How to choose the right mortgage

A mortgage is probably the biggest financial commitment you will ever take on but where should you go for advice? How do you start looking and how can you be sure that you made the right choice when there are thousands of options available? Pete Coombes has some answers.

Should I overpay my mortgage?

Erin Gallacher, residential mortgage adviser looks at the benefits of overpaying your mortgage and the implications of doing so.

Are you prepared for interest rate hikes?

Many experts predict that the base rate will be raised in May and this could be followed by further rises in the months to come. If hikes do materialise, will your monthly mortgage payments rise? Will you be able to afford it?

3 reasons for landlords & property developers to use short-term finance

Expert commercial mortgage broker, Gareth Richards, identifies three common uses of short-term finance and tells you what you can expect in terms of rates, fees and time-scales.

From buy to let to commercial

We have seen a pick-up in enquiries from residential landlords looking to move into commercial investment, with a particular increase in those looking to purchase a semi commercial property e.g. shop with flats above. In my opinion, there are two strong reasons for this activity...

Buy to let is in the spotlight

Is buy to let still a healthy market? Paul Martins offers his opinion on how the market has reacted to the rules, regulations and restrictions brought in by the UK Government

Specialist lenders vs mainstream lenders for commercial mortgages

Whether you are looking for an commercial owner-occupier mortgage or a commercial investment mortgage, knowing which lender to approach can be tricky. That’s where we come in... Gareth Richards, consultant mortgage broker gives you an insight into his decision-making process.

Income requirements for Ltd company buy to let mortgages

We are often asked what income does a limited company need to show to qualify for a buy to let mortgage? It depends on the type of company and the circumstances of the directors and/or shareholders. Let me explain…

Peace, love and understanding in buy to let

In 2017 buy to let lending totalled £34.9bn, just shy of the £35bn best-guess we predicted. The figures were published by UK Finance, the new body which has replaced the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Unsecured borrowing for business expansion

Are you looking to expand your business? Perhaps you are looking to purchase a new premises, or you need funds for refurbishment. Andy Elley, Head of Commercial Mortgages, explains how we can help business owners achieve unsecured loans up to £10m.

Five reasons why 10 year fixed rate mortgages make sense

Whether you’re looking to remortgage, move to a new house or take your first step onto the property ladder, there has never been a better time to consider taking a 10 year fixed rate mortgage, as Gavin Richardson, Head of Residential Mortgages explains.

How many buy to let mortgages can I have?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions we get from landlords who are looking to expand their portfolios, as Jeni Browne explains

Landlord raises £30k and saves £1,836 per year by switching provider

How Paul Martins, Head of Buy to Let, helped his client raise capital and reduce monthly mortgage payments by over £150 pcm.

Why focusing on the headline rate could be costing you £xxx’s

1.39% (5.6% APR)* - This headline rate looks impressive doesn't it? There's no denying that for some, this rate would work well. Calum Obbard-Banham, Consultant Mortgage Broker explains why a great headline rate doesn't mean the cheapest rate.

Mortgages for Expats

Mortgage applications from British passport holders living or working abroad are on the increase. Emma Knapp, expert mortgage adviser, explains what expats need to know to get the mortgage they need.

More interest rate rises than expected

The Governor of the Bank of England expects interest rates to rise more quickly than he previously anticipated. Jeni Browne looks at the potential impact on borrowers and suggests what they can do to protect themselves.

Buy to let borrowing: Landlords must act now

Buy to let mortgage lending figures for 2017 are out. Steve looks at their impact on the market and predicts how landlords and lenders will react over the next few months.

Three reasons for landlords and property developers to use to short-term finance

Expert commercial mortgage broker, Richard Winston, identifies three common uses of short-term finance and tells you what you can expect in terms of rates, fees and time-scales.

Landlords, do your properties meet the new Energy Performance Certificate rules?

New legislation is coming which will put the onus on landlords to ensure their properties meet minimum standards of energy performance. Chris Longhurst, expert buy to let mortgage adviser, hints at what to expect and points landlords towards how to take action.

6 Best Buy to Let Mortgages

Paul Martins, Head of Buy to Let hand-picks his top 6 buy to let mortgage rates for individuals and limited companies.

Is your buy to let mortgage rate about to go up?

Did you buy a BTL property just before the introduction of the stamp duty surcharge? Yes? If you took out a 2-year buy to let mortgage, now is the time to remortgage onto a better product to avoid paying your lender’s more expensive Standard Variable Rate each month.

Commercial mortgages and loans for care homes

Looking to purchase or refinance a care home? Andy Elley, Head of Commercial, looks at the funding options available including the rates you can expect to receive...

Personal or Ltd Company ownership of buy to let property?

Income tax relief on buy to let mortgage interest is being restricted but is it more tax efficient to operate your portfolio using a limited company? Expert buy to let mortgage adviser Gavin Richardson compares the options.

Specialist buy to let is the name of the game

Buy to let lending is shrinking. In 2017 the overall lending figure is likely to sit at around £35bn. That’s about a 14% reduction on the year before.

Need a mortgage up to 6 times your income?

If you need to maximise your borrowing, we have direct access to a very special, limited edition range of residential mortgages which are available up to six times your income. Yes, that’s right, SIX times income. Compared to other mortgage lenders, this is unheard of as the majority cap their income multiples at 5 x income and some at even less than this figure.

Out of the ground! Placing property development finance deals

Current availability of finance for new build property developments.

What are buy to let landlords doing now?

What do landlords think of the new buy to let landscape? Do they intend to keep on landlording? Is that even a word? Chris Longhurst, expert buy to let mortgage broker, shares a few thoughts and opinions of some of his landlord clients.

Why I chose a 5-year fixed rate mortgage now

Back in 1990, mortgage interest rates peaked at an eye-watering 15.4%. Compare that with today’s rates, some as low as c.1%, and it’s not difficult to appreciate that home-owners have had it pretty good over the last 10 years. But, in the words of Bob Dylan, the times, they are a-changing…

Stamp duty relief for first-time buyers

The introduction of a stamp duty discount for first-time buyers in the Autumn Budget 2017 is generally welcomed. Simon Whittaker, CFO, looks at what this means practically, for those looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder.

