Access the UK's Lowest Buy-to-Let Mortgage Rates
Specialist Buy-to-Let expertise and advice. Same day mortgage approvals.
Home » Buy to Let
BTL Mortgage Brokers
Get the best buy-to-let mortgage deals
Looking for the best buy-to-let mortgage rates? We help UK landlords compare and secure the most suitable deals from 130+ lenders and 25,000+ products, including limited company and portfolio landlord options. Start with a soft-search Mortgage in Principle in under 15 minutes (no credit impact), or speak to an expert to get buy to let mortgage comparisons with a qualified broker that manages everything. Transparent fees only on charged on success, backed by 2,500+ 5-star reviews.
Buy To Let Mortgage Broker Providing Advice For Property Investors
A buy to let mortgage needs to work as part of a wider investment plan, not just meet a headline rate. The right solution balances lender criteria, rental income expectations, and long-term objectives, while remaining flexible enough to support future changes.
As a buy to let mortgage broker, we work with property investors across the UK to provide clear, structured advice on arranging and reviewing buy to let mortgages. Our advisers focus on understanding your objectives, assessing affordability accurately, and identifying options that align with both the property and your wider financial position.
With access to a comprehensive range of UK buy to let mortgage lenders, including providers not available directly to landlords, we help navigate complex criteria around rental coverage, loan to value, and property type. From initial review through to completion, we manage the process with care and transparency, giving you clarity and confidence at every stage.
Get bespoke buy to let advice
Speak to a buy to let specialist
Get Started
Buy To Let Mortgage Advice Tailored To Your Investment Goals
Every buy to let mortgage should support the wider investment strategy it sits within. Rental yield, property type, ownership structure, and future plans all influence which lenders and mortgage options are likely to be appropriate.
Our advisers provide buy to let mortgage advice that reflects your goals and longer-term position, not just what is immediately available. This includes assessing how rental income is treated by different lenders, how affordability is calculated, and how today’s decisions may affect refinancing or portfolio growth in the future.
By taking a holistic view of your circumstances, we help you avoid misaligned borrowing decisions and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Speak to a buy to let mortgage brokerWhy Use A Buy To Let Mortgage Broker
Buy to let lending is shaped by detailed criteria that vary significantly between lenders. Rental income calculations, stress testing, property types, and ownership structures all influence which options are available and how applications are assessed.
Using a buy to let mortgage broker ensures these factors are reviewed properly from the outset. Advice is based on lender requirements and suitability, rather than assumptions or a limited view of the market.
Our role is to assess your position, identify appropriate lenders, and take responsibility for guiding the application through to completion. This reduces delays, avoids unnecessary declines, and ensures decisions are made with a clear understanding of outcomes and trade-offs.
Access to a wide range of buy to let mortgage Lenders
We work with a broad panel of UK buy to let mortgage lenders, including providers that do not offer products directly to landlords.
This allows us to source options that reflect your property type, rental income profile, and borrowing structure, rather than forcing applications into unsuitable criteria.
Advice based on suitability, not just rates
Headline rates rarely tell the full story in buy to let lending. Fees, stress testing, rental coverage requirements, and flexibility at the end of a fixed term all affect how suitable a mortgage is in practice.
Our advisers focus on identifying options that work realistically for your investment plans, not just on paper.
Support for straightforward and complex buy to let cases
Some applications fall outside standard criteria due to portfolio size, property type, income structure, or credit history.
We support both straightforward cases and more complex scenarios, ensuring applications are positioned clearly and progress smoothly.
Speak to a buy to let mortgage broker
Get buy to let mortgage advice
Get Started
Buy To Let Mortgage Options We Can Help With
Buy to let mortgages are not assessed in the same way for every investor. Lender criteria, affordability calculations, and acceptable property types can differ depending on how a property is purchased, how many properties are owned, and how rental income is structured.
We support a wide range of buy to let scenarios and direct you to the most relevant guidance based on your circumstances. Each option below links to a dedicated page that explores criteria and considerations in more detail.
