and financial services, particularly mortgage lending. Unlike banks, however, profit is distributed among its members rather than among external shareholders.