Shawbrook has updated its criteria and simplified its process to make it easier for property investors to fund properties let to operators of social housing.

This includes Shawbrook’s complex buy-to-let and structured real estate products, with loans from £50,000 to £50m and rates starting from 4.79%.

These support a range of residential assets including single units, HMOs and MUFBs up to 10 units as individual loans or as part of a larger portfolio facility.

Properties will be assessed on the same basis as if let in the private rented sector, and this includes the use of AVMs for eligible securities.

As part of the changes, the bank has also introduced a streamlined legal approach, including simplified lease requirements and a more efficient review.

Shawbrook director of real estate proposition Daryl Norkett says: “Demand for social housing continues to outpace supply, creating a clear need for more investment across the sector. At the same time, more private landlords are exploring partnerships with Local Authorities and housing providers as part of their long-term strategy.”

“By expanding our lending and simplifying access to funding, we’re helping investors move quickly on these opportunities and deliver high-quality homes where they’re needed most.”