United Trust Bank enhances bridging valuations with desktop option
The new Desktop Valuation sits between AVMs and full physical inspections, offering a middle-ground solution for standard residential properties.
United Trust Bank has introduced a new Desktop Valuation option and broadened its Automated Valuation Model (AVM) criteria, as part of a push to speed up bridging loan processing.
The new Desktop Valuation sits between AVMs and full physical inspections, offering a middle-ground solution for standard residential properties.
It can be used across purchases, refinances, light refurbishment projects and capital raising, providing a more streamlined route where a full site visit may not be necessary.
Alongside this, the bank has relaxed its minimum AVM confidence thresholds across all loan-to-value (LTV) bands.
AVMs are now available on bridging loans up to £1m at a maximum of 75% LTV.
UTB said that while AVMs were used in around one-third of bridging cases in 2025, the expanded criteria is expected to increase usage to approximately two-thirds in 2026.
Andrew Ferguson (pictured), commercial director – mortgages, buy-to-let and bridging at United Trust Bank, said: “These changes are all about delivering what brokers and their clients value most – speed, certainty and reliability.
“We are constantly looking at ways to remove drag and delay from the bridging process and make it quicker and easier for brokers to do business with us.
“Expanding the use of AVMs and introducing Desktop Valuations gives brokers more routes to a faster offer, greater certainty at an earlier stage, and a significantly quicker and more assured path to a successful completion.”
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