Will Chancellor Philip Hammond cut out stamp duty for first time buyers?

The housing market has slowed, not least because of changes to stamp duty. Emma Knapp, expert mortgage adviser, considers the pros and cons of cutting out stamp duty for those looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder.

Investment decisions - mixed use, commercial property or buy to let?

Different rates of stamp duty apply depending on whether you are purchasing residential, commercial or mixed use property but how does this tax influence your investment decisions? Andy Elley, expert commercial mortgage broker compares the options.

Buy to let for older borrowers and as an alternative pension strategy

The Autumn Budget 2017 will be announced on 22nd November and already there are rumours that the Chancellor plans to reduce the annual pension contribution allowance, the lifetime pension allowance and tax relief on pension contributions. If any of these reductions happen, you might consider buy to let as an alternative pension strategy to boost your income in later years. Here are some pointers to bear in mind if you thought you might not qualify.

Commercial mortgages and loans for pubs

Funding solutions to help buy or refinance a pub are available whether you’re an experienced or would-be publican, an investor or developer. The challenge to getting pub finance is more about knowing which lender to approach and how. That’s where a specialist commercial mortgage broker can help, as Richard explains.

Multi-units – what are they and how to finance them?

Average yields have continued to rise for multi-unit freehold blocks (MUFBs) but what exactly are they and how easy is it to finance them? Gareth Richards, Consultant Mortgage Broker explains.

Why five year fixed rate buy to let mortgages are rising?

The Bank of England has signaled that there may be two further increases in the base rate in the next three years, so is now a good time to get a fixed rate buy to let mortgage? Paul Martins, Head of Buy to Let, gives his view.

Swap rate hikes the real problem, not base rate

The noise around the Bank of England base rate rise is drowning out the bigger problem of recent swap rate changes according to David Whittaker...

Best Buy to Let Remortgage Rates

With a rise in Bank Rate looming, it is no surprise that lenders are starting to increase pricing. Jeni Browne, Sales Director highlights some of the best buy to let rates available for those looking to remortgage and take advantage of the all-time low pricing before it’s too late…

Best Residential Remortgage Rates

The record low mortgage rates are starting to disappear. Beckie Pepperrell, Head of Residential looks at which lenders have already started pulling rates and what options are still available for those looking to fix.

Large mortgages and complicated income streams

Getting a large mortgage when you have multiple and complex sources of income is not always straight forward but it is possible - if you know which lender to approach – as residential mortgage adviser, Charlie explains.

Cheap money anyone?

A traditional business bank takes up the fight on encroaching challenger banks resulting in some competitive commercial mortgages. Even buy to let landlords want a piece of the action, as Andy Elley explains.

Buy to let lending to portfolio landlords: The new landscape

The end of September has come and gone and now, landlords with four or more mortgaged buy to let properties will find that the mortgage application process has changed, as Jeni explains.

Are mortgage rates on the rise?

Rate changes, criteria amendments and changes to regulation. What is in store for borrowers for the rest of 2017? Beckie tells it how she sees it for home-buyers and movers.

How commercial lenders are applying the new buy to let underwriting rules to businesses

Andy considers how the more commercial lenders are interpreting the new PRA guidelines when underwriting buy to let mortgage applications from businesses that fall into the portfolio landlord category.

How long can you get a commercial mortgage for?

Expert broker, Richard Winston, explains how and why commercial mortgage terms are usually shorter than the mortgages offered to home-buyers.

BTL is holding its own — for now

The sector has survived the first tranche of changes better than expected. Opportunities still exist, if approached with a new mindset David Whittaker explains...

Why you should use a broker for property development finance

As with any finance, it's possible for borrowers to 'cut out the middle man' by applying directly to a lender, so why do so many developers go via a broker instead? A skilled broker provides real benefits at every stage of the process, as Paul Keddy explains...

Buy to let borrowing options for first-time buyers and landlords

If you don't own your own home but you want to get into buy to let, there are only a few borrowing options, as Nick Helm, expert buy to let mortgage broker explains.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 18 - Always open the envelope

Following on from my last blog where I pontificated about doing my own accounts so that I could understand the process, on the Friday before August Bank Holiday, with just five working days before my deadline and me having made the sum total of ZERO PROGRESS on getting anything together, I cracked and called an accountant.

No EPC no buy to let mortgage

In future, landlords may struggle to get buy to let finance if the property does not have the correct Energy Performance Certificate rating, as Paul Martins, Head of Buy to Let Mortgages explains.

How to let to buy

As the name suggests, let to buy is a type of finance which allows you to let out your current home and buy a new one to live in. Beckie Pepperrell, Head of Residential Mortgages, explains how it works and why you might want to use this type of finance.

Diary of a First-time Buyer: Part Five - Completion at last

At this stage in the process, there was very little left for my brother and I to do. It was a little surreal - we were buying our first house, one of the most important milestones in our lives to date, and yet we seemed to be little more than passive observers to the process.

Update on the PRA's new underwriting rules for portfolio landlords

The next raft of PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) or Painfully Robust Administration changes are almost upon us as Chris Longhurst, consultant mortgage broker, explains.

What security do buy to let lenders require when lending to Ltd Cos?

Fixed charges. Floating charges. Debentures. Personal guarantees. Steve Olejnik, COO, explains what type of security lenders may require when the borrowing is made by landlords using a limited company.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 17 - If Carlsberg made tenants – shame the same can’t be said for the tax man

Being a landlady has really proved to be quite lovely. More than a year in and I have had no issues. If Carlsberg made tenants, they would probably have made mine.

Buy to let mortgages with no ERCs

Think you might want to pay off your mortgage early, but don’t want to be stung with an Early Repayment Charge? Nick Helm looks at the current options available to buy to let landlords borrowing personally and via a Ltd company.

How to maximise borrowing and remortgage your buy to let within 6 months of purchase

It can be difficult for landlords to remortgage within six months of purchase let alone maximise borrowing, so it’s refreshing to see that Keystone will lend more than most in these scenarios. Here’s how…

Increasing workload should mean increased proc fee

We have now heard from four lenders on how they intend to approach the specialist underwriting requirements for portfolio landlords come October when the second part of the PRA’s new regime kicks in.