Entering the buy to let market for the first time often involves closer scrutiny around affordability, experience, and deposit requirements. We help first-time landlords understand how lenders assess risk and what preparation may be required.Buy to let mortgages for first-time landlords
Buy to let mortgages for landlords and portfolio investors
For landlords with existing rental properties, lenders may assess borrowing at both an individual property level and across the wider portfolio.
We help structure applications in a way that reflects your overall position and investment plans.
Explore buy to let mortgages for landlords
HMOs (House of multiple occupants) and multi-unit properties are assessed differently to standard single-let investments. Lenders may apply stricter criteria around property type, rental income, and experience. We help identify lenders that are comfortable with these arrangements.HMO and multi-unit buy to let mortgages
Limited company buy to let mortgages
Buying or holding property through a limited company can offer flexibility, but lender criteria and affordability assessments differ from personal ownership.
We guide you through the available options and considerations involved, whether this is a trading company or a special purpose vehicle (SPV).
Learn about limited company buy to let mortgages
Student buy to let properties are assessed differently to standard rental investments due to tenancy structures, income patterns, and perceived risk. Lender criteria can vary significantly depending on how rental income is structured and managed. We provide clear guidance on how lenders approach student housing and help investors navigate available mortgage options with confidence and clarity.Buy to let mortgages for student housing
Buy to let mortgages for holiday lets
Holiday buy to let properties are assessed differently to standard rental investments due to seasonal income patterns, occupancy levels, and how rental income is generated. Lender criteria can vary depending on whether income is projected, achieved, or managed through a letting agent.
We provide clear guidance on how lenders approach holiday lets and help investors understand which mortgage options align with their property, income structure, and longer-term plans.
View buy to let mortgage options for holiday lets
How The Buy To Let Mortgage Process Works
Arranging a buy to let mortgage involves several stages, from assessing affordability to securing lender approval and completing the legal process. Clear oversight at each stage helps reduce delays and ensures decisions are made with confidence.
Our advisers manage the process from initial review through to completion, coordinating with lenders and solicitors, supporting parties to keep applications progressing smoothly.
We begin with a structured review of the property, intended use, and wider investment objectives. This allows us to assess lender suitability early and identify any factors that may influence affordability or eligibility before an application is made.Step 1: Review your property and investment plans
Step 2: Assess affordability and rental Income
Buy to let affordability is typically assessed using rental income rather than personal earnings.
We review how lenders calculate rental coverage, apply stress testing, and assess loan to value, so expectations are clear from the outset.
Once suitable options are identified, we present recommendations clearly and explain the rationale behind each one. We then manage the application process, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and aligned with lender requirements.Step 3: Source and secure a suitable buy to let mortgage
Step 4: Manage the application through to completion
From offer through to completion, we oversee progress, respond to queries, and liaise with solicitors and lenders to keep the process moving.
This ensures clear communication and support until the mortgage completes.
Speak to a buy to let mortgage broker
Start your buy to let mortgage review
Get Started
Buy To Let Mortgage Criteria
Buy to let mortgage criteria are often more detailed than residential lending and can vary significantly between lenders. Understanding how applications are assessed at an early stage helps avoid delays and ensures borrowing plans are realistic and achievable.
Our advisers review the key criteria that influence lender decisions and explain how they apply to your circumstances, helping applications progress more smoothly and with fewer surprises.
Deposit requirement and loan to value
Most buy to let mortgages require a larger deposit than residential borrowing. Loan to value limits can vary depending on lender appetite, property type, and rental income profile.
We help assess what deposit level is likely to be required and how this affects the range of options available.
Rental income and stress testing
Lenders typically assess affordability using expected rental income rather than personal salary. This income is then stress tested to ensure repayments remain manageable if interest rates rise.
We explain how these calculations work and how requirements differ between lenders.
Credit history and borrower circumstances
Credit history, existing commitments, and overall financial position all play a role in buy to let lending decisions.
We review these factors early and identify lenders whose criteria are most aligned with your circumstances.
Property types and tenancy considerations
Some properties and tenancy arrangements are assessed more cautiously by lenders. This can include new builds, flats, HMOs, or properties with non-standard construction.
We help clarify how your property is likely to be viewed and what this means for lender choice.
Get buy to let mortgage advice
Why Remortgage A Buy To Let Property?
