Main image: Rudi Botha – CEO of BetterHome Group
Further investment strengthens BetterHome Group’s UK presence, building on the expertise, technology and people developed in its home market, South Africa
BetterHome Group is taking another step in its international growth strategy following an agreement by Josewin Limited to acquire Mortgage Support Services Ltd (MSS), the group behind Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions and a range of mortgage, protection and technology businesses in the UK.
The proposed transaction, subject to Financial Conduct Authority change in control approval, builds on BetterHome Group’s investment in Josewin in 2024, the parent company of HLPartnership (HLP), one of the UK’s leading mortgage and protection networks.
Stonebridge is an established UK mortgage and protection network supporting more than 1,400 advisers across 700+ member firms, with more than £17 billion in annual mortgage lending and over 95,000 customers supported each year.
The addition of MSS to BetterHome Group’s existing Josewin investments will create a Top 3 UK intermediary mortgage network, encompassing more than 2,600 advisers, 1,200 firms and over £30 billion in annual mortgage lending.
The acquisition will support the next phase of growth for MSS and Stonebridge, with BetterHome Group bringing additional expertise and resources to support continued investment in people, technology, services and the member experience.
Stonebridge and HLPartnership will continue to operate as separate networks, each retaining its own brand, proposition and culture.
Building internationally from strong South African foundations
Rudi Botha, Group CEO of BetterHome Group, said:
“MSS is a strong and well-respected business, with talented people, an established proposition and trusted relationships with its member firms and partners. We have great respect for what the team has built and are excited to support its next phase of growth.
“What makes this opportunity particularly exciting is that our UK expansion is built on the strong foundations we have created in South Africa. Our people, technology, businesses and partnerships have given us the platform to take our expertise into new markets.”
South Africa remains BetterHome Group’s core market and a key focus for future growth. Following Rudi’s transition to focus on the UK business, Charl Bruyns is leading BetterHome Group South Africa, with responsibility across its mortgage origination, property and partnership businesses.
Bruyns said:
“This is an exciting moment for everyone at BetterHome, and one that South Africans should feel a sense of ownership of. What the Group is able to do in the UK is a direct result of what our teams and partners have built here.
“South Africa remains our core market and our biggest opportunity. Our focus locally remains as strong as ever, with continued investment in our people, technology, businesses and partnerships.
“At the same time, our international footprint creates an opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most sophisticated mortgage markets. What we learn in the UK can strengthen our South African businesses, while the expertise we have developed here can contribute to our UK businesses. We can make each other stronger.”
The investment strengthens BetterHome Group’s international footprint while creating opportunities to share expertise, technology and insight across the Group.
The Group’s purpose remains unchanged: to help more people achieve their dream of homeownership – in South Africa, in the UK and, ultimately, beyond. The proposed acquisition remains subject to Financial Conduct Authority change in control approval.