How to tell if you are paying too much for your mortgage in 4 easy steps

Currently on the lender’s reversion rate? Coming to the end of a specific fixed or variable rate? Simply want to know quickly if you could reduce your monthly mortgage payment? Read on…

Buy to let mortgages with no upper age limit for older landlords

Think you can’t get a buy to let mortgage because of your age? Think again…

Diary of a First-time Buyer: Part Four - Home valuation reports, a waiting game

It’s been some time since I’ve had time to write about it, but my efforts to purchase a house have continued since my last blog in June. In this episode, my brother and I enjoy a great deal of waiting and some brief moments of worry...

Can I get a mortgage on a zero-hour contract?

With more employees offering zero-hour contracts than ever before it is no surprise that the number of enquiries we receive in this regard has risen. Pete Coombes, residential mortgage broker explains what options are available to those employed on this basis.

Portfolio landlords' checklist

From October 2017, lenders are required to apply a specialist underwriting approach to buy to let mortgage applications from portfolio landlords. In practice this means that you will have to provide lenders with much more detailed information when applying for a mortgage, even if you want a simple remortgage.

How Aldermore will underwrite portfolio landlords

As of 1st October 2017 lenders will need to implement a more thorough underwriting process when considering mortgage applications from portfolio landlords, i.e. where the borrower has, or will have more than four mortgaged residential buy to let properties.

Save time & get pre-approved for a buy to let mortgage

Last seen on the market prior to the 2008 credit crunch, Paragon Mortgages has re-introduced its “Forward Funding Facility”.

Landlords in the dark - an opportunity for brokers?

Do your landlord clients know about limited company buy to let borrowing and the new underwriting guidelines for lenders lending to portfolio landlords? David Whittaker has been out and about meeting landlords and has found that many are still unaware of the changes to the buy to let landscape...

The Mortgage Works & Paragon break silence on lending to portfolio landlords

We’ve been waiting months to provide you with details on exactly what lenders will require from portfolio landlords come October, and at long last two lenders have broken the silence…

3 reasons you should review your property portfolio now

Gary McKenna, consultant mortgage broker explains why portfolio landlords should review their mortgage arrangements before the summer is up!

First-time buyer? How to climb the first rung

It's probably the biggest financial commitment of your life so far, so here are my top tips to help you steady the ladder before stepping up.

Which brokers provide the best advice?

Jeni Browne, Sales Director looks at how the mortgage market has changed since she started out in broking and explains why it is now more important than ever to make sure you are seeking advice from a specialist broker.

How the new PRA guidelines for portfolio landlords will affect you

From the 30th of September, lenders must implement changes to the way in which buy to let mortgage applications are underwritten for portfolio landlords. Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker explains who will be affected and what can be done to prepare.

Buy to let borrowing routes for trading limited companies

Jeni Browne discusses the pros and cons of the two primary borrowing options for business owners who are looking to invest their company’s cash in buy to let property.

Buy to let lenders still quiet on portfolio landlords

Come 30 September 2017, the Prudential Regulation Authority expects buy to let lenders to adopt a “specialist” underwriting process when assessing a portfolio landlord’s borrowing suitability. Exactly what those processes will be, brokers and borrowers don't yet know, and time is running out for us to prepare...

Diary of a First-time Buyer: Part Three - Joint tenants or tenants in common

Catch up on Graeme's journey into becoming a home-owner. This week he faces the sneaky tactics of his estate agents, appoints a solicitor and has to decide whether to own the house as joint tenants or tenants in common.

How to get a commercial mortgage with no commercial experience

Gareth Richards, consultant mortgage broker looks at pricing, property types and lending criteria for first-time commercial investors.

How mortgage lenders assess your credit worthiness

Credit score, credit rating, credit profile, Experian CreditExpert, Equifax ClearScore, Callcredit Noddle, who’s who, which is which and why bother? Consultant mortgage broker Charlie London explains the part that these agencies play when lenders are assessing your mortgage application.

Will I be accepted for a Ltd Co BTL mortgage?

You’ve decided to borrow via a limited company, but will you get accepted for a mortgage? Gary McKenna consultant mortgage broker explains what lenders are looking for when it comes to applications from limited companies.

Mortgage lenders' income requirements for the self-employed

Jeni explains what residential and buy to let mortgage lenders count as income if you're self-employed or the director of your own business.

Why commercial mortgage lenders like CAMPARI and ICE

Businesses and investors might want to have a CAMPARI and ICE before applying for commercial property finance.

Six common misconceptions about Buy to Let Mortgages and Ltd Companies

It would be impossible to cover every single piece of buy to let mortgage lending policy which sits around limited companies but what I wanted to do was put to bed some myths.

Diary of a First-time Buyer: Part Two - Choosing a mortgage

Our story resumes where we left off, which is to say immediately after my brother and I decided to put in an offer on a house.

Diary of a First-time Buyer: Part One - The decision to buy

Are you a first-time buyer looking to secure your first mortgage? You are not alone. I too am setting foot on the property ladder for the first time. In the coming weeks I will be chronicling my experiences here, in the hope of helping others as I strike out towards homeownership.

Taking out a 10 year fixed rate buy to let mortgage

Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker looks at options available in the current market and considers the pros and cons of these longer term rates.

Limited edition offset buy to let mortgage

Offset mortgages are popular and commonplace for home-owners because they can reduce monthly payments and help to pay off the mortgage early. But an offset buy to let mortgage? As far as I know, there is only one currently available. I doubt it will be around for long, so take a look now.

LIMITED EDITION 2.99% (4.6%) BTL mortgage for loans up to £3m

Trying to borrow as much as possible? Then you may want to consider this limited edition buy to let mortgage. It’s a particularly attractive rate for basic rate tax payers looking to borrow personally and landlords borrowing via a limited company.

All hail top-slicing on buy to let mortgage affordability calculations

Jeni Browne explains how one landlord used income from her day job (not rent) to boost the amount she could borrow when remortgaging her buy to let property and save c£6,000 over two years.

How to save £3,368 in BTL mortgage payments over two years

Is your initial rate period about to finish or are you already paying the BM Solutions' higher reversion rate? Are you struggling to remortgage elsewhere because your rental income no longer meets lenders' stricter Rent to Interest calculation?

