Saffron for Intermediaries has announced major criteria changes across its entire product range.

It has enhanced its criteria for assessing income and affordability where applicants have pension and investment pots. This means that the lender can now lend more than they previously could as these are no longer assessed using a life expectancy calculation.

Saffron has increased the LTV limit for applicants on visas to 90%, from 75%. The lender also now accepts spousal visas and pre-settled status, and no longer requires a minimum remaining term on the current visa.

Buy-to-let landlords often face affordability challenges due to Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR) restrictions. Saffron is now improving its top-slicing criteria, reducing the ICR requirement down to 110% from 125%.

Commenting on the changes Saffron head of business development Tony Hall said: “Through our panel discussions and twice-yearly surveys, we’re in tune with the real challenges they (brokers) face. We know that clients’ needs are becoming more complex and varied, and we believe in giving brokers the tools to meet those demands.

He added: “These changes are the first in a series designed to help us say ‘yes’ to more complex cases. We take an adaptable approach to our criteria, meaning that brokers can take elements of each to put together the right solution for their client’s circumstances.”