Virgin Money and Clydesdale Bank have unveiled a series of lending changes aimed at expanding borrower eligibility and improving the broker experience.

The two lenders, part of the same banking group, have extended maximum mortgage terms to 40 years, revised scorecards to deliver more straight accepts and fewer referrals, and adjusted stress rates to enable more customers to meet affordability criteria.

Virgin Money has also upgraded its affordability calculator, giving brokers a clearer view of the maximum loan size available to applicants.

The bank has eased its lending into retirement criteria to support long-term planning, and introduced the Retrofit Boost Mortgage, which offers up to £10,000 cashback for qualifying energy-efficiency improvements.

At Clydesdale Bank, buy-to-let affordability has been strengthened through reduced stress rates, increasing potential borrowing levels.

The lender has also widened access to its underwriting team for loans above £500,000 and broadened its foreign nationals policy, allowing higher loan-to-value lending and acceptance of a greater range of visa types.

The changes, the group said, are already resulting in higher approval rates and faster decisions for brokers and their clients.