Stamp Duty FAQs

Simon Whittaker answers the most commonly asked questions around SDLT - including information on mixed use properties and non-residential Stamp Duty rates.

Buy to let rates for loans of £1m+

If you are a residential landlord looking for a buy to let mortgage of more than £1m on a single property, you’ve come to the right place. Jeni chooses some of her favourite competitive options available and looks at some case studies which demonstrate how we've helped landlords borrow larger sums...

Can a first-time landlord buy a property in a limited company structure?

The short answer is yes. As you would expect there are a few things to bear in mind as Andy McOwat explains...

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 16 - A year on my buy to let portfolio grows by default

A year on and Jeni Browne, Head of Sales explains how her life has moved on and she now rents out her former home. Find out how...

Home truths are uncomfortable

David Whittaker gives his run down of this year’s Great Buy to Let Debate, an event attended by a couple of hundred industry professionals including lenders, brokers, surveyors and letting agents – even the regulator was in the room!

Why you should remortgage your home before you're 57

Residential mortgage adviser, Beckie Pepperrell, looks at how lenders assess your income the closer you get to official retirement age.

Popular mortgage myths dispelled

Lots of people think that they can’t get a mortgage for lots of different reasons. Erin Gallacher, consultant mortgage adviser, dispels some of the more common myths and tells you how to improve your chances of getting a mortgage.

Meeting the forthcoming energy efficiency requirements

In April 2018 new EPC rules for rented properties come into effect as Chris Longhurst, consultant mortgage broker summarises.

Top 10 Best Buy to Let Mortgages

Jeni Browne, Head of Sales hand-picks her favourite rates taking into account the differing needs of landlords and property investors

Landlord licensing different across the UK

We blog extensively about the ever-changing world of buy to let finance but perhaps every so often we should consider other factors in the life of a landlord in the private rented sector (PRS). In this blog, I’ve provided an overview of the latest landlord licensing requirements in the four countries that make up the UK.

6 weeks in – how the PRA rules are affecting landlords

It is now just over a month since the changes to affordability checks, and in particular the stricter rent to interest calculations, were introduced by the Prudential Regulation Authority. But has much changed? Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker, investigates.

What the Housing White Paper means for SME builders and property developers

The Government has acknowledged that Britain’s housing market is broken and has published a White Paper aimed at tackling the crisis. Steve Olejnik looks at what this means for SME builders and property developers.

Buy to let brokers wake up!

David Whittaker explains how he is pleased to see that the majority of buy to let lenders have adjusted their affordability calculations, but brokers need to be ready for these changes to affect the shape of the buy to let mortgage market.

Housing White Paper highlights need to improve safeguards in private rented sector

Admitting that the UK housing market is ‘broken’, the Government’s new Housing White Paper sets out a series of initiatives to support and diversify the housing market in order to create the type of homes that people can afford and in places they want to live.

Phasing in the new tax system for landlords

It is becoming apparent that there are still some residential landlords and brokers who are not aware of the full impact of the forthcoming changes to how income tax will be calculated. In particular, basic rate tax payers could find themselves being tipped over into the next bracket, as Gavin Elley explains.

Leasehold & Freehold Title Ownership: A right to forfeit?

A topic that appears to be giving some lenders a major headache is the issue of an applicant owning a leasehold title of a property and also owning (all or in part) the freehold title too – this also extends to close family members.

£1m+ buy to let mortgages and where to get them

If you are a residential landlord looking for a buy to let mortgage in excess of £1m on a single property, how easy is it to find a suitable lender? Nick Helm, consultant mortgage broker, explains.

Common areas of concern when borrowing via a limited company for buy to let

Many landlords are now becoming more comfortable with buy to let borrowing via a limited company including the few additional hurdles this brings. However there is still a perception that the process is complicated and harder to get agreed but this is not always the case, as Gary McKenna, Consultant Mortgage Broker explains.

What can we expect from mortgage rates in 2017?

In 2016 we were lucky enough to witness the lowest mortgage rates we have ever seen. Will this trend continue in 2017 or will prices start to rise? Erin Gallacher, consultant mortgage broker offers her opinion.

Direct to bank or via a broker?

In 2016 we saw many of the high street banks continue to restructure and downsize their offerings to SMEs. But how has this affected companies trying to get a commercial mortgage or refinance their business premises? Andy Elley explains.

Are you ready for lenders’ new RTIs?

Most lenders have heeded the PRA’s new guidelines, which means brokers have a lot of work to do to get up to speed

Top tips to speed up your mortgage application

Stricter regulation means that lenders are looking more carefully at your mortgage application than ever before, so it makes sense to be prepared. Here are my tips on what you can do to ensure that your buy to let mortgage application isn’t held up but it’s worth noting that much of the advice stands for all types of mortgage including residential and commercial.

How applying for a buy to let mortgage will differ from 1st January 2017

Want to know how much you can borrow? Chris Longhurst, consultant mortgage broker explains what you will need to provide us with going forwards.

Home-owner mortgages for portfolio landlords

Not all mortgage lenders accept applications from landlords with four or more mortgaged buy to let properties, irrespective of whether they receive an income from the rents. So what are the options? Beckie Pepperrell explains.

Why personal BTL borrowers can borrow more BEFORE 1st January

Apply for a buy to let mortgage NOW before stress tests and income cover ratios get tougher.

Remortgaging your home to raise buy to let deposit

If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge and have decided that 2017 is your year to enter the buy to let market or you are considering what else, you could do to compensate for the record low returns on cash investments and savings, the following paragraph may help you decide and the rest of the article may just get you started…

Fancy letting your home or buy to let on AirBnB? You should probably read this...

Using websites like AirBnB has become very popular with home-owners, holiday home-owners and buy to let landlords. But what do the mortgage lenders think of this growing practice? And are you in breach of your mortgage terms? It’s important to know where you stand, as Jeni explains.

How one client remortgaged his entire property portfolio to save over £10k a year

How Jeni Browne, head of sales saved her client over £10k a year by remortgaging his entire portfolio.

