Surveying firm e.surv has upgraded its new build service offering to help lenders respond to increased demand and growing complexity in the housing sector, following recent changes to planning policy under the Labour Government.
The company has introduced a new interactive portal giving lenders real-time access to lending volumes and risk profiles across more than 16,000 developments.
It has also launched a digital valuation service, offering same-day completions where possible, to accelerate the journey from application to offer.
Trudy Woolf, director of lender services at e.surv, said: “Lenders need to stay ahead of these changes to make confident, informed decisions.
“Sites that have previously been used for commercial or industrial purposes may carry environmental risks or hidden costs.
“Understanding those risks from the outset is essential to avoid delays and ensure financial viability. Nobody wants surprises late in the process, especially not brokers or borrowers.”
The reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework have reinstated mandatory housing targets and placed renewed focus on developing brownfield and greyfield sites.
These locations can present challenges such as contamination, high remediation costs and planning complexities, raising concerns around lending security and recovery values.
Lenders are also grappling with the increasing use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which introduce additional scrutiny over build quality, warranty standards and long-term durability.
e.surv’s investment in technology, data, and its specialist new build team aims to equip lenders with the insight needed to navigate these issues with confidence.