Remortgaging allows landlords to reassess whether their current mortgage still supports their investment objectives. Changes in interest rates, rental income, or lender criteria can all affect how suitable an existing arrangement remains over time.
Our advisers help landlords identify when a review is appropriate, explain the implications clearly, and support decisions that balance affordability with longer-term flexibility.
Switch at the end of a fixed rate
When a fixed or discounted rate comes to an end, many buy to let mortgages move onto a higher variable rate.
Reviewing options at this point can help avoid unnecessary increases in monthly payments and ensure the mortgage remains aligned with your goals.
Release equity from a buy to let property
Equity built up in a buy to let property may be used for further investment or other purposes, subject to lender criteria and affordability.
We assess whether releasing equity is viable and explain the potential impact on borrowing and rental coverage.
Review buy to let mortgages across a wider lender panel
Lender criteria and appetite for buy to let lending can change over time, which means a mortgage that was suitable previously may no longer be the best fit.
By reviewing a wider lender panel, landlords can avoid being limited to a single provider and ensure their mortgage continues to support both affordability and future flexibility.
Why Choose The Mortgage Broker for Buy to Let Advice?
Choosing the right mortgage adviser is about having clear guidance, understanding the implications of each option, and knowing your case is being managed properly from start to finish.
At The Mortgage Broker, we provide structured, transparent buy to let mortgage advice that reflects your circumstances and investment plans. Our advisers take responsibility for each case, ensuring recommendations are clearly explained and progress is carefully managed through to completion.
Comprehensive access to 130+ lenders
We work with a comprehensive panel of UK lenders, allowing us to review buy to let mortgage options across a wide range of criteria.
This means recommendations are based on suitability and lender appetite, rather than being limited to a narrow selection.
Experienced buy to let mortgage advisers
Our advisers regularly support landlords and property investors across a wide range of buy to let scenarios.
This experience helps anticipate potential challenges, assess lender requirements accurately, and keep applications moving efficiently.
Dedicated support from enquiry to completion
From your first conversation through to completion, you will deal with an adviser who oversees your case and coordinates communication with lenders and other parties.
This continuity helps reduce delays and ensures the process remains clear and well managed.
Speak to a buy to let mortgage adviser
Request a buy to let mortgage consultation
Get Started
Real mortgage outcomes from real clients
We regularly help borrowers secure the right mortgage in situations where lender criteria, property details, or personal circumstances require careful handling.
For example, we recently supported a buyer purchasing a flat in a challenging location, where lender appetite was limited. By matching the case to the right lender and presenting the application clearly, the mortgage was accepted quickly and without unnecessary delays.
Whether a first time landlord, or you have a portfolio, get mortgage ready, and benefit from access to BTL specialists, leading BTL mortgage rates and a 24/7 mobile mortgage tracking app.
1. Share your plan and basic info, property type and finance
We check basic info, highlight quick wins, soft-search MIP
2. Compare BTL market rates and fees: personal Vs SPV/Ltd
We check 1000's of products and 100+ BTL Lenders
3. Secure best deals today and we monitor market changes
No fee unless you go ahead, clear milestones and portfolio friendly support
Call Us
0800 0320 316
Or Book a Free Mortgage Appointment
Buy to Let’s for the Portfolio Landlord to the First Time Buyer
A buy to let mortgage is a mortgage on a property where the intention is to let the property out rather than live in it yourself. This can be set up on a new purchase, a property you already own, or one that has been inherited.
There are many different options available with different rules and tax implications to consider, so taking the right advice is important.
Make sure you speak to a Buy to Let Specialist Broker
The Mortgage Broker have expertise across the Buy to Let market and vast amounts of experience in placing certain mortgages with the right lenders. Get in touch and benefit from our trusted service today and search the market for free with no obligation advice.
- Quick Stress Tests
- Access BTL Market
- Check Best Rates
- No Impact on Credit
24/7 Mortgage Monitoring 125–145% ICR Stress Test
Buy to Let Mortgages Explained
Who we help
- UK landlords: first-time, portfolio (4+), and SPV/Ltd company investors.
- Standard lets, HMO/MUFB, holiday lets, new builds and ex-local authority.
