CHL Mortgages is a respected lender in the UK, focusing on providing specialist buy-to-let mortgage solutions. With a deep understanding of the property investment market, CHL Mortgages offers a range of products designed to cater to both individual landlords and professional investors managing larger portfolios.
At Kerr & Watson, we can arrange a mortgage from the whole of the market including CHL Mortgages to offer our clients access to these specialist products, ensuring that you find the right mortgage to meet your investment goals.
Why do people consider CHL Mortgages?
Expertise in Buy-to-Let
CHL Mortgages has a strong reputation for its expertise in the buy-to-let sector. Whether you are an individual landlord with a single property or a seasoned investor managing multiple properties, CHL offers tailored products that can support your specific needs. Their flexible approach to lending ensures that even more complex cases are considered, providing opportunities for a wide range of borrowers.
Flexible Lending Criteria
CHL Mortgages understands that no two borrowers are the same, which is why they offer flexible lending criteria to accommodate various financial situations. This includes options for limited companies, HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), and more. Kerr & Watson can help you navigate these options, ensuring you get the best possible terms for your mortgage.
Dedicated Intermediary Support
CHL Mortgages operates exclusively through intermediaries, ensuring that you receive expert advice and support throughout the mortgage process. By working with Kerr & Watson, you benefit from our in-depth knowledge of CHL’s products and our ability to provide personalised advice tailored to your investment strategy.
Efficient Service
CHL Mortgages is committed to providing a streamlined and efficient service, with a focus on quick decision-making and clear communication. This ensures that your mortgage application is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays, helping you to secure your investment property with confidence.
Tailored solutions for landlords of all sizes, including options for single properties, portfolios, and HMOs, with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Financing solutions for Houses in Multiple Occupation, ideal for landlords looking to maximise rental yields across multiple tenants.
Switching Your Rate with CHL Mortgages: What You Need to Know
CHL Mortgages offers a product switch/transfer process. All Product Switches/Transfers must be applied for by a professional mortgage adviser registered with CHL Mortgages for Intermediaries.
What Does This Mean for You as a CHL Mortgages Borrower?
If your current CHL mortgage product is nearing the end of its term, now is the ideal time to consider switching to a new rate. CHL Mortgages offers a product switch/transfer service with several key benefits, including no application fees, no valuation fees, and no legal fees. This service ensures that transitioning to a new mortgage product is both cost-effective and straightforward.
Product Switch/Transfer Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a product switch or transfer with CHL Mortgages, several conditions must be met.
The current mortgage must be a CHL-1 product that was completed after 1st January 2024. No additional borrowing, changes to the mortgage term, or porting to a different property are permitted.
The borrower’s financial situation must be stable, with all mortgage accounts up to date and managed satisfactorily.
The property must remain let and cannot be rented to a family member.
Applications for a product switch or transfer can only be made within 90 days before the end of the existing product’s early repayment charge (ERC) period, and the switch can only be applied after the final day of the ERC period.
Why Contact Kerr & Watson?
Navigating the buy-to-let mortgage market can be complex, especially when dealing with specialist products like those offered by CHL Mortgages. At Kerr & Watson, we simplify the process by providing expert advice and personalised service. Our team will work with you to understand your investment goals and match you with the best mortgage products available, ensuring that you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Get in Touch
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to benefit from CHL Mortgages’ specialist buy-to-let solutions. Contact Kerr & Watson today to speak with an adviser and explore how we can help you secure the right mortgage for your investment needs.
The information on this page is not tailored to any individual readers and should not be considered financial advice under any circumstances.
If you are seeking advice about a mortgage, you should speak with a qualified advisor.
Your Mortgage In 3 Easy Steps…
Conversation
Schedule a call to talk to a mortgage advisor about your goals, challenges and vision for your mortgage.
We will take the information gained on the call and carry out some research before sending you a bespoke recommendation.
If you would like an agreement in principle, we’ll also arrange this for you.
Application
We will submit the full application to the mortgage lender, sending them the documents and liaising with the underwriters until the mortgage has been fully offered on the new interest rate.
We will also communicate with you at every stage, from application to completion.
Marie Kitchen was absolutely fabulous. We had an incredibly complicated case due to living abroad and a few hiccups along the way. Marie was persistent and helped us to resolve these efficiently. Highly recommend.
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Michelle
8 June 2026
My 2nd time dealing with Kerr & Watson and they didn't disappoint, great service, professional and patient - big shout out to Andreea & Stephen
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Sean Turner
2 June 2026
I had an excellent experience with Kerr and Watson and would happily recommend them.
