UTB Bridging launches desktop valuation option and enhanced AVM criteria

United Trust Bank (UTB) has enhanced its bridging valuation criteria, introducing a new desktop valuation option and significantly expanding the use of automated valuation models (AVMs) to deliver faster routes from application to offer and more early-stage certainty for brokers and customers.

At the heart of the update is the introduction of a new desktop valuation, sitting between AVMs and full physical inspections. This option can be used on purchases, refinances, light refurbishment projects and capital raising, providing a streamlined solution for standard residential properties.

Alongside this, UTB has relaxed minimum AVM confidence levels across all LTV bands. AVMs are available on bridging loans up to £1m to a maximum of 75% LTV and the criteria changes introduced by UTB since the start of the year enable a significantly higher proportion of cases to benefit from this faster and cost-free valuation method. In 2025 the Bank employed AVMs on around one-third of bridging cases. This year that proportion is expected to double to around two-thirds.

Andrew Ferguson, commercial director for mortgages, buy-to-let and bridging at United Trust Bank, commented: “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.”