More lenders change their rental cover requirements

Last week we saw another mainstream lender, Santander, announce that it is moving its rental coverage requirements upwards in response to forthcoming affordability assessment changes required by the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Limited company lending on buy to let in Scotland

Andy McOwat, consultant mortgage broker, looks at the options available to landlords looking for a buy to let mortgage on a rental property in Scotland.

Limited companies and buy to let mortgages - what's all the fuss about?

Limited company borrowing for buy to let has become quite en vogue of late and for good reason, but before we look at what has thrown it into the spotlight, let’s go back a little bit, because actually, it has been knocking around for a long time.

Acceptable deposits for limited company buy to let borrowers

Gary explains what buy to let lenders will and won’t accept as a deposit when borrowing via an SPV Ltd Company

5 buy to let mortgages with generous rent to interest calculations

Buy to let mortgages with generous Rent to Interest calculations are disappearing fast. Come 1 January 2017 lenders will be required to RTIs for landlords borrowing personally. Jeni explains why and reveals some buy to let mortgages rates which have a more generous cover ratio.

Four or more rental properties? How the changes to underwriting standards will affect you…

Gavin Elley, consultant mortgage broker looks at why landlords with four or more rental properties are being singled out in the PRAs consultancy paper on buy to let underwriting standards and what this means for you.

Changes to HMO licensing imminent

Chris Longhurst, consultant mortgage broker explains what the Government’s latest consultation on HMO and residential property licensing reforms means for landlords.

Helping your children get onto the property ladder

Gavin Richardson explains what the options available to you are if you are looking to help your children buy a home.

Mortgages and borrowing amounts for contractors

Beckie Pepperrell explains how lenders assess how much a contractor can borrow when applying for a mortgage.

Fixed rate mortgages could be on the rise

Jeni Browne explains why she thinks fixed rate mortgages are more likely to rise than fall in the coming months despite the cut in Bank Rate.

Raising capital from low-yielding properties

Paul Martins explains why you have until the end of the year to raise capital against a low-yielding property you own personally.

How the new buy to let underwriting standards will affect lenders and borrowers

Steve gives his views on what the implications of tougher interest cover ratios and increased background checks will mean for landlords and buy to let lenders.

To avoid application delays buy to let lenders require new SA302s from 5 October

A quick yet important reminder to landlords to make sure they have their latest SA302 from HMRC when making a buy to let mortgage application. Gary McKenna, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for business explains why.

Options to get a lower buy to let stress test are disappearing fast

Jeni Browne, head of sales, reiterates how changes to lenders’ rent to interest calculations are limiting how much landlords can borrow personally and what they can do about it.

Are there fewer buy to let lenders up north?

With lower property values and often lower loan requirements, some landlords believe it’s more difficult to get a buy to let mortgage on property in the North. Fact or fiction? Buy to let mortgage broker Gavin Elley calls it as he sees it.

Why we would choose Foundation Home Loans

With whole of market access we really do have our pick when it comes to lenders. So how do we decide which one to use? Chris Longhurst looks at Foundation Home Loans’ key features and explains when he might approach this lender for finance.

Why brokers at Mortgages for Business love Keystone

And no… it isn’t just because they share an office with us! Gary McKenna shares some key points on why landlords should pay attention to this specialist lender.

Pay more interest now, save more tax later…

Simon Whittaker takes a look at buy to let stepped mortgage rates and explains why you might be better off taking out a step-down rate instead of a step-up from a tax perspective.

A 5 year fixed rate with a difference

Jeni Browne, Head of Sales has something different for you – it won’t be for everybody but its got legs.

The importance of reviewing your buy to let property portfolio

Jeni explains how reviewing the financing of your buy to let properties could save you money and help you to expand your portfolio. And she offers you a complimentary review...

Why not all variable mortgage rates will reduce

Jeni Browne, consultant mortgage broker looks at the different variable rates available on the market and explains why not all of these will be affected by Bank Rate.

Are mortgage rates coming down?

So Bank Rate has been cut to 0.25%. This means mortgage rates will go down too right?... wrong. Nick Helm, consultant mortgage broker explains…

What does the drop in Bank Base Rate mean for you and your mortgage payments?

Since the cut to Bank Rate to 0.25% was announced we have been inundated with calls asking what this means for mortgage rates. Steve Bedford, consultant mortgage broker answers your questions…

Bridging loan with no monthly interest payments or ERCs

If you are purchasing a property that needs light refurbishment before it can be let but don’t want to fork out for hefty monthly repayments or redemption fees there is a solution as Nick Helm, consultant mortgage broker explains…

Top 10 Best Buy to Let Mortgages for Limited Companies

Jeni Browne, Head of Regulated and Buy to Let Lending hand-picks her top 10 buy to let mortgage rates for Limited Companies

Lock into a rate with a low RTI now and complete in 2017

You’ve decided you want to remortgage your property to ensure you don’t miss out on the 125% rent to interest (RTI) calculation but you don’t want to pay any ERCs on your existing buy to let mortgage… Beckie Pepperrell explains how you can get round this if your current initial term is due to expire in the next six months.

Borrowing: six months ago versus today

Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker looks at what your rental income would get you today in terms of borrowing compared with six months ago.

Stress tests: Why you can borrow more via a Ltd Co

Borrowing personally or via a limited company – up until recently it wouldn’t have made much of a difference when it came to lenders’ stress tests but this is all changing. Gary McKenna explains how much you will be able to borrow going forward.

Top 10 Best Buy to Let Remortgage Rates

Jeni Browne, Head of Regulated and Buy to Let Lending hand-picks her top 10 buy to let remortgage rates for individual applicants.

Why are buy to let mortgage stress tests getting tougher?

Gavin Elley, consultant mortgage broker explains what all the fuss is about when it comes to increasing stress test calculations for buy to let mortgages.

A buy to let mortgage with no maximum age limit...

Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker looks at current age restrictions in the buy to let space and explains what you can do if you’re an older landlord who feels like you’ve been locked out of borrowing due to your age.

Getting a mortgage when you are getting divorced

Getting a mortgage and remortgaging the family home when getting divorced can seem complicated particularly if you don’t know how much you might be able to borrow. But if you understand what the lenders are looking for, it can be fairly straightforward as Jeni explains.

How to get an interest only mortgage

These days it’s much harder to get a residential mortgage on interest only terms. You have to jump through more hoops but it is possible, as Beckie explains.