- Remortgage, product transfer, capital raise, and portfolio reshapes.
What we do
- Compare thousands of buy-to-let products across our 130+ lenders, including specialist and broker only ranges.
- Model ICR stress tests (125–145%), top-slicing options, fee-for-rate trade-offs and SPV vs personal outcomes.
- Structure complex cases (director loans for deposits, exposure limits, HMO licensing/EPC considerations) for smoother approvals.
We’ll show side-by-side scenarios (rate, fees, cash flow, ICR) before you apply.
How it works
- Tell us your plan (personal vs SPV, property type, deposit).
- Get a soft search MIP/DIP in less than 15 minutes with an BTL Mortgage Broker (no credit impact).
- We run lender grade ICR & affordability (incl. portfolio stress testing, top-slicing).
- Your qualified broker and support team manage everything through valuation to offer.
Speak with an advisor today!
Request a call back
Why trust us
- Years of experience, understanding of property market and mapping to lenders that fit your profile.
- Proven BTL expertise: SPVs, HMOs/MUFBs, portfolios, capital raising and refinancing strategy.
- Access to leading best buy to let mortgage rates.
- Trusted, Transparent advice backed by 2,500+ 5 star reviews.
- No advice fee; only an application fee is only payable on mortgage offer.
Next Step
Book a free appointment, get your Mortgage in Principle, or request a callback.
FCA oversight & qualified advice: CeMAP advisers; The Mortgage Broker (London) Limited is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Advice Bureau Limited and Mortgage Advice Bureau (Derby) Limited (authorised and regulated by the FCA).
Limited Company (SPV) Buy-to-Let
- Who it suits: Tax-efficient landlords using SPVs (e.g. SIC 68100/68209/68320) or trading companies; directors happy to give personal guarantees.
- What lenders look for: SPV set-up & SIC, director shareholding, experience, background portfolio, ICR stress testing (often 125–145% at a lender stress rate), deposit/source of funds.
- Deals & structure: Fixed/trackers with product-fee options (e.g. % fee to improve stress test). Many accept director loans as deposit.
- Property types: Single lets, HMOs, MUFBs, new builds; check exposure limits by block/borrower.
- Docs checklist: Cert of incorporation, full company & director ID/AML, business bank statements, SA302s or accountant’s letter (if needed), AST template.Tax note: Company ownership can change tax outcomes; seek independent tax advice (we’re mortgage specialists, not tax advisers).
Quick win: We’ll compare SPV vs personal name outcomes and show rate/fee/ICR trade-offs before you apply.
Portfolio Landlords (4+ Mortgaged Properties)
- Who it suits: Landlords scaling beyond 3 properties or with multiple lenders/companies.
- Underwriting: PRA portfolio rules apply: full asset & liability statement, portfolio spreadsheet (rent, mortgage, value, LTV), and business plan sometimes requested.
- ICR & cash flow: Lenders assess background portfolio (not just the subject property) and may stress test at higher rates; EPC and void assumptions can be factored.
- Lender appetite: Exposure caps by borrower/area, separate rules for HMOs/MUFBs, day-one remortgage and capital raising vary.
- Refinance rhythm: Staggered maturities, product transfers vs remortgages, limited company vs personal name reshaping.
- What we do: Map your entire portfolio, flag weak ICRs, structure fee-led products where helpful, and shortlist lenders comfortable with your profile (incl. SPV Ltd).
Portfolio review in one call: We will build a lender ready pack and stress test the whole portfolio so you can move quickly.
First-Time Landlords
- Who it suits: First-time landlords (and first-time buyer/landlord combinations).
- Eligibility basics: Typical max LTV up to 75% (some niches higher); some lenders ask for minimum earned income and clean credit; first-time buyer rules vary.
- Affordability: ICR stress test on expected rent; valuation must support achievable local rent.
- Property preferences: Simpler units (standard flats/houses) are widely accepted; HMOs/MUFBs can be restricted for new landlords.
- Process: Soft-search Mortgage in Principle (~15 minutes, no credit impact) → documents → valuation → offer → completion.
- Common pitfalls: Under-estimating costs (voids/repairs/insurance), lease issues on flats, EPC requirements, early repayment charges.
