The life of the buy to let Landlord continues to become more complicated and expensive. In fact, the humble private buy-to-let Landlord might be forgiven for starting to think he’s under attack. Primarily because, in large part, he is!

As part of a portfolio of measures aimed at cooling demand from the buy-to-let market, the UK’s Government have recently introduced several fiscal measures aimed at achieving a reduction in those interested in entering the private buy-to-let market.

The most recent of these measures was announced last year with little fanfare but it’s quite possible that it will have a considerable effect on the market.

The new requirements will mean that landlords with more than one property in their portfolio must now provide details on all of the properties in their portfolio even when they are only mortgaging a single property. The shear administrative time (and therefore, cost) likely to be incurred by lenders (and therefore passed on to Landlords) could be significant. In fact, there is even talk of the lending market for the buy-to-let sector contracting, with some lenders either increasing fees or withdrawing from the market entirely.

These changes, announced in 2016, come into effect this year and come hot on the heels of a barrage of rule changes affecting how Landlords structure their investments.

From April 2017 landlords who own buy-to-lets in their own name have seen tax relief on mortgage interest tapered back from a maximum of 45 per cent and replaced with a flat 20 per cent tax credit by 2020. This, combined with the removal of the wear and tear allowance and the introduction of a 3 per cent stamp duty (SDLT) surcharge for buy-to-letters will, no doubt, have an affect on the sector and the market in general.

The new mortgage rules, part of set of measures laid out in September by the PRA which also toughened up rental income requirements, applies both to landlords who own properties in their own names and to landlords who own through a limited company.

If you have a portfolio of buy-to-let properties and you’re looking to buy more, or remortgage, it is important that you take proper advice sooner rather than later.

For more information on the mortgage application process contact us on 01628 507477.

Related articles:

Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide

Recent posts

Deals of week web larger

Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.

Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.

Team MR Y Not PR   Web Larger

Maidenhead, Berkshire – 26th January 2026 – Dedicated independent mortgage experts, Mortgage Required, are delighted to have acquired fellow experienced brokerage, Y-Not Finance.

The acquisition connects two well-respected brokerages, both with a wealth of experience and shared values, to continue providing the best advice on all aspects of the mortgage market.

Ground Rents 250   Web Larger

As part of the UK government’s plans to change the leasehold system to help families struggling with unaffordable ground rent costs.

The Prime Minister announced this morning (27 January) that ground rents will be capped at £250 per year, reverting to a peppercorn rate after 40 years.

Five Common Reasons Additional Borrowing   Web Larger

Additional borrowing, also known as a further advance, is when you borrow more money on your existing mortgage for a specific reason agreed with your lender.

Here are five of the most common reasons for additional borrowing. 

2025 Round Up   Web Larger

Property search site Zoopla has estimated that the UK housing market will end 2025 with approximately 1.15 million completed sales – 4.5% more than the previous year.

Take a look at the 2025 summary of the UK housing market.

New Home   Web Larger

If buying your first property, or moving home, is on your to-do list this year, the new year can be a great time to take this big step. In this short blog, we look at what you need to consider as you plan and prepare for your home-buying journey.

Why Rate Not Reduced   Web Larger

Just because the Bank of England decides to reduce the base rate, this doesn't automatically mean that your mortgage rate will go down.

Autumn Budget Summary   Web Larger 1

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has delivered the Autumn 2025 budget. We have summarised the government's plans for tax and spending.