Pure Retirement has become the first equity release provider to gain access to Countrywide Surveying Services’ Auto-Instruct self-service booking facility, available on the lender’s Classic products.

Available from 28 July, it should enable prospective customers to have greater control in the application process. Under the initiative, homeowners receive a text message containing a link to Countrywide’s online booking portal. They’ll need to confirm the property’s postcode and estimated value, as well as the names and contact information of the people who’ll be present at the property on the day of the survey, and they’ll then be able to choose from a list of available appointments. Upon booking, they’ll receive confirmation and a reference number.

Andrew Clare (pictured), Pure Retirement’s head of operations, said: “As the world begins to open up and people look to start living more active lives, bringing such a convenient initiative to prospective applicants with the power to book their own surveyors’ appointments is hugely exciting. We’ve remained dedicated to innovation even during the challenging conditions of the last year, whether through improvements to our product offering or advancements to our technological solutions.

“Being the first in the equity release market to offer this fantastic innovation from a leading player like Countrywide really highlights our commitment to simplify processes for both advisers and customers alike, from KFI to completion and beyond.”

Matthew Cumber, managing director of Countrywide Surveying Services, added: “Improving the customer journey and making our various surveying products available to more customers is a key strategic goal and so we are delighted to partner with Pure Retirement on this initiative.

“Driving innovation in the surveying industry is paramount for our business and technology has a huge role to play in this, enabling us and our lender partners to deliver service excellence consistently.”