Start right: Get a no credit impact MIP and a clear costed plan (repayments, ICR, fees, taxes to discuss with your accountant).
What determines the “best buy-to-let mortgage rates” for you?
- Loan-to-Value (LTV): Lower LTV usually unlocks lower rates.
- ICR & Rent: Higher rent vs loan improves product access.
- Ownership route: SPV Ltd vs personal name changes pricing and stress tests.
- Property type: New build, HMO, MUFB, ex-local authority and lease terms can nudge pricing.
- Fees vs rate trade-off: % product fees can reduce stress rate and monthly payment.Term & fix length: 2-, 5-year and longer fixes price differently; early-repayment rules vary.
We will model your scenario side-by-side (rate, fees, ICR, monthly cash flow) so you can choose the most suitable deal for your goals.
From Setbacks to Success: First-Time Landlord Secures BTL Mortgage
Initial Enquiry
The client approached us as she had recently sold her residential property and was living with her partner, who owned his own home. With no need for a new residential property, and with funds it invest, she sought an investment property purchase. The client had found a promising property local to her with a good rental yield and was looking for a buy-to-let mortgage.
| New Lending | Property Value | Balance | Loan to Value | Term | Payment Type | Interest Rate | Product Type | Payment |
| New Mortgage | £395,000 | £265,000 | 67.09% | 20 | Interest Only | 4.59% | 5 Year Fixed | £1,021.00 |
The Challenge
The client found looking for a mortgage was a bit tricky. Other mortgage brokers had turned the client down because of a few hurdles. Her income was relatively low, as she was a new business owner (less than a year self-employed) and also had some benefit income. On top of that, she had some adverse credit on her record from the last year, which happened because she was financially supporting two properties while her old home was in the process of being sold.
The Solution
The key was to find a lender who would look at the whole picture, not just the individual challenges. We found a lender who was willing to consider the case holistically and focus on the client’s overall financial situation. The great rental income from the new property would significantly improve her financial standing, giving her the space she needed to grow her new business and manage her credit history. After reviewing the evidence, The Lenders underwriters gave their thumbs up at the Mortgage in Principle (MIP) stage.
The Result
Everything came together. A mortgage was secured for the client to buy the £395,000 property with a £265,000 loan. The mortgage was an interest-only product with a 5-year fixed interest rate of 4.59%. This resulted in a monthly payment of £1,021. With the monthly rental income of £1,700, the client was looking at a very healthy positive cash flow.
How did this help?
This solution was a real game-changer for the client. It allowed her to turn her funds into a productive, high-yield investment, which was exactly what she wanted. The new, reliable income stream from the rental property not only helped her handle her past credit issues but also gave her the financial confidence to focus on building her new business.
Advisor: Harrison AndrewsDiscuss your Buy-to-Let Options Today
Contact The Mortgage Broker for a quick understanding of your options, find the best rates or assess whether you are eligible for a buy to let mortgage
Contact a BTL Specialist
Qualified Advice
FCA oversight & qualified advice — CeMAP-qualified advisers; The Mortgage Broker (London) Limited is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Advice Bureau Limited and Mortgage Advice Bureau (Derby) Limited, which are authorised and regulated by the FCA.
Proven landlord expertise — Deep experience across SPV limited companies, HMOs/MUFBs and portfolio underwriting (PRA rules, ICR stress testing, exposure limits) with access to 130+ BTL lenders.
Trusted & transparent — 2,500+ verified 5-star reviews; clear fee policy (no advice fee, application fee on offer only); GDPR-secure process with soft-search MIP (no credit impact).
Award Winning Buy to let Mortgage Specialists
See all our awardsThe best buy-to-let mortgage deals
When you intend to buy a property to rent it out, turn it into a recreational respite from hectic city life or a sensational sleepy getaway for holiday goers, you’ll need a buy-to-let mortgage.
With a buy-to-let mortgage, you let out your property rather than live in it yourself. It’s a great way to invest money and also earn income passively, but the prospect of letting out a property comes with a slew of tax and mortgage implications that could make you think twice about this amazing opportunity.
