Most Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

First-Time Landlords

Buying your first rental property is a big step and comes with different rules to a standard residential mortgage. Lenders usually expect a larger deposit, often 20–25%, and assess affordability based on projected rental income rather than your salary. They may also stress test payments against higher rates to ensure rent covers costs. It’s important to plan for additional expenses such as letting agent fees, maintenance, and possible void periods. We can explain how lenders assess first-time landlords, outline the true costs, and guide you through the process so you know what to expect before applying.

Portfolio Landlords

For landlords with multiple rental properties, lenders look beyond the new property alone and review the portfolio as a whole. They assess loan-to-value ratios, overall borrowing levels, and whether rental income sufficiently covers all mortgages. Some apply stricter conditions once you own four or more properties, including portfolio-wide stress tests. Refinancing across different expiry dates can also add complexity. We can help you understand how your portfolio will be assessed, explain the impact on borrowing options, and guide you through the products available. Our advice aims to keep your financing structured and manageable as your portfolio grows.

Limited Company Buy to Let

Holding rental properties through a limited company is an option some landlords use for tax and structuring purposes. Not all lenders offer these mortgages, and those that do often require larger deposits, higher rates, or personal guarantees from directors. Running a company also means additional responsibilities such as filing annual accounts and complying with corporation tax rules. For some landlords this approach may be beneficial, but it is not suitable for everyone. We can explain how limited company buy to let products work, outline the key requirements, and help you consider whether this route fits your investment strategy.

Risk Warning: Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.