Build your property portfolio with the right mortgage.
Whether you are buying your first investment property or expanding an existing portfolio, we search 90+ lenders to find the buy to let mortgage that works for your numbers. First-time landlords, portfolio landlords, and HMO investors all welcome.
Buy to let landlord situations we specialise in
Buy to let is not one-size-fits-all. We advise landlords at every stage.
You own your own home and want to buy a rental property as an investment. We guide you through how buy to let affordability works, which lenders welcome first-time landlords, what deposit you need, and how to stress-test the rental yield before you commit.
Once you own 4+ mortgaged properties, you are classified as a portfolio landlord under PRA rules. Most high-street lenders require a more detailed review of your full portfolio. We work with specialist portfolio lenders who understand this.
HMO properties generate significantly higher rental yields than standard lets but require a specialist HMO mortgage. We work with lenders who understand HMO valuations, licensing requirements, and the higher rental income these properties generate.
If your investment property has risen in value, remortgaging can release equity to fund your next purchase — using your existing portfolio to grow itself. We calculate the maximum equity release while maintaining a healthy rental coverage ratio.
How buy to let affordability actually works
Unlike a residential mortgage, buy to let mortgages are mainly assessed on the rental income the property will generate. Lenders use an Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR): the monthly rent must cover the mortgage payment by a set percentage.
- 125% ICR — applies to basic rate taxpayers and company borrowers
- 145% ICR — applies to higher rate and additional rate taxpayers
- A property renting at £1,500/month must cover payments of no more than £1,200 at 125% ICR
- Minimum deposit typically 25% (75% LTV) for standard BTL
- HMO and multi-unit properties assessed on projected rental income across all units
- Portfolio landlords assessed on total portfolio rental income and debt profile
| Landlord Type | ICR Required | Min Deposit | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic rate taxpayer | 125% | 25% | 75% |
| Higher rate taxpayer | 145% | 25% | 75% |
| Ltd company SPV | 125% | 25% | 75% |
| HMO / multi-unit | 125–145% | 25% | 75% |
| Portfolio landlord | 125–145% | 25% | 75% |
London BTL figures — what we see
Based on BTL cases across London and Essex.
How we get your buy to let mortgage approved
Free yield and affordability check — before you make an offer
Before you commit to a purchase price, we run the rental yield and ICR calculation to confirm the numbers work. This saves you from agreeing a price that does not stack up at the mortgage stage.
We match you to the right BTL lender — not just the cheapest rate
We match you to lenders that suit your landlord profile — first-time, portfolio, HMO, or SPV — so your application goes to a lender set up to approve it.
We handle the full application — including rental valuations
We compile your documents, coordinate the rental valuation, and submit your full application. We respond to any queries raised and keep you updated throughout.
Chasing solicitors and lenders so your purchase stays on track
We proactively chase your solicitor and the lender to keep everything moving. If there is a problem, we find out early and deal with it before it becomes a delay.
We diary your deal end date for ongoing portfolio management
We contact you before your fixed rate expires to ensure you are never left on a standard variable rate. As you grow your portfolio, we are already familiar with your full picture.
Buy to let questions answered honestly
Yes — many lenders welcome first-time landlords, particularly if you already own your own home and have a good credit history. The key requirements are a minimum 25% deposit, rental income that meets the lender’s ICR requirements, and a clean credit profile.
The minimum deposit for most buy to let mortgages is 25% (75% LTV). Some lenders will consider 80% LTV in certain circumstances. HMO and multi-unit properties typically require a larger deposit.
Yes — and it is the most common repayment method for BTL mortgages. Interest-only keeps your monthly payments lower, maximising cash flow from the rental income. The property itself is typically the intended repayment vehicle — either sold or remortgaged at the end of the term.
Buy to let and second home purchases are subject to a Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge on top of standard SDLT rates. As at the October 2024 Autumn Budget, the surcharge stands at 5% on top of standard SDLT rates across every band. Rates can change, so use our Stamp Duty Calculator for an up-to-date estimate, or call us and we will confirm the current position.
A portfolio landlord is someone with 4 or more mortgaged buy to let properties. Once you reach this threshold, lenders are required under PRA rules to assess your entire portfolio — not just the new property. Specialist portfolio lenders are set up to assess and approve exactly these cases.
This depends on your tax position. Higher rate taxpayers often benefit significantly from the limited company SPV structure following Section 24 changes. Basic rate taxpayers may find the extra costs of a company outweigh the benefit. We model both structures for your specific numbers and can refer you to a specialist property tax accountant.
Ready to make your investment work?
Free consultation. No obligation. We run the numbers on your target property before you commit to anything.
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Let’s run the numbers on your investment property
Free consultation. We check the yield, the ICR, and the best lender before you commit — no obligation, no jargon.
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