A special mention has to go to James, who provided exceptional service throughout. He was professional, approachable, clear in his communication and always willing to help. His support made a huge difference, and we genuinely couldn’t have done it without him.
I would not hesitate in recommending K&W to any family or friends.
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Jackie
15 May 2026
Brad was quick with getting me the right mortgage insurance prior to a move abroad. Polite and professional. Also liked that he would call to remind me take any actions if I hadn't responded to emails
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Ade Kunle
1 May 2026
I will always recommend Kerr & Watson to friend and family.
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Minzel 33
23 April 2026
This is my second product with Matthew, securing a BTL for my LTD with the best rate on the market. Once again great support, guidance and smooth process. Highly recommended, knowledgeable team. Reliable service.
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Freya B
14 April 2026
The team at Kerr & Watson were brilliant end to end. Daniel explained everything clearly, was always available to answer questions and helped us secure a great mortgage rate. The mortgage broking service they offer is worth every penny and I'd not hesitate to use them again. Thank you!
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Dean Langton
7 April 2026
Excellent service and very nice people.
Would highly recommend using them.
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Sat Jakhu
2 April 2026
Great service , efficient and proactive to ensure solutions were right for each property. Always prompt with information and any communication required. Definitely recommended as an organisation who can provide tailored solutions for individual needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CHL Mortgages
▸ ▾Is CHL Mortgages a good buy-to-let lender?
CHL Mortgages can be a good buy-to-let lender for the right landlord, especially where the case needs a more specialist approach. They may be considered for standard buy-to-let properties, limited company buy-to-let, portfolio landlords, HMOs, multi-unit blocks and short-term lets.
That does not mean CHL will be the best lender for every landlord. The right option depends on the property, rental income, deposit, ownership structure, landlord experience and wider portfolio. Kerr & Watson can compare CHL with other buy-to-let lenders and explain which route is most suitable.
▸ ▾Do I need a mortgage broker to apply to CHL Mortgages?
CHL Mortgages is generally accessed through mortgage intermediaries, so landlords will usually apply through a mortgage broker rather than directly with the lender.
Using a broker can be helpful because buy-to-let lending is heavily criteria-based. Kerr & Watson can check whether your case fits CHL’s requirements, review the rental calculation and compare other lenders before an application is submitted.
▸ ▾Can Kerr & Watson help me apply to CHL Mortgages?
Yes, Kerr & Watson can help with CHL mortgage applications. We can review the property, rental income, deposit, ownership structure, personal income, landlord experience and wider portfolio before deciding whether CHL is the right lender to approach.
If CHL is suitable, we can help prepare and submit the application. If another buy-to-let lender is a better fit, we will explain why and guide you through the most suitable options.
▸ ▾Does CHL Mortgages offer limited company buy-to-let mortgages?
Yes, CHL Mortgages may consider limited company buy-to-let mortgages, subject to their lending criteria. This can be relevant for landlords buying or remortgaging through a special purpose vehicle, limited company or other accepted structure.
Limited company buy-to-let applications can be more detailed than personal buy-to-let cases. The lender may review the company structure, directors, shareholders, rental income, deposit source and overall affordability.
▸ ▾Can portfolio landlords use CHL Mortgages?
CHL Mortgages may be suitable for portfolio landlords, depending on the size and strength of the portfolio, landlord experience, property type and rental income.
Portfolio landlord cases often need careful packaging because lenders may assess both the new property and the wider background portfolio. Kerr & Watson can help organise the information needed and compare CHL with other portfolio landlord lenders.
▸ ▾Does CHL Mortgages offer HMO mortgages?
Yes, CHL Mortgages may consider HMO mortgages, subject to the property, licensing requirements, landlord experience and lending criteria.
HMO mortgages can be more complex than standard buy-to-let mortgages because the lender may look at the number of rooms, tenancy type, valuation, rental income, property layout and your experience as a landlord. Getting advice before applying can help avoid delays or unsuitable lender choices.
CHL Mortgages may consider multi-unit freehold block mortgages, depending on the property and the lender’s criteria. A multi-unit freehold block is usually a property split into separate self-contained units under one freehold title.
These cases are more specialist than standard buy-to-let applications. Kerr & Watson can review the property structure, rental income and landlord position before advising whether CHL or another specialist lender is more suitable.
▸ ▾Does CHL Mortgages offer short-term let mortgages?
CHL Mortgages may consider short-term let mortgages, subject to criteria and product availability. This can include properties intended for holiday lets, serviced accommodation or other short-term rental arrangements.