Worry not, here at the Mortgage Broker we have specialist advisors to help you navigate the world of buy-to-let mortgages. Working with one of our advisors, we’ll discuss all your options for setting up a buy-to-let mortgage for your new purchase, a property you already own or one that you have inherited.
- Looking to create an investment out of a property?
- Going to rent out a property that you own?
- Need to know your buy-to-let mortgage options?
How to get a buy-to-let mortgage
Buy-to-let mortgages work differently than your standard residential mortgage. It is a type of mortgage sold specifically to someone looking to rent out a property, rather than live in it.
There are many options available through the high street and specialist lenders, a dizzying array of options in fact. We cut right through the noise to discover the best deals for your circumstances. With only a few details from you, we’ll get to work.
Speak with an advisor today!
Request a call back
All you’ll need to do is sit back, put your feet up and relax, while we hunt down the most favourable rates to get you into a buy-to-let mortgage as painlessly as possible.
By getting buy-to-let mortgage comparisons from an incredible range of lenders across the country, including specialist lenders, we’ll be able to find deals you won’t find anywhere else on the market.
How do buy-to-let mortgages work?
The amount you’ll be able to borrow for your buy-to-let mortgage is based on the rental income you are going to get from the property. This will be taken into consideration as well as your personal income.
The basic steps to your buy-to-let mortgage are:
Put down your deposit
The deposit for a buy-to-let mortgage is typically expected to be higher than you would find for a normal residential mortgage. You will need up to 25% of the total value of the property to use as a deposit, though this can vary depending on the lender.
Make repayments
A buy-to-let mortgage is usually an interest-only mortgage. What happens with this type of mortgage is that you’ll pay the interest every month but not touch the actual capital amount of the property.
Pay the whole amount
At the end of your interest-only mortgage term, you repay the entire capital debt which is the value of the property. This may sound risky but with the accumulative profit from the rent saved into an ISA, or by selling the property, you’ll easily be able to pay back the full amount.
This is the most typical option for those wishing to buy-to-let. There are many other options available and different types of mortgage you can choose from, each with its strengths and weaknesses. In discussion with one of our mortgage advisors, we’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
Download our Step-by-step buy to let guide
What are the benefits of a buy-to-let mortgage?
The potential for future earnings is very high – Property values have increased in the UK over time. This is a trend that won’t necessarily continue forever but in general, property is seen as one of the most stable investments you can make. The potential for long-term gains is excellent when compared to other methods of investment.
Passive income – Having a stream of rental income will give you steady revenue that you require very little work to gain. Like everything, this is no guarantee and can depend on how you manage the property and your tenants. Having a rental property is a great way to generate extra income, and though the initial amount of work may be intensive, afterwards, you will reap the rewards.
Building your investment portfolio – It’s always better to diversify your investments if possible. Adding a buy-to-let property does just that; spreading the risk of your investments over different types of assets increases the probability of a steady return.
Payments in-line with inflation – The value of your second home as well as rent costs usually increase in tandem as interest rates change. This is somewhat of a double-edged sword as inflation can skyrocket (as we’ve seen in recent times), leading to rents spiralling out of control to cover the costs of paying the interest on the home.
Even including periods of potential instability, in the long run, a buy-to-let property offers far more benefits than other types of investment.
How much will my buy-to-let mortgage cost?
The amount you’ll be able to borrow depends on a number of factors:
This is a calculation of the expected rental income from your property. Historically, this calculation was a straightforward multiplier but now each lender uses their own calculator. The calculation is different for tracker rates and varied fixed terms. Whether you are a basic or higher rate taxpayer will also be taken into consideration. You’ll usually need your rent to be 125% of your mortgage payments.
In a nutshell, the more money you use as a deposit, the smaller your mortgage will be. Pretty basic but being able to use the largest deposit possible is going to mean you are less of a risk from a lender’s point of view; important when getting a second property. The financial implications of owning more than one property could be risky so lenders typically ask for 25% of the value of the home as a deposit.
With an interest-only mortgage, you’ll only be paying back the interest each month. The advantage of this is that your repayments will be much lower than those of a normal residential mortgage.
You won’t have to pay back the full amount of your mortgage loan until the end of your term.
