Zephyr Homeloans introduces online self-serve platform for customers

Zephyr Homeloans, the specialist buy-to-let lender, has introduced an online self-serve platform for its customers.

Landlords can use the system to conduct transactions such as mortgage payments, set up direct debits and perform other administration tasks, including changing contact information.

Borrowers can also log onto the platform to view mortgage account information such as payment history, current balance details and any payments in arrears.

Paul Fryers, managing director at Zephyr Homeloans, part of Computershare Loan Services, commented: “The new Self-Serve platform helps landlords manage their loans at a time that suits them and from wherever they are in the world.

“We’ve seen greater demand among our customers for online services, particularly with more people working remotely as a result of the pandemic.

“We are continuing to invest in digital services to make it easier for landlords to manage the administration of their mortgages so they can focus on other areas of their business.”

Smartr365 announces integration with Halifax Intermediaries

Smartr365 has announced its integration with Halifax Intermediaries, enabling real-time mortgage Decision-in-Principle (DIP) submissions to this major lender, the first up-and-running partnership of this type for Halifax Intermediaries.

The integration of Halifax Intermediaries to Smartr365, which is rolling out over the next few weeks, is the latest for the platform, with other ‘big six’ lenders including Barclays already on board and more yet to come. It will allow brokers using Smartr365 to submit mortgage DIP applications to Halifax Intermediaries with one-click through Smartr365’s API connection, with no need to re-key data.

Ian Wilson, head of Halifax Intermediaries, said: “Launching this API platform integration is a perfect first step in delivering an efficient and digitised mortgage journey for our intermediary partners and their customers. We look forward to working with Smartr365 and other technology players to deliver this”.

The information required for a mortgage DIP, gathered through Smartr365’s fact-find, is automatically and securely submitted to Halifax Intermediaries when the broker requests a DIP.  Brokers then receive an instant application decision response, all without leaving the Smartr365 platform, saving significant time to focus on the complex cases which benefit most from the counsel of a trusted adviser.

Conor Murphy, CEO at Smartr365, said: “We know that generating DIPs is one of the most time-consuming tasks a broker faces day-to-day, and it’s why we’re pleased to be simplifying this process in partnership with Halifax Intermediaries.”

“Having the best tech with the widest range of efficiencies will be crucial for brokers to succeed in the 2021 housing market, and that’s exactly what we are providing,” he added.

Shawbrook Bank reinstates ‘Lending for Refurbishment Costs’ product

Shawbrook has reintroduced their unregulated bridging ‘Lending for Refurbishment Costs’ product, allowing them to offer up to 85% LTV on residential buy-to-let properties when lending for refurbishment costs.

The product was temporarily withdrawn last year in response to the impacts of Covid-19, but as demand and confidence in the bridging market continues to grow, Shawbrook has returned the offering to further support brokers and their clients.

The change follows a series of recent enhancements, including streamlined LTV bands and reduced pricing.

Gavin Seaholme, head of sales for Shawbrook’s property finance division, said: “Lending for refurb costs is a key part of our product offering and one that is well received by our broker community, so we’re really excited to bring it back.

“Demand in the bridging market remains strong, so it’s important that we adapt to support brokers and help them take advantage of the opportunities that are out there.”

Leek United reintroduces portfolio BTL and interest-only deals

Leek United Building Society has re-entered the portfolio buy-to-let and interest-only markets.

It has released two new residential interest-only products, with two-year residential options with rates fixed at 2.42%, or discounted at 2.19% variable with up to 75% loan to value (LTV).

The lender launched three new portfolio BTL products, with two and five-year options up to 65% LTV, and a two-year fixed up to 75% LTV.

Leek United has also reduced the rate on its 85% LTV residential five-year fix, which includes no fees or £400 cashback.

Laura Allcock, intermediary lending manager at Leek United Building Society, said: “Following many conversations with intermediaries we were keen to get back in to both the portfolio BTL and interest-only markets.

“We are seeing an increased demand and have the specialist skills in our intermediary and underwriting teams to deliver a quality service.”

Four out of five mortgage holders think they could get a better deal

Four out of five mortgage holders – 80% – think they could get a better deal than they are currently on – but many admit they are deterred from switching due to a lack of time or energy

According to new independent research conducted with 1,100 UK mortgage-holders on behalf of mortgage broker Boon Brokers, a significant number of homeowners admit they have put off changing their mortgage because they did not feel like they had the time or energy.

Yet only one in five mortgage holders – 20% – feel confident they are on the best deal they could be.

A third of those questioned – 34% – said they felt switching mortgage is always a hassle.

Gerard Boon, founder and partner at Boon Brokers, said: “Switching a mortgage doesn’t have to be stressful, yet it is one of those things which people regularly put off.

He added: One of the very worst situations to be in is to have come out of a fixed term deal and ended up on a lender’s standard variable rate – the difference can be dramatic, yet so many people are in that situation.”