How understanding SWAP rates could save you money

Gary McKenna, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for Business looks at the role of swap rates in determining fixed rate mortgage pricing.

Think you can’t get a mortgage because of your credit rating?

Beckie Pepperrell explains what the credit reference agencies do and how lenders use them to establish your creditworthiness. Then she looks at how to get a mortgage if your credit profile is less than perfect.

Why you should consider 5 year fixed rates

Gary McKenna, consultant mortgage broker, highlights why it is now more important than ever to consider a five year fixed rate.

Implications of Brexit on buy to let mortgage rates

Jeni Browne, head of residential and buy to let lending looks at how you can protect yourself in this period of economic uncertainty.

Which type of bridging finance will work for you?

Did you know that there is more than one type of bridging loan? Jeni Browne explains the different types, their uses and looks at how to qualify for this type of loan.

A cheaper alternative to bridging finance

If you need finance in a hurry but don’t like the rates associated with bridging loans, there is an alternative but you have to be organised. Andy Elley explains.

Vote with your head not your heart

How landlords will vote in the EU Referendum is anyone’s guess but there is a definite air of procrastination amongst them.

Why you might opt for a 10 year offset mortgage

Jeni Browne, Head of Residential & Buy to Let Lending, explains why you would choose a very competitive 10 year fixed rate offset mortgage

One way to protect against rate rises if we Brexit

Yes, we are all bored of talking about the EU Referendum and most people just want it over and done with now. But I am never one to let something like this stop me jumping on the bandwagon!

Residential mortgages for self-employed

Jeni Browne, head of sales answers some of the top questions asked by self-employed people, contractors and business owners looking to get a mortgage.

Applying for property development finance

With the lack of housing in the UK it is no surprise that the number of people looking to get into property development is on the rise, but how complicated is it to get finance for these projects? Gary Mckenna, property finance expert explains.

Top 3 reasons borrowers unwittingly cause delays to their BTL mortgage application

Hold up with your application? James Bolton, Head of Case Management highlights the top reasons why borrowers unwittingly cause delays to getting their buy to let mortgage completed. Find out what you can do to keep your application on track.

What is a stress test and why do buy to let lenders use them?

In simple terms, a stress test is the calculation lenders use to determine how much they will lend to the borrower. Here is an explanation of how it is calculated, why the the calculation is getting tougher and what the change ultimately means for borrowers.

Understanding debentures when lending to limited companies

An explanation of fixed and floating charges and debentures and how they relate to lending on investment property.

Limited company borrowing the way forward for buy to let landlords

An overview of the specialist buy to let lending market post-stamp duty deadline. What is business like now and what does the future hold? Steve Olejnik, Sales Director at Mortgages for Business gives his assessment.

Residential mortgage lending to borrowers aged 85

We were delighted to see Nationwide’s recent move to extend its maximum age on a mortgage to 85 years for residential borrowers.

What is top-slicing in buy to let world?

In very basic terms, top-slicing is where the lender uses the borrower’s personal income to top up any shortfall in rent which is needed for the borrower to obtain the loan amount they require.

Split stress tests are the way forward

Ever since George Osborne's announcement last July, lenders have been considering what changes to make to reflect the future reduction of landlord tax relief.

How mortgage lenders calculate net profit and how it affects borrowing

Understanding how lenders assess affordability of self-employed borrowers applying for a residential mortgage.

Mortgages for holiday lets

Are holiday lets profitable? What mortgage rates are available from lenders? What deposit do I need? Andy Elley, consultant mortgage broker explains.

Why The Mortgage Works was right to increase its income cover ratio

In typical TMW style, the second largest buy to let mortgage lender has again led the way - this time in reacting to the up and coming tax relief changes for landlords.

Buy to let mortgage of the week - keep your options open with no ERCs

Unsure if you want to lock into a fixed rate? Or perhaps you are considering borrowing via a limited company, but still have some research to do before you make your decision? Jeni Browne, Head of Buy to Let and Residential Lending explains why this rate could be worth considering if these questions apply to you.

Buy to let hasn’t fallen off a cliff

March was an extremely busy month for the buy to let industry as we all raced to get deals over the line before the introduction of the 3% stamp duty surcharge.

Attention all landlords with a buy to let mortgage from BM Solutions

Is your initial rate period about to finish or are you already paying the BM Solutions' SVR of 4.84%? Are you struggling to remortgage because your rental income no longer meets lenders' stricter stress test calculation?

More clarity required from PRA on BTL underwriting proposals

In the latest of a string of Government crackdowns affecting the buy to let mortgage market, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) published a consultation paper (CP11/16) in March proposing stricter underwriting standards in a bid to prevent the market from overheating.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 15 - Just call me Peggy

I am tempted to offer up my buy to let purchase story to the Eastenders script writers. All I am missing for this tale is the Queen Vic and a dog named Wellard. So here is how it went...

Buy to let, buy to let and breathe…

The Budget came and went without any additional nasty surprises for residential landlords.

What the Spring Budget 2016 means for landlord and investors

A quick overview of the main changes affecting landlords.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 14– The end of my sad little tale…

….probably. The purchase of Jeni’s first buy to let hangs in the balance…

BTL mortgages for first-time buyers and first-time landlords

Entering the property market? Everyone has to start somewhere, but just how easy is it to get a buy to let mortgage if you are new to the sector? Beckie Pepperrell, consultant mortgage broker explains.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 13– Time is running out

So this endless saga which is my buy to let purchase continues.

One of the lowest buy to let mortgage rates available

Steve Olejnik looks at why an attractively priced 2 year tracker buy to let mortgage is worth considering by those who normally prefer fixed rate products.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 12 – Stuck with the Mini… for now

Well, what do you know? Patient purchasers finish last and high maintenance divas don’t pay stamp duty surcharges.

How to save costs when transferring personally owned buy to let property into an SPV

Buy to let mortgage broker Nick Helm explains how landlords who own property personally can save money when incorporating.

Will your buy to let purchase complete before 1st April 2016

Find out how you can help ensure that your buy to let application and property purchase completes as quickly as possible, so you avoid the 3% stamp duty surcharge.