If your Loan to Value (LTV) is low, then you’ll have less to pay back on your mortgage. An LTV is expressed as a percentage of your property value and is the percentage of the amount you have left to pay on a mortgage. If you have a very high deposit then your LTV will be lower.
Assessing your credit history is extremely important to lenders in order to determine the amount they’ll lend you as well as the risk to them.
A variable rate will cause the amount of your repayments to change in line as the interest rate changes. A fixed-rate keeps your interest rate at a set level for a fixed period of time. Both types have advantages, though if you go through a period of volatility in the interest rate then you may end up paying more per month.
Take a look at our buy-to-let mortgage calculator to get a rough idea of the amount you will be able to borrow based on a few personal financial details.
Standard let
The most common option. This is when a property is let to one family, on one tenancy agreement for a set rent amount every month.
House of multiple occupancy
The House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), is rented to a group of unrelated individuals. The rooms will be rented on a room-by-room basis and you can even have different rent rates per room with multiple tenancy agreements running at once.
An HMO usually covers anything from 2 rooms up to a whopping 10-20 individual rooms! Added to this you will also have communal kitchens and bathrooms.
When your rental property is an HMO, you’ll find that many local authorities require specific licensing. Most mortgage lenders will expect that you are an experienced landlord if you’re looking at HMO tenancy for your buy-to-let property. This indicates that you will be able to deal with the added complications of a multiple-tenancy home and are therefore seen as less of a risk.
Multi-units
A multi-unit building is one in which a house has been converted into flats. This usually takes the form of major renovation works carried out in a home that converts it into a liveable space for many individuals who live together but in separate parts of the building.
Each flat has its own separate entrance, exit, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen for the sole use of one tenant and not shared with any of the others.
As with HMOs, a lender will look for experienced landlords as a major advantage in securing your buy-to-let mortgage for multi-unit properties. With a multi-unit property, you may have even carried out the renovations yourself, if the property was inherited or you bought an older property to renovate as an investment.
Student let
As you can imagine, this means that you have rented out the property specifically for the use of students. These will be in University cities and have multiple bedrooms with shared facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.
You would expect a student let to be a larger property, and as with HMOs there may be special local authority licensing you need to consider, as well as specific rules you need to follow before you can use your buy-to-let property as a home for students.
Buy-to-let mortgage requirements
Eligibility criteria for a buy-to-let mortgage is more strict than with a residential mortgage. Below we look at the most common things a lender requires for accepting your buy-to-let mortgage application.
Age – You’ll need to be over 21 to be eligible for a buy-to-let mortgage. The age range usually lands between 21 – 75 for you to be seen as a good prospect.
Deposit – Most buy-to-let mortgages start at 75% LTV, meaning you will need a 25% deposit as a minimum, although the higher your deposit the better.
Income – Most lenders require a minimum income of around £25,000. This is usually more important if you are a first time landlord. Many lenders will base their assessment on the potential rental value of the property rather than on how much you earn.
Credit History – Lenders look at your borrowing history to ensure you are reliable. If you have a poor credit history, you should take steps to improve this before considering a buy-to-let mortgage.
How big does my deposit need to be?
As with every mortgage, the higher your deposit, the better your buy-to-let mortgage rates will be. For a buy-to-let mortgage you’ll need a deposit of 20% as an absolute minimum. This varies from lender to lender and can be as much as 30% in some cases. Without a large deposit, you won’t have much of a chance to be accepted for a buy-to-let mortgage.
The reason for this increase in the deposit is because of the increased financial risk of owning a second home for the purposes of letting it out. Even though it is an excellent way to invest money, there is a financial risk attached if, for instance, you are unable to cultivate a regular stream of tenants whose rent will cover the costs of the mortgage and the upkeep of the building.
Things to consider before choosing a buy-to-let mortgage
You need to think about all aspects of buy-to-let before you decide to go for it. There are many things that could affect your future financial situation that are worth considering.
Rental income – You could encounter periods of time where you do not have any tenants in the building. If your property is unoccupied then the rent isn’t going to be paid. When these ‘void periods’ occur you’ll need some form of financial backup in place to make sure that the payments on the mortgage still take place.
