Marsden Building Society has widened its expat mortgage criteria, increasing maximum loan-to-value ratios on flats and reducing minimum property values for certain buy-to-let cases.

The society has introduced a series of changes across its Expat Residential and Expat Buy-to-Let ranges, aimed at offering greater flexibility to UK nationals and foreign nationals with permanent rights to reside who are living overseas.

Among the most notable updates is an increase in the maximum LTV for flats from 60% to 75%, a move likely to widen the pool of eligible borrowers and properties in what remains a constrained expat lending market.

The society will also now consider properties with 100% flat roofs, subject to valuers’ comments, and has extended the maximum permitted number of storeys from six to eight. In addition, the threshold at which a lift is required has been raised from four storeys to six.

In a further change specific to the Expat Buy-to-Let range, the minimum property value has been reduced from £167,000 to £150,000.

The amendments apply across both core expat product lines and reflect what the mutual described as an ongoing review of its specialist lending criteria.

Jo Cave, head of mortgages at Marsden Building Society, said: “Supporting expat borrowers is an important part of our specialist lending approach.

“Regularly reviewing our lending policies ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of intermediaries and their clients.

“These updates are designed to offer greater flexibility and more tailored options, reinforcing our commitment to personalised lending solutions.”