Helping Hand Mortgages Expose the North-South Divide That Investors Can’t Ignore

When Nationwide Building Society launched its Helping Hand mortgage in 2021, the goal was clear: make it easier for first-time buyers to get a foot on the ladder by borrowing more against their income. On paper, it sounded like a lifeline for those struggling to keep pace with soaring property prices – especially in the South of England, where affordability has long been a challenge.