Remortgaging your buy to let - hands up if you want a freebie?!?!?

And who doesn’t like something for free? I am like a rat up a drainpipe when it comes to saving myself money. Let’s face it, we all work so hard for it, why give it away?

Completing BTL purchases before 1st April 2016

If you’re submitting a buy to let purchase application with a lender today, it’s probably too late to get to get case completed before the 3% stamp duty surcharge on additional residential property purchases is introduced on 1st April 2016.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 11 – Throwing toys out of prams

I am not proud. I have become one of ‘those’ people. The ones who threaten to pull out of a property purchase because things aren’t moving ahead quickly enough.

Rental property which avoids the 3% stamp duty surcharge

Paul Keddy, Consultant Mortgage Broker at Mortgages for Business explains how you can purchase a rental property post April 1st, without incurring the 3% stamp duty surcharge.

How do Ltd Co BTL applications differ from individual applications?

Gareth Richards, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for Business answers some of the most commonly asked questions from brokers about the buy to let mortgage application process for limited companies.

Limited company buy to let could become the norm

It’s no secret that the number of borrowers using limited companies to make BTL mortgage applications is increasing.

The homebuyer’s guide to getting a mortgage

Beckie Pepperrell, Consultant Mortgage Broker's guide on how to obtain a mortgage.

A positive perspective post April

The last few months have seen a fair bit of bad news for landlords, Jeni Browne explains why buy to lets are still a good investment

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 10 - The silence is deafening

Well, it’s all gone a bit quiet on the old buy to let purchase.

Landlords doing nothing is not an option

Many higher tax rate paying individual landlords and property investors believe that the Chancellors’ proposed tax changes will not impact their portfolios. They are wrong. Here’s why.

Stamp Duty Land Tax - the low down so far for landlords and property investors

The Government has published its consultation on the proposed higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for homeowners with more than one property.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 9 – Join me in a buy to let fist pump?

I have a bank account. I repeat. I HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT. And. AND…. A. MORTGAGE. OFFER!

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 8 - The Method Behind the Madness

As I was eating my 173rd mince pie of the festive season (a very merry Christmas to you all – hope you got something nice……. I got fatter), I realised that I have neglected to mention what I am actually buying (I guess you know it’s a property but what type exactly) and why.

Why you can’t transfer personally owned rental property to an SPV

Since July 2015 we have seen a huge rise in the number of enquiries from landlords looking to transfer their property portfolios from their personal names into a Special Purpose Vehicle limited company but can it be done?

The good and the bad of buy to let mortgage lending in 2015

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for landlords, which despite much bad press, hasn’t been all bad. Actual lending figures won’t be published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders until February but I anticipate that gross lending to be in the region of £32 billion, up from £27.4 billion in 2014.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 7 - Reality bites…

Clearly rested and rejuvenated from my Center Parcs Break (anyone who has done this type of thing with children knows you come back needing a holiday. A real one. With cocktails and sun. And NO kids), today I have been tackling my new venture with aplomb.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 6 - Business bank account interview or Center Parcs?

I’m guessing you know the answer to that small conundrum.

Buy to let lending policy on freehold and leasehold ownership

Chris Longhurst, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for Business explains why lenders have started to review their stance on landlords who have an interest in both the leasehold and freehold of a property.

Four ways to raise capital to purchase a business or investment property

Looking to expand your property portfolio? Take a look at Andy Elley’s quick guide to capital raising.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 5 – @***** bank account

Game on! My buyer has instructed his solicitor – hoorah.

Borrowing through a newly set up limited company

Jeni Browne, head of residential and buy to let lending at Mortgages for Business answers one of the questions we are asked regularly at the moment – Can I borrow through a newly set up limited company?

Transferring your BTL property from personal to Ltd Co ownership

Gary McKenna, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for Business explains what options are available to you when looking at transferring your buy to let property from personal to Ltd Co ownership.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 4 – Call off the dogs…

My mortgage has been agreed in principle!!!!!!

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 3 – The demise of Nathaniel Pig

So today, it was bank account day. The last time I opened a bank account was with NatWest.

Ask Paul: Why does pricing differ between limited company and personal rates?

Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for Business answers one of our most frequently asked questions at the moment.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 2 – I've made £800 already and I haven't got the mortgage yet

The aim of today was to submit the buy to let mortgage application and sort out the business bank account - this didn’t go to plan.

Diary of a Buy to Let Purchase Part 1 - It was that or a Range Rover

As a broker, I have been working with landlords for over 15 years and have finally decided (spurred on by the stamp duty bombshell from last week) to acquire my first buy to let.

Capital Gains Tax and tax schemes - will they work?

Simon provides an update on the current Capital Gains Tax situation for landlords and asks whether tax schemes for landlords will actually be acceptable to HMRC and work to reduce the amount of tax due.

How brokers can help their BTL clients

Private landlords have been dealt a triple-whammy this year.

February will be too late

What does the 3% stamp duty surcharge mean for landlords looking to finance buy to let property? Steve Olejnik gives his opinion and shines some light on possible routes forward.

Very popular buy to let mortgage about to be withdrawn

Unusually, a buy to let lender has given us notice that a very popular product will be withdrawn on Monday 30th November 2015.

Ask Paul: How quickly can I get a buy to let mortgage?

Paul Martins, consultant mortgage broker at Mortgages for Business answers some of the most common questions about the buy to let mortgage application process.

Foundation Home Loans moves into limited company buy to let mortgages

After a successful trial period, Foundation Home Loans has rolled out a range of buy to let mortgages for SPV limited companies

Competition heats up with fee free BTL mortgages

So, with rates already at an all-time low, how can lenders compete for business in this increasingly competitive market without reducing their pricing any further?

What happens when the leaseholder owns the freehold?

Some lenders have found a way to mitigate risk where the leaseholder owns all, or a controlling share, of the freehold.

Leaseholder and freeholder – what’s the problem?

If you were a buy to let lender, would you lend on a property where the mortgage applicant owned the leasehold and all (or a controlling share of) the freehold?

Still recommending 5-year fixed rate buy to let mortgages

Despite calls for clarity, the implications of the government’s proposed changes to BTL tax relief seem pretty clear to me: Higher tax-paying individual landlords, and those who will tip over into this bracket, will have to pay more.

