Buy-to-let,
built around your plan.
Buy-to-let mortgage advice across the UK. Personal name or limited company, first-time landlords, portfolio landlords, HMOs and holiday lets — we know which lenders fit which strategy, and which do not.
What lenders care
about most.
Buy-to-let underwriting is a different shape from residential — the property and the rent matter more than your salary. These are the four levers that move every case.
- Loan-to-value. 75% LTV is the typical maximum; 65–60% unlocks the most competitive rates. Higher LTVs are available with specialist lenders at a premium.
- Rental coverage (ICR). Rent must cover 125–145% of the stressed mortgage payment at a notional rate. We model this up front so there are no surprises at valuation.
- Personal income. Most lenders want a minimum income (£20–25k is common); some have no minimum. Top-slicing with personal income is available where the rent falls short.
- Structure. Personal name or limited company changes the rate, the lender pool, and the tax position. Decide before you apply, not after.
Every flavour
of buy-to-let.
We have placed first-purchase BTLs, complex limited-company structures and portfolio refinances. If a case is plausible, we can usually place it.
First-time landlord
Existing homeowner, stable income, first investment property. Lender pool is narrower but still strong.
Personal-name BTL
Simple, well-priced, and usually best for basic-rate taxpayers with one or two properties.
Limited-company BTL
SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) lending against companies formed for property investment — usually a better fit for higher-rate taxpayers and portfolio builders.
HMO
Houses in Multiple Occupation — higher yields, specialist lenders, licensing and experience requirements vary.
Holiday let / FHL
Short-term rental properties assessed on holiday rental income, often via AirDNA data. Specialist lender set.
Portfolio landlord
Four or more mortgaged BTL properties. We prepare the portfolio schedule and presentation that lenders expect.
From strategy
to completion.
Buy-to-let cases benefit from upfront strategy work — get the structure right and the application is straightforward.
Strategy call
Personal name or limited company, target yield, ICR headroom, exit plan.
Lender shortlist
We match your structure and property type to the lenders who actually want the case.
AIP & offer
Agreement in Principle before you offer; you bid with confidence about what completes.
Application
We submit, manage the valuation, and handle underwriter questions — including portfolio reviews.
Completion
Funds released to your solicitor; we hand off to your letting agent if you have one.
A few honest notes.
Buy-to-let is a serious investment with real risks. We say what we know, and we are clear about what is not our remit.
- Property values can fall. Your investment is not guaranteed to grow, and rent does not always cover the mortgage if a property sits empty.
- Tax is a separate conversation. Section 24, Stamp Duty surcharges, Corporation Tax, and dividend rules all affect what your net return looks like. Always take tax advice from a qualified accountant.
- BTL remortgaging → We remortgage existing BTL properties too — same approach, same lenders, often as part of a portfolio refresh.
- First-time buyers → If your tenant is family, or you are buying jointly with a parent stepping onto the ladder, we can help on both sides.
Common questions,
clear answers.
Can't see your question below? Drop us a line — most enquiries are answered the same working day.
How much deposit do I need for a buy-to-let mortgage?
A minimum 25% deposit is the norm — most BTL products sit at 75% LTV or below. A 35–40% deposit usually unlocks the best rates, and certain niche lenders will go to 80% LTV with a rate premium. Limited-company BTL deposits are typically in the same range.
Buy-to-let in personal name or through a limited company?
It depends on your tax position and plans. Since Section 24, landlords paying higher-rate tax on personal-name property cannot fully deduct mortgage interest, which often makes limited-company structures more efficient for higher-rate taxpayers and portfolio builders. Personal-name remains simpler for basic-rate taxpayers and one-property landlords. We will model both, and we recommend you take tax advice from a qualified accountant before forming a company — this is not tax advice.
What is rental stress / ICR and why does it matter?
Lenders test the rent against the mortgage payment at a stressed interest rate — typically 125–145% of the mortgage interest at a notional 5.5–7% rate. This is called the Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR). If the rent does not cover the stressed payment, the lender will lend less. Top-slicing (using personal income to top up rental shortfall) is available with several lenders for the right borrower.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time landlord?
Yes, though the lender pool is smaller than for experienced landlords. First-time landlords usually need to be homeowners already, with stable employment income and a 25% deposit. We know which lenders welcome first-time landlords and which prefer experience — applying to the wrong lender wastes time and leaves a footprint.
What about HMOs, multi-units and holiday lets?
All available, but each is a specialist product. HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) typically require an HMO licence and lender experience criteria. Holiday lets — also called short-term lets or Furnished Holiday Lettings — are assessed on the property's holiday rental income, often via AirDNA data. We work with specialist BTL lenders for these and will be straight with you about whether your case fits.
I already have several properties — am I a portfolio landlord?
Yes — lenders define a portfolio landlord as someone with four or more mortgaged BTL properties. Once you cross that line, lenders look at your entire portfolio (rental income, voids, gearing) and not just the property you are buying. We can prepare a portfolio schedule and presentation pack that addresses portfolio-landlord underwriting head-on.
Are buy-to-let mortgages regulated?
Most are not — standard BTL mortgages are not FCA-regulated because they are deemed business lending. However, “consumer BTL” (typically accidental landlords renting out a former home) is regulated, and we are authorised to advise on both. Buy-to-let advice still follows the same suitability process and disclosure standards as our regulated work.
A 15-minute call is all it takes.
Tell us what you're trying to do and we'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a convenient time. No obligation — we agree any fee with you before chargeable work begins.