Shawbrook resumes physical valuations and welcomes new manager

The specialist lender was supporting applications during lockdown with desktop valuations, but will now be able to return to physical valuations for requests that fall outside of its AVM criteria.

These include cases for HMO properties and more complex asset types.

In an announcement to its panel of broker partners, Shawbrook outlined several new safety protocols for its customers.

These included occupants vacating the property before inspection, surveyors wearing the appropriate PPE and maintaining social distancing and continuing to encourage the use of desktop valuations where appropriate.

Gavin Seaholme, head of sales in the property division at Shawbrook Bank, said: “Our AVM and desktop capabilities were a great solution and will remain in place, but clearly there were times where this was not always viable.

“Now, with the right safety protocols in place, the resumption of physical valuation inspections brings back some much needed stability for our brokers and their clients”.

The bank has also welcomed Matthew Taylor to its property finance division as regional development manager.

Responsibilities of the role include ensuring brokers in the midlands and south Wales receive the best possible support from the specialist lender.

He has almost 20 years of experience in the specialist lending industry and has held positions at InterBay Commercial, Fleet Mortgages and Tipton & Coseley Building Society.

“I’m pleased to be joining an experienced team and cannot wait to build new relationships, as well as enhance existing key partnerships within the region,” commented Matthew.

“I firmly believe that a safe pair of hands for our broker partners is crucial in the current climate, and I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and providing this under the Shawbrook banner.”

Emma Cox, sales director at Shawbrook, added: “At a time when the intermediary community needs the support of lenders, I’m really pleased that we can bring some more resource to the team to help our brokers in this region.”