Tax implications – This depends on the amount you are able to earn through rent but it will impact your income tax. These implications come into play for both your rental income and when you decide to sell the property. When you sell a property, you’ll need to pay capital gains tax on some of the profits you make from the sale. We cannot advise you directly about matters to do with tax but we can certainly point you in the right direction.
Term of the loan – Preparation is key. Plan out how long your initial loan term will be. Knowing how long it will last gives you plenty of time to plan what action you want to take when the term ends. If you face financial difficulty, or your financial situation changes you can decide whether to remortgage or sell the property far in advance, giving plenty of notice to your tenants and enabling you to make the transition with ease.
Rent is a taxable income
Before getting a buy-to-let mortgage we recommend getting tax advice on the property. This is because as a landlord you will be open to tax implications that differ from normal home ownership.
The fact is, rent is a taxable income. Working with one of our advisors, we’ll be able to give you all of the figures necessary to take to a property tax specialist to ensure that you fully understand all of the tax implications you will need to deal with personally when it comes to buy-to-let home ownership.
Our advisors are fully experienced in understanding the many elements of property and taxes. Although we are unable to advise you directly in this area, we can point you in the right direction and show you the areas to explore that will ensure your investment works for you, short term and long term.
Buy-to-let and let-to-buy
If you decide to rent out the property you are currently living in and move into a new property, then you are going to let-to-buy, rather than buy-to-let.
There are a few ways you can go about changing your mortgage to buy-to-let:
Consent-to-let – This is when you don’t need to release any capital from your current home for your next house purchase. In this case, you can ask your lender for ‘consent-to-let’. This is where they will change your current mortgage contract from residential to a let one.
Remortgage to a buy-to-let lender – The most common option for those wishing to let-to-buy. Remortgaging allows you to replace your current home mortgage and raise funds from your house to pay for the deposit and associated fees for the purchase of your new property.
You must never let your home with just your residential mortgage in place, convert your mortgage to buy-to-let to avoid problems with your lender. If you do this you could be in breach of contract with your lender, which will cause all manner of trouble for you!
Find Your Perfect Buy to Let Mortgage
Award Winning Service with one of the UK’s Most Trusted and Independent Mortgage Brokers
Get started
Buy to Let Mortgage FAQ’s
Yes, it is possible for first-time buyers to obtain a buy-to-let mortgage, though the criteria can be more stringent and the choice of lenders may be limited.
Typically, you will need a deposit of at least 25% of the property’s value for a buy-to-let mortgage, but this can vary by lender.
Eligibility often depends on factors such as your age, income, credit history, and the potential rental income from the property. Lenders look for stability and reliability in financial history.
A buy-to-let mortgage is designed for those who wish to purchase a property to rent out rather than live in. It typically requires a higher deposit and the loan amount is often determined by the rental income potential.
A buy-to-let mortgage is intended for properties that will be rented out, and the lending criteria are based on rental income potential. Residential mortgages are for properties you live in, with assessments focused on personal income.
It’s possible but may be more challenging. Lenders vary in criteria and typically require stronger rental income potential or higher deposits. Consulting a broker can help find suitable products.
In an interest-only mortgage, you pay interest each month without repaying the capital until the end of the term. This typically results in lower monthly payments.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio indicates the size of your loan relative to the property value. A lower LTV suggests less risk to lenders, often resulting in better mortgage terms.
Rental income is subject to income tax, and when selling the property, capital gains tax might apply. It’s recommended to seek tax advice to understand implications specific to your situation.
A stress test estimates whether rental income covers the mortgage payments. Lenders use this to ensure the investment’s viability, often requiring rental income to be at least 125% of the payments.
Yes, there are mortgages designed for properties owned by limited companies, which can offer tax advantages. These require the company to be set up for property letting.
Yes, by obtaining consent-to-let from your current lender or remortgaging to a buy-to-let product, though you must meet specific lender criteria.
The average term is about 25 years, similar to residential mortgages, but lenders may offer flexible options based on the borrower’s needs.
Consider potential rental income, void periods without tenants, tax implications, and the long-term commitment of loan repayment. Professional advice can provide tailored insights.
Various properties such as standard lets, HMOs, student lets, and multi-unit buildings can be purchased, though lender criteria may differ for each type.