Short-term let mortgages are not assessed in the same way as standard buy-to-let mortgages. The lender may look at the property, location, rental model, experience, affordability and how the property will be managed.
▸ ▾How much can I borrow with CHL Mortgages?
How much you can borrow with CHL Mortgages will usually depend on the property value, rental income, deposit, loan-to-value, interest coverage calculation and your wider circumstances.
Buy-to-let borrowing is often driven by rental income rather than personal income alone. Kerr & Watson can check the rental calculation and compare CHL against other buy-to-let lenders to see what may be possible.
▸ ▾Can I remortgage to CHL Mortgages?
Yes, CHL Mortgages may be an option if you want to remortgage a buy-to-let property. This could be to secure a new rate, raise capital, move from another lender or restructure your property finance.
Before remortgaging, it is worth reviewing the interest rate, product fees, rental stress testing, property value, early repayment charges and your longer-term plans. Kerr & Watson can help compare CHL with other buy-to-let lenders and recommend the most suitable route.
Common Mortgage Lender Questions
▸ ▾How do I know which mortgage lender is right for me?
The right mortgage lender will depend on your income, deposit, credit history, property type, borrowing amount and long-term plans. Some lenders are better suited to straightforward residential mortgages, while others specialise in buy-to-let, complex income, adverse credit, commercial property or larger loans. A mortgage adviser can compare lenders and help identify which option may be most suitable for your circumstances.
▸ ▾Do all mortgage lenders use the same criteria?
No. Every mortgage lender has its own lending criteria, affordability model, credit scoring system, property requirements and risk appetite. This means one lender may decline an application that another lender is comfortable considering. Lender selection is an important part of the mortgage process.
▸ ▾Why use a mortgage broker instead of applying directly to a lender?
A mortgage broker can help compare lenders, check criteria before you apply and explain which options may be suitable for your circumstances. This can be especially useful if you are self-employed, have complex income, need a buy-to-let mortgage, have previous credit issues or are unsure which lender is likely to accept your application.
▸ ▾Can a whole-of-market mortgage broker access more lenders?
A whole-of-market mortgage broker can review a wide range of lenders and products, including high street banks, building societies, specialist lenders and intermediary-only lenders. This can give you a broader view of your options than approaching one lender directly.
▸ ▾What is an intermediary-only mortgage lender?
An intermediary-only lender is a lender that usually accepts applications through mortgage brokers rather than directly from customers. These lenders may offer products or criteria that are not available by applying directly online or through a branch. A mortgage broker can check whether an intermediary-only lender may be suitable for your case.
▸ ▾Does the lowest mortgage rate always mean the best lender?
Not always. The lowest rate may look attractive, but it is not automatically the best option. You also need to consider lender fees, affordability, criteria, product terms, early repayment charges, valuation requirements, service levels and whether the lender is likely to approve your application.
Yes. Mortgage lenders use different affordability calculators and assumptions. They may treat income, bonuses, commission, overtime, self-employed income, pension income, benefits, debts and childcare costs differently. This means the amount you can borrow may vary significantly from one lender to another.
▸ ▾Can a mortgage lender decline me even if I can afford the mortgage?
Yes. Mortgage lenders do not assess affordability alone. They may also review your credit history, employment type, income structure, deposit source, property type, loan-to-value, age, commitments and overall risk profile. Even if the monthly payment seems affordable, a lender may still decline the case if it does not meet their criteria.
▸ ▾If one lender declines me, can another lender still approve me?
Yes. A decline from one lender does not necessarily mean you cannot get a mortgage. Lenders assess applications differently, so another lender may take a more suitable view of your income, credit history, property or deposit. It is important to understand why the application was declined before approaching another lender.
▸ ▾Do lenders treat self-employed income differently?
Yes. Some lenders use the latest year’s income, while others average the last two years or assess salary and dividends for limited company directors. Some lenders may also consider retained profit, contractor income or more complex trading structures. Choosing the right lender can make a significant difference for self-employed applicants.
▸ ▾Do mortgage lenders accept bad credit?
Some lenders may consider applicants with bad credit, depending on the type, age and severity of the credit issue. Missed payments, defaults, CCJs, debt management plans, IVAs and previous arrears are all assessed differently by different lenders. A specialist lender may be more suitable if you have historic credit problems.
▸ ▾Can Kerr & Watson help me choose between mortgage lenders?
Yes. Kerr & Watson can review your circumstances, compare suitable lenders and explain which options may be available. We can help with residential mortgages, buy-to-let mortgages, specialist lending, complex income, adverse credit, bridging, commercial finance and later life lending, depending on your needs.