Stafford Railway Building Society has announced it is now able to carry out desktop valuations on some residential and buy-to-let applications up to 70 per cent loan-to-value.

The lender says that in circumstances where it is unable to carry out a desktop valuation it will process the case as far as possible so that offers can be made as soon as physical inspections can resume.

In an email to brokers it says: “Across the UK we are all feeling the impact of covid-19. 

“In managing this evolving challenge our priority has been to maintain our essential services to our intermediaries whilst ensuring the well being of all.

“We shall we suspect all need to adapt to an era of social distancing and the manner in which we go about our everyday affairs will evolve and adapt. 

“We all hope it will only be a short period of time but in the meantime please be reassured we at Stafford Railway Building Society are working to effectively adapt to the changes required.”