Borrowing money for a ‘buy to let’ investment is different to borrowing for your own home. The interest rate is usually higher in comparison and the deposit required is usually between 20% and 40% of the property’s value.

In addition to the LTV (Loan to Value) Ratio, most lenders will also set a minimum ‘rent cover’ which is generally set at 125% of the monthly mortgage repayments. This means that for a mortgage repayment of £500 you may need to demonstrate a rental income of £625 per month.

Whereas buy to let mortgages were once excluded from legislation relating to stress testing, this is changing and together with what many regard as punitive increases in SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax), exclusion from recent reductions in the rate of Capital Gains Tax and the phased elimination of Mortgage Interest Tax Relief, many aspiring Landlords are wise to reconsider their options.

Of course, cash buyers will not have to worry about Loan to Value ratios or the loss of mortgage interest relief. Perhaps remortgaging one’s own own and using the cash elsewhere is being considered by those with significant equity?

For more information, contact us on 01628 507477.

Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide

Recent posts

Choosing to buy a house is one of the biggest decisions you are likely to make in your lifetime. There are many factors that influence a house purchase, these include: finances, housing market conditions, and mortgage rates.

Since being launched back in 1999 Individual Saving Accounts (ISAs) have been very popular for those wanting to put money into savings. There are four types of ISA, and the majority allow flexible saving and the ability to withdraw funds easily. There are financial penalties on certain products, these usually pay the most interest.

According to the Office for National Statistics, last year (ending March 2024), there were 153,800 new homes completed in the UK. To help the housing crisis, the UK government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years.

Check out some of the reasons why a new-build home might be for you.

Many households are still being affected by the high cost of living, with several people worrying about how they can make ends meet on a monthly-basis. Unfortunately, the cost of bills including, water, council tax, and energy are still rising. Here are some things you can do.

The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.

Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.

On the 31st October 2024 stamp duty for those purchasing additional properties increased by 2% from 3% to 5%.

From 1st April 2025 the threshold will be reducing from £250,000 to £125,000