The service is for purchase and remortgage products in both the mainstream residential and buy-to-let markets. It aims to enhance the traditional desktop survey and enable lenders to make an informed judgement against the risk involved.

The three types of valuation on offer are an enhanced remote valuation using photographs; a virtual enhanced valuation using video, whereby the valuer asks the homeowner to video around the house in real time; and an enhanced external valuation using external property reviews. Questionnaires are also sent to homeowners.

All of these new virtual services supplement the individual knowledge of Gateway’s experienced surveyors to create a more detailed valuation.

Automated valuation models (AVMs) have confidence ratios built into them and these are enhanced by the extra information gathered by Gateway.

As with AVMs, non-standard properties cannot be valued and lenders must wait until it is possible to conduct a physical valuation.

Peter Hughes, chief executive of Gateway, commented: “At a time when we all must ensure the safety of our staff, house sellers and purchasers, we are delighted to be the first to bring a zero-contact proposition of this scope to market.

“Inevitably, the property sector is facing significant challenges and by taking these steps, we believe we can support the continuing movement of the market.

“Through harnessing the significant power of technology, this then represents a significant step in the evolution of valuations within our industry.”

Martin Reynolds, chief executive of Simply Biz, added: “This is innovation in the valuation market and will help lenders now and in the future to make better lending decisions.”