more2life has launched a new early repayment charge (ERC) fee option, underlining its commitment to increasing choice in the later life market.

The lender’s Apex Zero product aims to support borrowers who believe their circumstances might change within the period that ERCs would usually apply. For applicants aged between 55 and 95 years old, it offers LTVs between 23% and 51% on both a joint and single life basis and an interest rate of 9.24% MER.

Customers can make unlimited optional repayments at any time during the loan term without incurring penalties, with a minimum monthly payment of £50.

Foundation has announced a series of enhancements to its loan-to-income (LTI) criteria, after making changes to its residential proposition earlier this week.

As part of the enhancements, Foundation has reviewed its approach to higher-LTI lending and introduced greater flexibility for borrowers with stronger income profiles. Under the revised criteria, standard applications will remain subject to a maximum LTI of 4.49 times income, unless they meet the following income thresholds.

These include sole applicants with an income of £50,000 or more can now access borrowing of up to 5.99x income; joint applications with a combined income of £70,000 or more can also now access borrowing of up to 5.99x income; available on applications with up to four borrowers; and also available on joint borrower sole proprietor applications, including consideration of the non-occupying borrowers’ income.

Access Financial Services (Access FS) has recorded its strongest ever month for mortgage business in July, with performance 46.8% higher year-on-year.

July’s performance was also 39% above Access FS’ average monthly level so far this year, while the mortgage division is now 28% ahead of its performance in 2025.

The latest figures mark another strong month for the firm, as it continues to expand its network of self-employed mortgage advisers and invest in the support and infrastructure available to them.

FRP Real Estate Advisory has appointed Ralph El Achkar as associate director, strengthening the team’s investment finance capability as equity moves back into the UK market and activity spreads beyond London.

He joins FRP with 18 years in banking, with the last seven spent lending against UK real estate.

El Achkar most recently worked at Al Rayan Bank, where he led a team of relationship managers and closing real estate-backed transactions over £15m. At FPR, he will focus on delivering intuitive funding solutions for clients, bringing a deep understanding of residential portfolios, government-led blocks, single and multi-let offices, hotels, serviced apartments and student accommodation.

---