Looking for a mortgage on a buy to let?

Buy to Let Mortgage Advice

We have a team on hand, waiting to help you. Enquire today and see how we can help!

What is a Buy to Let mortgage?

A buy to let mortgage is a type of loan specifically designed for purchasing properties that you intend to rent out. Unlike a standard residential mortgage, buy to let mortgages take into account the potential rental income from the property, which can affect how much you can borrow. This makes them suitable for both first-time landlords and those looking to expand their property portfolio.

Our customers says Excellent They’ve rated us 5 stars

Important considerations when buying a Buy to Let property...

Deciding to invest in a rental property involves several key choices, but we’re here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Each situation is unique, so here’s a straightforward guide to determine what works best for you:

Market, Regulation, and Mortgages

Becoming a landlord can be a fantastic way to boost your income or secure a long-term investment. To maximise your profitability, it’s essential to seek clear guidance from a professional mortgage adviser. That’s where we come in. We stay up-to-date with the latest UK legislation and regulations, ensuring you receive tailored advice on your mortgage needs. We can also connect you with tax specialists to help you make the most tax-efficient decisions for purchasing a rental property.

Ensuring Affordability

Lenders typically assess how much you can borrow by examining the property’s value alongside the anticipated rental income.

To account for unexpected expenses—like periods when the property might be vacant, estate agency fees, and maintenance costs—lenders usually incorporate a safety margin. This is determined using the Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR), which indicates the rental income needed to cover the mortgage and related costs.

Due to recent regulatory changes, these calculations have become stricter. Lenders will also conduct a ‘stress test’ on the mortgage to ensure that potential interest rate rises won’t jeopardise your profitability. The minimum stress test rate is set at either 5.5% or 2% above your actual mortgage rate, whichever is higher.

For example, let’s consider a mortgage of £250,000 with a typical ICR of 145% based on the mortgage interest and a stress test interest rate of 5.5%. In this case, the minimum required rent would be approximately £1,478 per month.

Considering Personal Income

This is often referred to as income top-slicing. Some lenders may take your personal income into account if the stress-tested rental income falls short. They will assess your earnings against your overall expenses, including your residential mortgage, household costs, and rental property expenses.

If you have surplus income after covering all your outgoings, these lenders can combine it with the expected rental income to determine the maximum amount you can borrow.

With our expertise, you can feel confident in making informed decisions about your buy to let investment.

Want to get started?

We have a team on hand, waiting to help you. Enquire today about  how we can help.

How can Appleton Mortgages help with a Buy to Let mortgage?

At Appleton Mortgages, we specialise in guiding both first-time landlords and experienced portfolio landlords through the buy to let mortgage process. Here’s how we can assist:

 

  1. Tailored Advice: We take the time to understand your unique situation and investment goals, providing personalised advice to help you choose the right mortgage product for your needs.
  2. Access to Lenders: We work with a wide range of lenders, giving you access to various buy to let mortgage options. This means you can find competitive rates and terms that suit your investment strategy.
  3. Portfolio Management: If you’re a portfolio landlord, we can help you navigate the complexities of managing multiple properties, ensuring you get the best deals and keep track of your financial commitments.
  4. Ongoing Support: Our service doesn’t stop once you secure a mortgage. We’re here to provide ongoing support, whether you need assistance with refinancing, expanding your portfolio, or understanding market trends.

With Appleton Mortgages, you can feel confident that you have expert guidance every step of the way in your buy to let journey.

Personalised service

Our approach focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and tailoring our advice to fit your specific needs.

Expertise you can trust

With years of experience in the mortgage industry, we navigate the complexities of the market with ease.

Problem-solvers at heart

Nothing is ever too complex for us! We thrive on finding solutions, whether you have a unique financial situation or specific requirements.

Some commonly asked questions and answers

If you already own 4 or more properties, or have the ambition to build your portfolio, there are now additional regulatory requirements for lenders to factor in to their assessments. The regulation is not prescriptive but some examples include the lender’s relationship with the borrower, how much experience the borrower has as a landlord and a view of the borrower’s overall property portfolio.

We have many clients who are classed as ‘portfolio landlords’ and have expertise in helping clients refinance and build their property portfolios, with strong relationships with all the key lenders in this market.