Understanding limited company buy to let mortgages

As you would expect during the holiday season, our Deal Placement Team is quieter than usual. But that doesn’t mean, we’re not busy.

Buy to let - from personal to limited company ownership

Prior to now, when asked by clients whether buy to let properties should be bought in their own names or whether they should use a limited company we have always said “it all depends”. Well the Summer Budget 2015 has altered everything and whilst the answer is still “it all depends”, the balance has shifted markedly in favour of limited companies.

How Private Rental Property Licences affect landlords applying for a buy to let mortgage

Formerly known as Selective Licensing, landlords have expressed concern that lenders might treat them differently when it comes to applying for a buy to let mortgage.

Is George limiting buy to let?

George Osborne’s proposal to restrict tax relief for wealthier landlords will no doubt be fiercely debated by interested parties in the coming months.

FAQs on buy to let mortgages for limited companies

The proposed changes to buy to let mortgage interest relief on personal borrowing in George Osborne’s Summer Budget 2015 has sparked a flurry of questions about property investors switching to borrowing in via a corporate vehicle.

Summer Budget 2015: Should buy to let mortgage holders panic?

Following George Osborne’s bombshell for high rate tax landlords, we have received a number of calls from landlords requesting advice.

Summer Budget 2015 and the implications for landlords

What does George Osborne's Summer Budget mean for landlords with buy to let mortgages?

How the restriction of relief on BTL mortgage interest will affect landlords

Analysis and examples of how the restriction of relief on buy to let mortgage interest will affect landlords.

Is 18% too much?

Lending figures for Q1 2015 published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders show that buy to let loans accounted for 18% of all mortgages.

Business as usual?

In the run-up to the General Election the buy to let mortgage market was quieter than usual.

House building pledges in the Conservative Party manifesto

All of the main political parties recognise that Britain is suffering from a severe shortage of housing and most developers are chomping at the bit to get building but will they be supported by whichever political party/ies wins the forthcoming General Election?

House building pledges in the UKIP Party manifesto

A common thread among all the main political parties is that housing is in short supply and not enough of it is affordable. Like the other parties, UKIP pledges to redress the shortage.

House building pledges in the Green Party manifesto

Houses and flats are now sites of speculation rather than simply somewhere to call home. The Green Party wants Britain to return housing to its original purpose: providing everyone with affordable and sustainable shelter. Here’s what its manifesto says with regard to house building.

House building pledges in the Labour Party manifesto

The Labour Party manifesto says that insufficient houses are being built, young people have been priced out of home ownership and homelessness is rising. Here’s how Labour plans to overcome these issues:

House building pledges in the LibDem Party manifesto

The Liberal Democrats want to speed up house building and stop house prices from slipping further away from the reach of families. Here’s how their manifesto says this will be achieved.

Your landlords’ tax affairs are STILL your affair

David Whittaker, managing director, Mortgages for Business gives his opinion.

Competitive lending options for full-time landlords with larger portfolios

Jeni Browne, Head of Residential and Buy to Let Lending blogs on why Axis Bank have gone from zero to hero in just five working days.

PDR affecting development finance borrowing

When looking for development finance, how lenders interpret the implementation of Permitted Development Rights has thrown a spanner in the works for property developers. Steve explains and looks at the current borrowing options for developers.

Tax-saving opportunity for landlords ends on 6 April 2015

The Landlord Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) permits landlords to deduct up to £1,500 from taxable profit for approved energy saving expenditure on each rental property. But if you are looking to take advantage of this allowance, you'd better hurry up because it ceases to exist in April 2015. Here's how it works.

New buy to let lenders welcome

It’s been a busy quarter for the buy to let space with new lenders being welcomed into the fray.

Whither interest rates?

Simon Whittaker, Finance Director, offers his prediction on the future of interest rates in the UK.

Stamp Duty Land Tax on Development Land Purchases

Simon Whittaker, Finance Director, looks at which Stamp Duty calculation should be used when purchasing land for residential development.

Keep buy to let lending off the political agenda

Election-wise, it’s going to be an interesting year for the UK.

The pros and cons of taking a 10 year fixed rate buy to let mortgage

Fixing your buy to let mortgage for 10 years is a big commitment, so you have to be pretty sure it's the right step for you. Steve Olejnik considers the advantages and disadvantages for landlords.

Buy to let lending gets interesting as end of year approaches

When the autumn first arrived I thought we might be in for a less than interesting buy to let journey to the end of the year; however, there is excitement to be found if you know where to look.

Why rates will not go up this side of the election

Innovation and legislation continue apace in buy to let

Over the last few weeks we have seen vanilla buy to let lenders race to the bottom on price and increase proc fees in an attempt to grab market share and hit end of year lending targets.

New 85pc LTV buy to let finance for purchases

As a fan of innovation in the buy to let mortgage market, I am pleased to announce that Mortgages for Business is involved in piloting a new 85% buy to let purchase product. Here’s how it works and how you can get access to it.

Regulated buy to let mortgages could scare lenders away

A few buy to let transactions are already regulated but finding a lender can be difficult. Jeni Browne, head of regulated and buy to let lending, considers whether proposed regulation of accidental landlords will scare lenders away from these types of transactions altogether.

Interest rates may rise sooner than expected

If you read all of the commentary about Mark Carney’s Mansion House speech on Friday 13th June 2014 you will almost certainly be left believing that the Governor said that a rise in Bank Rate is imminent.

The buy to let saga continues

Jeni Browne discusses why buy to let lenders impose age restrictions on borrowers. She also looks at which lenders can help older borrowers.

Implications of 15pc Stamp Duty Rate for Limited Companies

Simon Whittaker, finance director, explains why the extension of the 15pc stamp duty rate on properties costing over £500k purchased by limited companies won’t affect most landlords financially.

Playing the long game

Jeni Browne discusses whether it's worth considering a 10 year fixed rate residential mortgage.

Why investors should consider five year fixed rate buy to let mortgages

Simon Whittaker reviews the Bank of England's latest Inflation Report incorporating its new “forward guidance” on future interest rates. So what do we know now that we didn’t know before? And how does it affect buy to let mortgage rates?