Can you get a mortgage pre-approval before finding a property? Yes — many buyers secure a mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) before they start viewing properties. This helps you understand how much you may be able to borrow and can strengthen your position with estate agents and sellers when making an offer. Not sure how… Read more
First-Time Buyer Buy to Let Guide – How to Get a Landlord Mortgage When you hear the term “first-time buyer,” your mind probably jumps to someone purchasing a home to live in. But not every first-time buyer wants to buy their forever home straight away. For some, stepping onto the property ladder means investing in… Read more
How Long Does A Mortgage Application Take To Be Approved? A mortgage application can sometimes be approved within a couple of weeks, but many applications take around two to four weeks from full submission to formal mortgage offer. More complex cases can take longer, especially where the lender needs additional documents, the property valuation raises… Read more
Can you get a buy-to-let mortgage based on rental income? Yes — most buy-to-let mortgages are primarily based on the rental income a property generates rather than your personal salary. This is often referred to as a rental income-based buy-to-let mortgage. Lenders apply strict calculations to ensure the rent comfortably covers the mortgage, which means… Read more
How to Change Your Mortgage to a Buy-to-Let If you’re thinking about turning your current home into a rental property, you’re not alone. Many people in your position consider changing their residential mortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage, whether they’re relocating, moving in with a partner or simply exploring new investment opportunities. This process involves either… Read more
Summary We recently helped a self-employed business owner in Basingstoke, Hampshire, remortgage an existing buy-to-let property to raise funds towards purchasing another investment property. The property was valued at £400,000 and the customer wanted to maximise the borrowing to £300,000, equivalent to 75% loan-to-value. The case was more complex because of some minor adverse credit… Read more
Buy to Let Mortgage Deposits: Everything You Need to Know Before Investing in Property Investing in property can be a lucrative venture, and buy-to-let mortgages are a popular choice for those looking to enter the rental market when they can not buy with cash or prefer not to use all of their own funds. Understanding… Read more
Can you get a buy-to-let mortgage with no minimum income? Yes — but lender criteria can vary significantly. While many lenders require a minimum income (often around £20,000–£25,000), some will assess applications based primarily on rental income and overall financial position. This means it is possible to secure a buy-to-let mortgage without a traditional income,… Read more
Summary We recently helped a couple in Upavon, Pewsey, Wiltshire remortgage their jointly owned buy-to-let property while living in army quarters. The property was generating £1,200 per month in rent, with this expected to increase to £1,400. The customers wanted to raise additional funds towards a future property purchase, so we needed to find a… Read more
Regulated Buy-to-Let Mortgage: Renting to Family Explained (Lender Criteria Guide) If you’re considering renting out a property to a close family member, a standard buy-to-let mortgage may not be suitable. Instead, you may need a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, also known as a family buy-to-let mortgage. These mortgages are designed for landlords who plan to let… Read more
Why Are Buy-To-Let Mortgage Fees So High? Buy-to-let mortgage fees can seem high because many lenders use arrangement fees to balance the interest rate, rental stress test and overall profitability of the product. In some cases, a buy-to-let mortgage with a high product fee may have a lower interest rate. This can help reduce the… Read more
Understanding the Buy to Let Stress Test The buy-to-let stress test is how lenders assess whether rental income is high enough to support a mortgage. Understanding how this works before applying can help you avoid declined applications, improve borrowing potential, and choose the right lender from the start. Different lenders use different stress calculations, which… Read more