It’s up to you to follow legislation, including regular inspections and maintaining tenants’ rights. You must handle repairs and maintenance, rent collection, tax payments and other legal requirements correctly. Items to keep up‒to‒date include:

  • Annual gas safety inspection
  • Energy Performance Certificate
  • Property and landlord insurance
  • Liability insurance

You can either manage everything yourself or hire professionals to take care of it for you. For example, you can avoid all the hassle of day‒to‒day management by taking on a fully managed service from your letting agent. Our sister company Foxtons can do exactly that for you.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual circumstances, financial goals, and tax situation. Consulting with a mortgage adviser, as well as a tax specialist, can provide personalised guidance to help you decide the best route for your buy to let investment. At Appleton Mortgages, we’re here to support you through every step of the process, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your needs.

Deciding whether to purchase a buy to let (BTL) property in your personal name or through a limited company is an important choice that can significantly impact your finances. We’ll answer the questions for each next…

  1. Tax Implications: When you own a BTL property personally, rental income is taxed at your personal income tax rate. This can be beneficial if you’re in a lower tax bracket, but if you earn more, you may face higher rates.
  2. Mortgage Options: Many lenders offer a variety of mortgage products for personal ownership, making it easier to find competitive rates.
  3. Capital Gains Tax: When selling a property, you may be liable for capital gains tax on any profits. However, if it’s your primary residence, you could benefit from private residence relief.

 

  1. Tax Efficiency: Limited companies pay corporation tax on profits, which is often lower than personal income tax rates, especially for higher earners. This structure can be more tax-efficient, especially if you plan to reinvest profits into more properties.
  2. Mortgage Options: There are lenders that specialise in BTL mortgages for limited companies, but options may be more limited, and rates can be slightly higher.
  3. Limited Liability: Operating through a limited company can protect your personal assets from any liabilities related to the rental property. This means that if the business incurs debts, your personal finances are generally safeguarded.

Practical calculators that you can use for free

There’s lots of numbers involved and calculations to do when dealing with finances,  explore our free-to-use calculators to keep things simple.

Mortgage affordability

Calculate what a bank might lend you towards your property.

Mortgage repayment

Calculate what a monthly mortgage payment might look like for you.

Stamp duty

Buying properties can incur stamp duty, see what you might have to pay

Our step by step advice process

At Appleton Mortgages, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, making the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Understand our 8 step process, from having your initial chat to receiving your keys. 

Step 1: Reach Out To Us

Contact us via phone, email, or our website to schedule your initial consultation. During this conversation, we’ll discuss your goals, financial situation, and any specific requirements you may have. This helps us understand how we can best assist you.

Step 2: In-Depth Consultation

In our in-depth consultation, we’ll dive deeper into your needs and preferences. We’ll gather essential information, such as your income, credit history, and desired property type. This allows us to assess your mortgage options and outline a personalised plan.

Step 3: Mortgage Research and Recommendations

Once we have all the necessary information, we’ll conduct thorough research to find the most suitable mortgage products for you. We’ll present our recommendations, explaining the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option, so you can make an informed decision.

Step 4: Application Preparation

After you choose a mortgage option, we’ll help you prepare your application. This includes gathering all required documents and ensuring everything is in order. We’ll guide you through the paperwork and clarify any questions you may have.

Step 5: Submitting Your Application


We’ll submit your mortgage application to the lender on your behalf. Our team will stay in close contact with the lender to ensure everything moves smoothly and address any queries that may arise during the process.

Step 6: Liaising with Estate Agents and Solicitors

As your application is processed, we’ll liaise with estate agents and solicitors to keep everyone in the loop. This allows you to focus on your day job while we handle the running around and ensure all parties are aligned.

Step 7: Offer and Acceptance

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a formal mortgage offer. We’ll review the offer with you to ensure you understand the terms and conditions, and we’ll help you navigate the acceptance process.

Step 8: Completion

Finally, once all legal work is completed and the funds are in place, your mortgage will be finalised. We’ll be there to support you through the completion, ensuring everything goes smoothly and you’re ready to move into your new home!

See what our clients have to say

Information you might find useful.

A chat with us doesn't mean you have to commit...

Explore your options with an expert adviser, during a no obligation chat.