



The minimum deposit for most buy-to-let mortgages is 25% of the property value. For landlords who are slightly cash-strapped, we can access specialist lenders offering 20% deposit options, but we'd always recommend aiming for that 25% if possible.
Here's the crucial bit that many people misunderstand: buy-to-let mortgages aren't based on your income alone. They're assessed on the property's ability to pay for itself through rental income.
The magic number? 125% rental coverage. This means if your mortgage payment is £1,000 per month, the rental income needs to be at least £1,250. This rental coverage ratio ensures the property generates enough income to cover the mortgage with a buffer for void periods and maintenance.
Lenders will typically arrange a desktop valuation to assess both the property value and realistic rental income. If your projected rental seems high for the area, they might require supporting evidence from local estate agents.



This depends on your area and strategy, but we're seeing some landlords push towards HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) for dramatically higher yields. Just be aware of additional licensing and management requirements.
Generally faster than residential mortgages. The streamlined underwriting process helps when the numbers stack up.
Absolutely. This is one of the most common scenarios we see. We'll help you assess whether consent to let from your current lender or switching to a dedicated buy-to-let product makes more sense.
No problem. Many lenders are happy to work with first-time landlords, especially if the property stacks up financially and you demonstrate you understand the responsibilities involved.



