Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) has appointed two new associate directors of technical services. Matthew Ison has been appointed to the role, after starting his career at CSS in 2013, when he joined the firm through its graduate surveyor scheme. Until recently, he served as head of operational risk. Andrew Peters brings over two decades of experience in surveying and estate agency, having started his career at Thomas Morris as a senior negotiator. His journey at CSS began in 2012 as an associate surveyor, moving to the position of head of technical services in 2023. As part of their respective roles, the pair will ensure that the service to customers and clients is suitably risk controlled at all times, whilst also supporting sustainable profit growth.

CHL Mortgages has cut rates by up to 0.49% across its buy-to-let (BTL) ranges. The lender’s range now features standard two-year fixed rate mortgages, starting from 2.68%, with five-year fixes starting from 4.29%. For investors looking to purchase small HMO/MUFBs with up to six bedrooms or units, rates for two- and five-year fixes start at 2.86% and 4.35% respectively. For HMO/MUFBs with 10 or more bedrooms or units, as well as properties considered complex, such as adapted HMOs, rates now start at 4.45% and 5.89% for two- and five-year fixes respectively. The short-term let range, which supports property investors who use Airbnb, holiday lets and serviced accommodation, features two- and five-year fixes at 5.43% and 5.89% respectively.

Foundation Home Loans has reduced rates across its BTL by Foundation and Residential by Foundation fixed rate specials products by up to 0.30%, while also launching four new fee-assisted residential specials up to 75% LTV. Changes to the BTL ranges include reductions to the F1 five-year special portfolio landlord only product, which now starts at 4.84% at 75% LTV with a 6% fee. The fee-assisted five-year portfolio landlord only option, which includes no application fee and one free valuation, now starts from 4.99% with a 5% fee at 75% LTV. On the lender’s F1 and F2 residential special tiers, two- and five-year fee-assisted fixed-rate specials now start from 6.19% up to 65% LTV. Foundation’s four new residential specials are now available from 6.29% up to 75% LTV. These products come with a £795 fee, free valuation and no application fees.

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