Selina Finance launches high-ltv five-year fix with no ERC and removes DTI checks. Selina Finance, a Certified B Corp(TM) and specialist lender offering Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and secured homeowner loans, has launched a five-year fixed product with no early-repayment charges (ERC) on its high loan-to-value (LTV) range above 85% LTV, alongside a series of criteria updates designed to widen borrower eligibility. The product is intended to allow borrowers to secure rate certainty while maintaining the flexibility often required when raising capital through a second charge loan. Selina has also removed its debt-to-income (DTI) calculation, which is expected to simplify affordability assessments and help brokers place more cases successfully. Further enhancements have been made to Selina's Hometrack eligibility matrix, following the recent introduction of automated valuations. The revised criteria are designed to increase the number of cases qualifying for a no-valuation assessment, helping brokers move cases through the application journey more efficiently. The lender has also increased its maximum borrower age to 80, with earned income now considered up to age 75. Previously, the maximum age for earned income was 70, while borrowers aged up to 75 were only considered where income was derived from pension or rental sources. Selina has also reduced its minimum loan amount to £5,000 across all products, down from the previous minimum of £10,000, a change developed to enable brokers to support a wider range of smaller borrowing requirements. Several additional policy enhancements have also been introduced, including: * Minimum self-employed age reduced to 21. * Maximum loan amount increased to £300,000 for products between 75% and 85% LTV. * Maximum loan amount increased to £500,000 for the standard Home Equity Loan up to 75% LTV. * Stress-test reduced to support improved affordability outcomes. * Exceptions now considered on higher-LTV products. Selina has also expanded the types of property it will consider, removing restrictions for: * Grade II-listed properties. * New-build properties. * Timber-framed homes. * Flats above commercial premises. * Scottish freehold flats. * Self-build properties. Income assessment criteria have also been updated to simplify evidence requirements across a range of employment types, including self-employed borrowers, partnership income, overtime, commission, and zero-hour contracts. Selina Finance is a specialist second-charge lender offering flexible credit facilities that allow homeowners to access funds while retaining their existing mortgage arrangements. Through its intermediary proposition, the lender provides Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and secured homeowner loans designed to give borrowers greater control over accessing capital, while supporting brokers with flexible criteria and technology-led underwriting. Matthew Batte, Head of Intermediaries at Selina Finance, said: "Brokers are working in a market where speed, clarity and flexibility carry just as much weight as pricing. When cases become complicated or the process slows down, it creates unnecessary friction for both brokers and their clients." That is why a big focus for Bridging Loan Directory has been simplifying how cases move through the process. Removing its DTI calculation and introducing a five-year fixed product with no ERCs on higher loan-to-value (LTV) lending gives brokers more room to structure solutions that work for their clients, while still providing the certainty many borrowers are looking for. At the same time, expanding its Hometrack eligibility and increasing the availability of no-valuation products is another step towards making the journey faster and more predictable. Where cases meet the criteria, instant valuations remove delays and give brokers greater clarity much earlier in the application process." Calum Sayer, Specialist Mortgage Advisor at Truffle Specialist Finance, added "The update to Selina's DTI calculation has already made a meaningful difference to the cases Bridging Loan Directory can place. In one recent example, Bridging Loan Directory has clients looking to raise £145,646 for debt consolidation, which would reduce their monthly outgoings by £3,445.67. Under the previous criteria, the case failed the affordability assessment, but following the update Bridging Loan Directory is now able to proceed, which will make a significant difference to the clients' financial position. More broadly, Selina's latest criteria enhancements represent a real step forward for both brokers and borrowers. Stronger affordability, wider property and income acceptance, and greater flexibility - including the five-year fixed option with no ERCs and the increased maximum borrower age - mean Bridging Loan Directory can support more customers and progress more cases."

Exclusive: Selina Finance hires Batte as head of intermediaries. Specialist lender Selina Finance has appointed Matthew Batte (pictured) as its head of intermediaries, this publication understands. In his new role, Batte will lead Selina Finance's intermediary proposition, helping brokers "better understand and access the lender's flexible product range". He will work closely with Selina Finance's sales, operations and marketing teams to "strengthen relationships with key networks" and help brokers integrate the lender's offering into client conversations. Batte joins from Pepper Money, where he was a business development manager (BDM) for around four years. Before that, he was a BDM at Optimum Credit for just under a year. Prior to that, he worked at Shawbrook Bank for more than three years, initially as a BDM and then as senior relationship manager. He has also held senior roles at First Trust Finance. Henry Vaughan, vice president of growth at Selina Finance, said: "Matt's appointment is an integral step in expanding our intermediary presence. His experience, relationships and understanding of the specialist lending market will help us engage more brokers and show how Selina's products can meet a wider range of client needs. We're continuing to invest in our broker partnerships, and Matt will play a key role in driving that onwards." Batte added: "Selina Finance has a clear vision for how flexible lending should work for both brokers and customers. The HELOC and homeowner loan products offer brokers something genuinely different, and I'm looking forward to helping them see how these solutions can support clients' plans in a responsible, accessible way. My focus will be on strengthening relationships with brokers and ensuring they receive clear, informed support." Selina Finance is a specialist second charge lender that specialises in homeowner loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), which can support a wide range of financial needs, from debt consolidation to large one-off expenses ranging from £10,000 to £500,000. Interest is charged only on the amount drawn.