Buy-to-let mortgages
Mortgage advice for landlords, from your first rental to a limited company portfolio. We are a Birmingham-based broker helping landlords across the UK, searching a panel of 110+ lenders, and there is no broker fee.
How buy-to-let lending differs
Lenders look at the rent first, then at you.
A buy-to-let mortgage is assessed mainly on the rent the property can earn rather than your salary. Deposits are usually larger, and criteria vary widely between lenders, especially for limited companies, HMOs and landlords with four or more mortgaged properties.
As a broker not tied to any lender, we check which lenders suit your plans before anything is submitted, so you avoid unnecessary declines and credit searches.
We can help if you are
- Buying your first rental property
- Remortgaging a buy-to-let as your deal ends
- Letting your current home and buying another (let to buy)
- Buying through a limited company or growing a portfolio
- Letting an HMO, a holiday let, or a home while you live abroad
£0
broker fee, at any stage
110+
lenders on our panel, specialists included
25%
a typical minimum deposit for buy-to-let
125–145%
rent-to-interest cover many lenders ask for
Landlords we help
Every landlord’s situation points to a different group of lenders. These are the cases we see most often.
Getting started
First-time landlords
Many lenders will consider a first rental if you already own your home. Some want a minimum personal income, and first-time buyers who want to let straight away have fewer options.
Accidental landlords
Consent to let and let to buy
Moving but keeping your current home? Your lender may give consent to let for a period, or you can remortgage it to buy-to-let and release equity towards your next purchase.
Existing landlords
Buy-to-let remortgages
When a fixed rate ends, we compare a product switch with your lender against the wider market, and look at raising capital for another purchase.
Portfolios
Portfolio landlords
With four or more mortgaged buy-to-lets, lenders assess your whole portfolio, not just the new property. Good records make this much smoother.
Companies
Limited company and SPV buy-to-let
Buying through a special purpose vehicle company. Fewer lenders, usually personal guarantees from directors, but often a different rental calculation.
Multi-let
HMO landlords
Houses in multiple occupation need lenders who accept the licensing, layout and room-by-room rent.
Short lets
Holiday lets
Furnished holiday lets are usually assessed on expected seasonal income, with their own lender criteria.
Living abroad
Expats and Forces personnel
Letting a UK property while working overseas or posted away. Fewer lenders, but it is often possible.
Beyond buy-to-let
Bridging, commercial and specialist
Auction purchases, refurbishments, mixed-use and commercial property.
How lenders assess a buy-to-let mortgage
Criteria differ from lender to lender, but most look at the same things:
- Rental cover (ICR). The expected rent must cover the mortgage interest by a set margin, often 125% to 145%, calculated at a stressed interest rate rather than the actual pay rate. Some lenders use the pay rate on five-year fixes, which can support a larger loan.
- Deposit. Typically at least 25% of the property value. A bigger deposit usually opens up better rates.
- You. Many lenders set a minimum personal income, and some consider age, credit history and whether you already own a home or have letting experience.
- The property. The lender’s valuer confirms the value and the achievable rent. Energy rating, construction and use all matter.
Portfolio landlords. Under Prudential Regulation Authority rules (supervisory statement SS13/16), lenders take a closer look at landlords with four or more mortgaged buy-to-let properties. Expect to provide a schedule of properties, rents and mortgages, and sometimes a business plan and cash flow.
Personal name or limited company?
| Personal name | Limited company (SPV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lender choice | Widest choice of lenders and products | Fewer lenders; rates and fees can be higher |
| Rental calculation | Often 125% for basic-rate and 145% for higher-rate taxpayers | Often around 125%, whatever your personal tax band |
| Mortgage interest | Not deducted from rental profit; a basic-rate tax credit applies instead | Generally treated as a business cost before corporation tax |
| Taking income out | Profit is taxed as your income | Salary or dividends are taxed again when you take them |
| Guarantees | You are the borrower | Directors usually give personal guarantees |
We are not tax advisers and this is not tax advice. The tax points above are a brief summary and we give no warranty on how they apply to you. Moving existing properties into a company can trigger stamp duty and capital gains tax. Please speak to an accountant before deciding how to own a property.
What landlords should know in 2026
- Rates. Bank Rate is 3.75%, but fixed rates have been rising and markets see a possible increase ahead. See current UK mortgage rates explained.
- Renters’ Rights Act. Since 1 May 2026 in England, section 21 “no-fault” evictions have ended and private tenancies are periodic. Read what the Act means for landlords.
- Energy ratings. Rented homes in England and Wales need an EPC of E or above now, and the government plans to require C by October 2030. See our EPC ratings guide.
- Stamp duty. Buying an additional residential property in England or Northern Ireland usually means a 5% surcharge on top of the standard rates, for individuals and companies. Scotland and Wales have their own higher rates.
Stamp duty depends on your circumstances. We are not tax advisers, this is not tax advice and we give no warranty on the amount. Check with your solicitor or an accountant, or use HMRC’s calculator.
How it works
A short call
We ask about the property, expected rent, your deposit, income and any existing portfolio. There is no fee.
Criteria and rental sums
We run the rental calculation across suitable lenders, show you how much you could borrow, and recommend a mortgage with the full costs set out.
Application and valuation
We submit a complete case, book in the valuation and deal with underwriter questions as they come in.
Offer to completion
Once the offer is issued, we keep in touch with your solicitor through to completion, and contact you before your deal ends.
Buy-to-let mortgage questions
How long does a buy-to-let mortgage take?
Once a full application is in, many lenders issue an offer in two to four weeks, sometimes longer. Limited company, HMO and portfolio cases often take longer because there is more to check. The legal work on a purchase usually takes longer than the mortgage itself. Our mortgage timeline guide breaks down each stage.
Can I get a fast buy-to-let mortgage?
Quick Mortgages is our name, not a promise about timescales. What speeds things up is having your ID, proof of deposit, a tenancy agreement or rental estimate, and for companies your company documents and portfolio schedule, ready from the start. Choosing a lender whose criteria clearly fit also avoids delays. If you need to complete by a fixed date, such as at auction, bridging finance may be worth considering. Tell us your deadline on the first call.
Are buy-to-let mortgages regulated by the FCA?
Most are not. A buy-to-let mortgage taken out for business purposes, or by a limited company, is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some cases are “consumer buy-to-let”, for example if you are letting a home you inherited or used to live in, and these have separate protections. We will tell you which applies to you.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time buyer?
Some lenders will lend to first-time buyers, but many prefer landlords who already own their own home, and the choice is narrower. Having a solid deposit and a reasonable personal income helps. We can tell you early whether it is realistic.
Do you only help landlords in Birmingham?
No. We are based in Birmingham and help landlords with properties across the UK. Most of our advice happens by phone and email, so where you or your property are located makes little difference.
Planning your next rental property?
Tell us about the property and rent, and we will show you what lenders are likely to offer before any application. The advice is fee-free.