e.surv equips lenders to navigate new build risk amid policy reform
e.surv has enhanced its new build service offering in response to soaring demand from lenders navigating the latest changes to the housing industry. Recent reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the Labour government has seen the reinstatement of mandatory housing targets and a renewed push to develop brownfield and greyfield sites.
To help lenders stay ahead, e.surv has launched a new, interactive web-based portal allowing them to monitor lending volumes and risk across more than 16,000 developments. It has also introduced a digital valuation service for new builds, offering same-day completions where possible to reduce time from application to offer.
As policy drives more complex and ambitious developments, particularly on previously used land, lenders are increasingly seeking deeper insight to make informed decisions.
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.”
Greyfield and brownfield developments bring a specific set of risks for lenders. While these sites are central to addressing the UK’s housing shortage, they often come with legacy issues such as contamination, high remediation costs, and complex planning hurdles. These factors can compromise project viability and introduce uncertainty around lending security and recovery value.
Adding to the complexity, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are increasingly used across new builds, raising lender questions around warranties, construction consistency, and long-term durability.
With a dedicated new build team and continued investment in technology and data, e.surv is focused on helping lenders adapt to this evolving landscape by providing the insights necessary to assess risk and maintain confidence in lending decisions.