Drake Mortgages are expert buy to let mortgage brokers.
We are perfectly placed to help you find a buy to let mortgage solution that matches your property needs for individuals, families, investors, landlords and Limited Companies.
Buy to let
A robot free zone
Our buy to let brokers are real people who want to help you. They will listen to your needs, however complicated they may be, and work to get the best outcome possible.
You will receive independent mortgage advice, we deal with all of the BTL lenders including High Street, specialists and commercial so our clients get the maximum choice.
We are property owners and investors as well. This provides us with valuable experience as a landlord which we can use to further help you.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages
Ready to grow your property portfolio?
Buy-to-let can be a rewarding long-term investment strategy.
Whether you’re a seasoned landlord looking to expand or a first-time investor taking the plunge, we’re here to help. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with buy-to-let, and we offer straightforward, expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
We’ll help you understand your options, find the right mortgage deal, and set yourself up for success in the buy-to-let market.
Why use a buy to let mortgage broker?
We deal with your potential lenders everyday, so we know their criteria and the types of borrowers that they are accepting.
Some lenders only work via a broker and do not allow direct applications. So we can give you a wider choice of mortgage products and options.
We are with you all the way! From our initial research, to helping with the paperwork and then chasing the lender until completion. We are always on your side.
How Can We Help You?
Every landlord’s situation is different, and the right mortgage for you depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Whether you’re a seasoned investor with a large portfolio or just starting out, we can help you explore the finance options and find the perfect fit.
The property must be in the UK and must be let under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). A clean credit history gives a good choice of lenders and first time landlords are acceptable. Minimum age 18-21.
Limited Company SPV
Buying a buy to let property through a limited company may offer attractive financial benefits to some landlords – for example, higher rate taxpayers who have a portfolio of properties may find it more tax-efficient to own them within a limited company.
Buy to Let Remortgage
If your buy to let fixed or tracker rate is due to end soon you could benefit from remortgaging onto a new deal. This could be via a product transfer with your current lender or remortgaging over to a new lender. Either way our experienced brokers are here to help you.
Property Portfolios
In terms of mortgage lending for buy to lets, holding 4 or more properties classes you as a portfolio landlord in the eyes of the lender. The mortgage basics are the same as a normal buy to let but you will need this type of loan for your 4th BTL and for all subsequent purchases.
Let to Buy
A Let to Buy Mortgage allows you to purchase a new home to live in while keeping ownership of the one you have now. It is more of a lending scheme than an actual mortgage. You will end up with 2 mortgages once the let to buy process has completed.
Deposits
The amount you can borrow on a Buy to Let mortgage is based on the monthly rent. Most lenders will require you to put down 25% as a minimum buy to let mortgage deposit. This is 25% of the property purchase price or valuation.
BTL Explained
A buy to let mortgage is used to either purchase or remortgage residential investment properties. Now well established in the UK, we explain buy to let mortgages, what they are and how to apply for one.
Multi-Unit (MUB)
One freehold property that is split into separate residential dwellings. Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFB) are often referred to as a complex buy to let and are popular with experienced property investors.
Bridging Loans
Bridging loans can be very useful for property investors. They can provide funding for auction property purchases or just provide some quick money to snap up a bargain. It’s up to you how you repay it; either via a remortgage or sale.
Holiday Let Mortgages
If you need finance to purchase or refinance a holiday letting property then a buy to let mortgage is not the right solution. Holiday let mortgages are specifically designed to finance properties that are let out for short term lets only, including airbnb.
Buy to let
What is a buy to let mortgage?
A buy to let mortgage allows someone to purchase a residential property with the aim of letting it to tenants using an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).
It is similar to a standard residential mortgage but you will not be living in the property yourself. You don’t need to have an existing residential property to apply for a buy-to-let mortgage.
You will also have the option of whether it is set up as an interest only or repayment mortgage. Don’t forget that if you choose interest only although the monthly payments will be lower the debt will not decrease and you need to plan for its eventual repayment.
The usual choices of fixed interest rates and trackers will be available but are likely to be slightly more expensive than an equivalent residential mortgage.
BTL rental properties must be let to tenants using an Assured Shorthold Tenancy AST agreement. The rental income will be used by the lender to calculate the mortgage available.
If you rent out a property with a residential mortgage, you’ll be in breach of your mortgage agreement which could put your property at risk of repossession. To satisfy the agreement you need to either obtain a consent to let from your current lender or remortgage to a buy to let product.
Buy to let properties are included in the six month mortgage rule. Please contact us as soon as possible if you believe this affects you.
You should be aware that buy to let mortgages are not usually regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Complex buy to let
Multi-Unit Freehold Block (MUFB)
A Multi-Unit Freehold Block is a single freehold property that contains several residential letting units.
At its simplest an MUFB could be a block of flats held under under one freehold title.
Similar to an HMO these multi-unit properties have good yields which will be higher than the vanilla buy to let alternatives.
These property types come under the umbrella of a ‘complex buy to let’, which includes HMO, MUFB and semi-commercial (shop with a flat above).
MUFB Mortgages
Mortgages for a multi-unit freehold are available from buy to let mortgage lenders and specialist lenders.
- Maximum loan to value (LTV) tends to be 75%
- Existing landlord or first time landlord (FTL)
- Personal investment or limited company/SPV
Read more about Multi-Unit Freehold Block (MUFB) Mortgages
Going green
Green Mortgages for Buy to Let
Green Mortgages are a very new concept and are designed to support those investors who wish to reduce their impact on the environment. More lenders are joining the market with new green mortgage products and competitive rates and criteria.
What are Green Mortgages?
Green Mortgages are a new type of buy to let finance that is designed to encourage property owners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes or purchase greener properties.
The advantage to property investors is generally financial by way of a lower interest rate.
So who can apply for a green buy to let mortgage?
The green mortgage market is still in the early stages so there are not too many lenders in play.
However, they are available to:
- Landlords purchasing properties with an A, B or C EPC
- Landlords remortgaging properties with an EPC rating of C or above
- Portfolio and non-portfolio landlords
GIVE US A CALL ON 020 8301 7930 TO DISCUSS GREEN MORTGAGES WITH ONE OF OUR BUY TO LET BROKERS.
September 2023
U-Turn on Proposed EPC Regulations for Buy to Let Properties
In a surprising reversal, the government has discarded the earlier proposed amendments to the EPC regulations for buy to let properties. Initially, landlords were required to achieve an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above by 2028.
Despite many landlords having already taken steps to comply, the government, citing concerns of undue pressure on landlords, has retracted these changes. This development has elicited diverse reactions from the industry, raising discussions on the implications for the sector.
Your buy to let broker
We have been brokers, advisers and property owners since mainstream buy to let arrived in the UK.
As property investors and landlords ourselves we know the upsides and downsides to owning and renting property.
We can provide expert and experienced mortgage advice wherever you live in the UK.
We are more than happy to arrange the plain vanilla buy to let mortgages. With our extensive access to all of the major BTL lenders you will get a great product.
But we are very happy to hear about your problems, projects and future plans as well. Some issues just need another point of view before an outcome can be visualised and planned for.
That’s an area that we are particularly good at.
Please call us on 020 8301 7930 to discuss your buy to let ideas.
Buy to let mortgage advice
As an independent mortgage broker with over 25 years’ experience, we are perfectly placed to advise you and find a Buy to Let mortgage that matches your property needs.
Drake Mortgages has access to the whole of market and is experienced in finding the most suitable mortgage product for less conventional situations including HMO’s and multi-units..
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