Buy-to-let

Buy-to-let mortgages, on real numbers.

First-time landlord, portfolio investor, limited company route. We cover all of it, including HMOs, holiday lets, and let-to-buy. Section 24 modelled properly.

Book a quick 15-minute call Call 01708 629 983

Buy-to-let lending has changed. Section 24 has reshaped the personal-name tax maths, lenders stress-test rental yield far harder than five years ago, and the limited-company SPV route is now the default for new portfolios. We model the case on rental yield as well as personal income, walk through the practical landlord stuff (licensing, voids, agent fees), and tell you, in writing, whether the deal stacks. If it does not, we say so.

Rather talk numbers than read them? Book a quick 15-minute call or ring us on 01708 629 983.

The buy-to-let routes we cover

Every buy-to-let case starts from the same questions. Personal name or SPV. New purchase or remortgage. Standard rental, HMO, or holiday let. Pick the closest match.

Buy-to-let for first-time landlords

Your first rental property. Lender appetite for first-time landlords is narrower than for experienced ones, but the case is placeable. We explain the routes.

See first-time landlord

Limited company buy-to-let

Buy-to-let property held in a special purpose vehicle (SPV). Different lender pool, different rates, different tax treatment. The default for new portfolios since 2017.

See limited company

Portfolio landlord mortgages

Four or more mortgaged buy-to-let properties. PRA rules apply, lenders stress the whole portfolio, not just the new property. Lender choice narrows quickly.

See portfolio

HMO mortgages

Houses in multiple occupation. Different lender pool, different rates, licensing varies by local authority. Higher gross yields, more moving parts.

See HMO

Holiday let mortgages

Short-term and Airbnb-style holiday lets. Lender appetite is narrow but real. We model the case on AST equivalent rather than peak holiday revenue.

See holiday let

Let-to-buy mortgages

Keep your current home as a rental and buy a new main residence. Two mortgages, two stress tests, and timing that has to line up.

See let-to-buy

Buy-to-let remortgage

Switching at the end of your fixed rate, or releasing capital from a rental. Personal name or SPV, the route and the lender pool both differ.

See buy-to-let remortgage

Joint buy-to-let mortgage

Two or more landlords on one buy-to-let mortgage. Useful for sharing capital, narrower on lender choice. Personal name and SPV both possible.

See joint buy-to-let

Self-employed buy-to-let

Buy-to-let applications where personal income comes from self-employment, contracting, or dividends. Specialist lenders, specialist documentation.

See self-employed buy-to-let

Top slicing explained

Where rental yield does not quite cover the lender stress test, top slicing lets surplus personal income plug the gap. A handful of lenders allow it.

See top slicing

Buy-to-let questions we hear a lot

Personal name or limited company SPV: which is right?

Section 24 changed the maths in 2017. Higher-rate taxpayers usually take a serious hit holding buy-to-let in personal name, because mortgage interest is no longer fully deductible against rental income. Limited company SPV (special purpose vehicle) holdings retain full deductibility but bring different rates, set-up cost, and admin. The right answer depends on your tax bracket, time horizon, and exit strategy. We model both side by side before recommending.

How much deposit do I need for a buy-to-let?

25% is the usual minimum. A few lenders accept 20% on stronger profiles or in popular SPV scenarios. Higher deposits open better rates, especially around 35% to 40%. Specialist buy-to-let (HMO, holiday let, ex-local-authority) often requires more.

How does the buy-to-let rental stress test work?

Lenders calculate whether the rent will cover the mortgage at a stressed interest rate. Most lenders stress at 5.5% to 6.5% with an Interest Cover Ratio of 125% (basic-rate taxpayer or limited company) or 145% (higher-rate personal name). Five-year fixes are sometimes stressed at pay rate, which loosens the maths. We run the calculation up front so you know whether the deal stacks before submitting.

Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time landlord?

Yes, but the lender pool is narrower. Most lenders prefer applicants who already own their main residence and have some property history. We work with the lenders that take first-time landlords on, including a small number of specialist routes for first-time-buyer-and-first-time-landlord-in-one applications.

Do I need an HMO licence?

Mandatory HMO licensing applies in England and Wales to properties with five or more occupants forming two or more households. Many local authorities operate additional or selective licensing schemes that catch smaller HMOs. Lender appetite for HMO mortgages is narrow and pricing is higher, but gross yields are usually meaningfully better. We handle the lender side. You confirm licensing with your local council before you commit.

My current rental income does not quite hit the stress test. Is the case dead?

Not necessarily. A handful of lenders allow top slicing, where surplus personal income plugs the gap between the actual rent and the stressed requirement. We see the case, we know which lenders top slice, and we re-route. Always worth a conversation before walking away.

Can I let out my current home and buy a new main residence?

Yes. That route is called let-to-buy. You consent-to-let or remortgage your current home onto a buy-to-let product, then take a residential mortgage on the new main home. Two mortgages, two stress tests, and the additional-property surcharge applies on the new purchase. We run the timing and the affordability so they line up.

Related guides

Three reads worth your time before you commit to a purchase or a structure.

Buy-to-let tax guide

Income tax on rental income, the additional-property surcharge, capital gains on sale, and the SPV alternative.

Read guide

Section 24 explained

How the 2017 reform changed personal-name buy-to-let tax maths, and when an SPV starts to make sense.

Read guide

Understanding rental yield

Gross yield, net yield, and the costs that get missed. The numbers a lender actually cares about.

Read guide

Reviews

What our clients say

Real reviews from clients across Romford and Essex, verified on Google.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 92 Google reviews Read the reviews on Google

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Maysmith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always a great experience. Thanks to Mark Potter, Chantel Smith on the mortgage side and Oliver Alan on the insurance. Can't recommend the team highly enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ramona Iuga 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 stars service,Mark and the team always offer a great service and support all the way,highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Fancy Window Cleaners 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from Mark and the team as always.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kelly Sainty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The second time we’ve used major money matters and cannot fault anything! Both Mark and Chantel as helpful as ever
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A huge thank you to Billy for all his support throughout my mortgage process. He was knowledgeable, approachable, and always happy to answer my questions, making everything easy to understand and much less stressful. His advice and guidance were invaluable, and I always felt confident I was in good hands. I really appreciate all his help and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a fantastic mortgage advisor. Thank you, Billy!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Larkey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Top quality service no fuss straightforward advice and actioned quickly once right product decided on
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Montell Chukwu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was recommended major money matters through a friend and they haven’t been short of fantastic, Oliver Potter who handle my mortgage offered a perfect service, can’t recommend them enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Billy Camden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The whole team at Major Money Matters are an absolute dream to work with. Their expertise, speed and friendly approach made what we thought was going to be an arduous process quick and simple. Mark, Oli and Lee were always just a phone call away if we had any questions and provided clear and easy to understand advice/guidance. We would recommend their services to anybody.

Talk to a real buy-to-let adviser

A quick 15-minute call tells you whether the deal stacks, whether to hold in personal name or SPV, and what the lender pool actually looks like for your case. No pressure, no panel, no call centre.

Book a quick 15-minute call Call 01708 629 983

We aim to return your call as quickly as we can. Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm. Weekend appointments available on request.