Later life lender more2life has partnered with Countrywide Surveying Services to expand valuation choice for advisers using its Horizon product range.

The agreement adds Countrywide to the panel of valuers available on Horizon cases. The lender said the move gives advisers greater flexibility and reduces reliance on a single valuation provider.

More2life said the addition of Countrywide would help deliver a more resilient service for advisers and their clients, particularly in a market where speed and certainty can be critical.

Over the past year, the later life lender has made a series of changes designed to broaden adviser choice. These have included new product launches such as Omni, Tailored Interest Reward and Flexi Interest Reward, alongside the integration of the Horizon range into the wider more2life product suite.

The lender has also made changes to existing products, including cutting the Early Repayment Charge period on Flexi products from 15 to 10 years.

Alongside product changes, it has introduced technology such as ProView, aimed at helping advisers complete cases more quickly and improve the customer experience.

Dave Harris, ceo at more2life, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to add Countrywide Surveying Services to our valuer panel for Horizon cases. The team at Countrywide really understands this market, and will bring that invaluable experience and knowledge to more2life cases.

“We are laser-focused on providing advisers and their clients with the widest range of choice in the later life lending market, whether that’s on valuers or product choice. The expansion of our valuer partners is just the first in what is sure to be a year filled with further enhancements to the more2life proposition as we work towards helping more advisers support their older homeowner clients in taking control of their financial freedom.”

Matthew Cumber, managing director of Countrywide Surveying Services, added: “The provision of valuations in later life lending requires specific expertise and processes to manage the sensitivities involved in lending to such a customer group, so we are delighted to be appointed by more2life as one of their valuation suppliers.”

Nick Sutton, sales director, retirement solutions, said: “Greater choice around valuations is a genuine positive for advisers and customers alike. Having access to a respected and experienced firm like Countrywide adds strength to the process and helps reduce delays, which is critical in later life lending.

“Anything that improves certainty, speed and confidence for clients is a step in the right direction for the market.”