Whether you’re buying your first rental property or expanding a portfolio, we help you understand how the deal works from an investment perspective including borrowing, rental income, costs and expected returns.
The focus isn’t just the rate. It’s making sure the mortgage supports the property’s cashflow and your long-term plans.
A buy-to-let property can form part of a long-term investment strategy, but only when the numbers work.
Rental income, costs, lender stress testing and future plans all need to be considered before you proceed.
We arrange buy-to-let mortgages for first-time landlords and experienced investors, helping you understand what you can borrow and whether the deal makes sense.
Clear advice. Sensible leverage. No guesswork.
Buy-to-Let lending differs significantly from residential mortgages. Lenders assess rental coverage, background portfolio exposure and, in some cases, corporate structure.
We look at the bigger picture:
Rental yield and stress test position
Personal vs Limited Company ownership
Portfolio exposure and future borrowing capacity
Exit and refinance strategy
The objective isn’t just to secure a mortgage, but to make sure the borrowing works for the property and your longer term plans.
If you already own rental properties, we can review your current lending to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term strategy.
If you’re planning to retain your current home as a rental while purchasing a new one, Let to Buy can provide a structured route forward.
This involves:
Converting your current residential mortgage to Buy-to-Let
Arranging a new residential mortgage for your onward purchase
Releasing equity where appropriate to support your deposit
We assess affordability, rental income and equity to confirm whether this is viable across both properties before you proceed.
While independent tax advice is essential when considering ownership structure, we arrange limited company Buy-to-Let mortgages and guide you through how lenders assess:
The directors behind the company
Personal guarantee requirements
Company structure and SIC codes
SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) versus trading company ownership
Portfolio exposure and aggregation
Rental stress testing and affordability
Most lenders require directors to provide personal guarantees, meaning personal credit profile and overall exposure remain important.
Many prefer simple SPV structures established purely for property investment, while others may consider trading companies depending on their existing activities and financial profile.
Criteria can vary significantly, particularly for portfolio landlords or more complex ownership arrangements.
The appropriate structure depends on your long-term objectives, portfolio strategy and funding requirements.
Structured advice. Aligned to your investment plans.
If you hold four or more mortgaged Buy-to-Let properties, lenders classify you as a portfolio landlord.
This introduces enhanced underwriting requirements, including full portfolio analysis, background stress testing and assessment of aggregate exposure.
Rather than reviewing a single property in isolation, lenders assess your entire portfolio, rental performance, leverage, asset type, geographic concentration and overall debt position.
At the same time, portfolio status can provide access to specialist lenders and structured facilities designed for experienced investors.
We work with lenders accustomed to complex portfolio cases and structure funding to support sustainable growth while maintaining disciplined leverage.
Strategic expansion. Controlled risk. Long-term focus.
There is no guarantee that rental income will cover mortgage payments, nor that property values will increase. Buy-to-Let lending carries risk and should be approached with a clear understanding of market conditions and borrowing commitments.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is £495 depending on your circumstances.
We have access to thousands of mortgage deals, including many exclusive deals not available elsewhere, along with specialist lenders who can assist with unique situations.
No. Buy-to-Let mortgages are designed specifically for properties that will be let to tenants.
If you intend to live in the property yourself, you would need a standard residential mortgage. Using a Buy-to-Let mortgage for owner-occupation would breach lender terms and conditions.
No. Shared Ownership schemes are intended for owner-occupiers who plan to live in the property as their primary residence.
They are not available for Buy-to-Let or investment purchases.
For most Buy-to-Let mortgages, a minimum deposit of around 25% is common.
In some cases, certain lenders may consider lower deposits, for example 20% subject to property type, rental coverage and borrower profile.
The exact requirement will depend on the lender’s criteria and your overall position.
Most Let-to-Buy cases require around 25% equity to remain in the property.
Some lenders may consider lower loan-to-value options in specific circumstances, although criteria are typically stricter.
In some cases, yes.
Certain lenders will consider applicants who do not currently own their own residential property, although criteria can be stricter and deposit or income requirements may be higher.
Affordability and rental coverage will be assessed carefully
Not necessarily.
Lender criteria varies depending on property type, construction, location and intended use. Certain properties, such as ex-local authority flats, non-standard construction or very small units may be subject to stricter requirements.
Buy-to-Let mortgages typically require a larger deposit than residential mortgages, and interest rates can be slightly higher depending on loan-to-value and market conditions.
Affordability is assessed differently, with lenders focusing on projected rental income and applying stress testing to ensure the property covers the mortgage payments.
Buy-to-Let products are commonly available on an interest-only basis, which can reduce monthly payments. However, landlords must have a clear repayment strategy in place.
A mortgage creates long-term financial commitments, so protecting your income and household finances should form part of the overall plan.
Life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection can help ensure mortgage payments and other commitments remain manageable if your circumstances change.
We will always discuss protection as part of the mortgage advice process to ensure the right safeguards are considered.
