Scottish Building Society said its retail savings balances grew 4% to £612.9 million in 2025 as it revealed the number of mortgages it offered to new homeowners more than doubled compared with the previous year.

The Society’s mortgage balances rose to £612.2 million from £572.2 million. Capital reserves rose to £46.2 million from £45.2 million.

The mutual’s total assets rose to £883 million from £866.5 million but profit before tax fell to £1.4 million to £2.8 million.

Scottish Building Society is the oldest remaining building society in the world, founded in 1848. It has roughly 20,000 members.

Scottish Building Society CEO Paul Denton said: “When I look back on the past year, what stands out most is the number of people we’ve been able to help to buy their first home.

“For many, that moment can feel out of reach, so to have supported more than twice as many first-time buyers as we did the year before is something we’re incredibly proud of.

“At the same time, we know that for every member buying a home, there are many more focused on building their savings and feeling secure about the future. That’s why it’s just as important to us that we’ve remained a safe, dependable place for savers, somewhere people can trust with their money, especially when things feel uncertain.

“It’s been a year where household finances have been under real pressure. We’ve seen members navigating changing tax thresholds, rising costs and difficult choices. Through all of that, our focus has simply been on being there – offering straightforward products, human support when it’s needed, and digital services that make managing money that bit easier.

“We’ve also been really encouraged by the feedback we’ve had from members. The recognition we’ve received this year matters to us because it reflects real experiences of people feeling supported, listened to and valued.

“What gives me the most confidence is that this isn’t about one strong year. It’s about continuing to strike the right balance – helping more people into homes, while making sure we’re always a secure and trusted home for savings too. That’s what being a building society is all about, and it’s what we’ll keep focusing on in the years ahead.”

Members will meet at the Society’s AGM in May, where Andrew Hastings will step into the role of chair, following Ian Wilson’s retirement at the end of the financial year.

Hastings said: “Despite economic uncertainty, it’s encouraging to see our membership continue to grow.

“Our values have guided us since 1848 and remain at the heart of how we support members today.

“We’ll keep investing in digital services alongside our Relationship Centres so members feel supported in the way that works for them.

“I’m truly honoured to step into the role of chair at such an exciting point in the Society’s journey.”