“Most interactive team.”
“My favourite stall - the only one I actually remember.”
These weren’t just kind words, they were a reflection of the energy, urgency, and relevance of what StrideUp brought to Muslim Tech Fest (MTF) 2025.
While we showed up with our platform, we walked away with something far more powerful: proof that ethical, Islamic home finance is not just a demand, it’s essential for the financial future of UK Muslims.
What we heard at MTF 2025
With over 700 interactions at our stand, we saw firsthand what people really think when they hear “halal mortgage”.
The appetite was clear: UK Muslims are tired of having to compromise their values to access financial services, and they are looking for authentic, transparent and an innovative solution. Here are some of the our most asked questions:
- How does StrideUp’s model actually work without interest?
- Is this truly halal or just another workaround?
- Can I get on the property ladder even if I’m self-employed or struggling with affordability?
The data confirms it: Our community is underserved
Key insights from the 2023-24 Halal Home Finance Report by StrideUp reveals the extent of the gap:
- 2 in 5 Muslims surveyed already own their own home with finance, most commonly with a conventional mortgage – but many of these would prefer an Islamic Finance product when taking out finance in future
- Around half of Muslims don’t own their own home, and the majority aspire to do so in the future (44%); the vast majority of these (40%) would prefer an Home Purchase Plan
- 7 in 10 say paying interest on a mortgage is against their religious beliefs, highlighting the continued need for Islamic Finance products
StrideUp’s model resonated deeply
At MTF, what struck a chord wasn’t just our shariah-compliant structure, it was the clarity and ease of the customer journey. No confusing jargon and no fine print games. Just a simple, values-aligned pathway to home ownership:
- No interest (Riba-free)
- Co-ownership model where you gradually buy more of your home over time
- Digital-first journey, human-first support
- Accessible with a 10% deposit
Many attendees took their first steps right at the event by taking a DIP (Decision in Principle) on the spot.
More than a moment - a movement
Muslim Tech Fest 2025 reminded us that this isn’t just about financial products. It’s about reclaiming narratives, rebuilding trust, and redefining what’s possible for Muslims in the UK.
Islamic home finance has for too long been either out of reach or poorly understood. What we saw at MTF, from Gen Z techies to family-first professionals, was a community ready to embrace financial solutions that don’t compromise faith.
So, what’s next?
This is just the beginning. At StrideUp, we are:
- Continuing to invest in product innovation to make halal finance more accessible
- Collaborating with community voices and institutions to drive education
- Working to bridge the affordability gap for first-time buyers
The event reaffirmed our mission: to root your financial future in your faith, without compromise.
👉 Get started now
IF YOU DON’T KEEP UP WITH PAYMENTS, YOUR PROPERTY COULD BE AT RISK OF REPOSSESSION. THIS WOULD ONLY HAPPEN AS A LAST RESORT.
StrideUp’s Buy-To-Let purchase plans are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.