Buy-to-let mortgage advice

Property investment works best when the numbers are clear.

Whether you are buying your first rental property, reviewing an existing buy-to-let or exploring a limited company route, we help you understand lender options, rental calculations and the practical steps involved.

Purchase or remortgageSupport for new and existing landlords.
Rental assessmentUnderstand how lenders may assess the rent.
Limited company optionsDiscuss routes that may suit your ownership structure.
Portfolio positionLook at the wider picture where relevant.
£
Rental income mattersThe expected rent can strongly affect how much lenders may be willing to offer.
LTD
Structure mattersPersonal name, limited company and portfolio position can all change the lender route.
↻
Review timing mattersExisting landlords should review before the current buy-to-let deal ends.
Where buy-to-let differs

It is not assessed like a normal residential mortgage.

Buy-to-let lenders usually focus heavily on rental income, property type, deposit, landlord experience, tax position and portfolio exposure. That means the right route can change depending on how the property is owned and what you plan to do next.

A good buy-to-let review should check the rental calculation, ownership structure and long-term plan before choosing the lender.

1

First rental purchase

We help new landlords understand deposit, rental calculations, lender criteria and the process from application to completion.

2

Buy-to-let remortgage

Review your current buy-to-let deal, rental position and lender options before the product comes to an end.

Ltd

Limited company buy-to-let

We can discuss lender options where the property is being purchased or held through a limited company structure.

+

Further borrowing

Explore whether releasing funds from a rental property may be possible and suitable for your wider plans.

How we approach buy-to-let

Clear advice before you commit to the property or the lender.

Buy-to-let decisions can involve the mortgage, tax position, rental income, ownership route and long-term investment plan. We focus on the mortgage and lender route, while encouraging you to take tax and legal advice where needed.

⌂

Understand the property

We look at purchase price or value, property type, expected/current rent and whether the property meets lender requirements.

£

Review the rental calculation

Different lenders stress-test rental income differently, which can affect borrowing and product options.

LTD

Check ownership route

Personal name, limited company, portfolio landlord or first-time landlord status can all affect the lender route.

✓

Prepare the application

If you proceed, we help present the case clearly and deal with lender questions throughout the process.

What lenders may look at

The details that can affect your buy-to-let options.

Buy-to-let lending is often more criteria-led than people expect. Rental income is important, but it is not the only thing lenders consider.

Your buy-to-let review can include:

Property value or purchase price
Expected or current monthly rental income
Deposit amount or available equity
Personal name vs limited company ownership
Existing landlord or first-time landlord status
Portfolio size and existing mortgage commitments
Interest-only or repayment preference
Rental stress testing and lender criteria
Who this is for

You may want buy-to-let advice if...

Whether you are buying your first rental property or reviewing a wider portfolio, it is worth checking the lender route before making assumptions around borrowing or rental income.

NEW

You are buying your first rental property

You want to understand deposit, rental calculations, costs and what lenders may need from a first-time landlord.

REM

Your current BTL deal is ending

You want to review whether to stay with your current lender or remortgage to a new buy-to-let product.

Ltd

You are considering a limited company

You want to understand the mortgage route for limited company buy-to-let and how lenders may assess the case.

PF

You have multiple rental properties

You need the wider portfolio, existing commitments and future borrowing plans reviewed properly.

Limited company buy-to-let

The ownership route can change the mortgage conversation.

Some landlords consider purchasing or holding property through a limited company. This can affect lender choice, rates, fees, tax position and legal structure. We can help with the mortgage route, but you should also speak to a qualified tax adviser before deciding how to own the property.

1

Lender availability

Not every lender offers limited company buy-to-let, so the lender panel and product options can differ.

2

Company setup

Lenders may have requirements around company type, SIC codes, directors and shareholders.

3

Personal guarantees

Directors may still be asked to provide personal guarantees depending on the lender and structure.

4

Tax advice

The mortgage route is only one part of the decision. Tax advice should be taken before choosing the structure.

Before you apply

It helps to have the right information ready.

The more complete the picture, the easier it is to understand which lenders may fit. These are the types of details we may ask for during a buy-to-let review.

Full property address or area
Purchase price or estimated value
Expected rental income or tenancy details
Deposit amount and source
Existing mortgage balance if remortgaging
Personal income and employment/self-employment details
Details of any existing rental properties
Whether the property will be owned personally or by a company
Buy-to-let FAQs

Questions landlords often ask us.

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

Deposit requirements vary by lender and case, but buy-to-let mortgages usually require a larger deposit than many residential mortgages. The exact amount depends on the lender, property, rental income and your wider position.

Do lenders use my income or the rental income?

Many buy-to-let lenders focus heavily on rental income, but personal income can still matter depending on the lender, landlord experience, property type and overall case.

What is rental stress testing?

Rental stress testing is how lenders check whether the expected rent is enough to support the mortgage. Different lenders use different calculations, which can affect how much you may be able to borrow.

Can I buy a buy-to-let property through a limited company?

Yes, some lenders support limited company buy-to-let. Suitability depends on your circumstances, the company structure, tax position and wider plans. You should take tax advice before deciding.

Can I remortgage a buy-to-let property?

Yes, existing landlords can review their buy-to-let mortgage before the current deal ends. The lender will usually consider property value, mortgage balance, rental income, ownership structure and criteria.

Can first-time landlords get a buy-to-let mortgage?

Some lenders can consider first-time landlords, while others prefer applicants with landlord or homeownership experience. The right route depends on the full circumstances.

Are buy-to-let mortgages interest-only?

Many landlords choose interest-only buy-to-let mortgages, but repayment options may also be available. The right choice depends on your plans, cash flow and repayment strategy.

Are buy-to-let mortgages regulated?

Many buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated in the same way as residential mortgages, but some cases, such as certain consumer buy-to-let situations, may be treated differently. We will explain the position where relevant.

Planning a buy-to-let purchase or remortgage?

Speak to City Mortgage Solutions and get a clearer view of your lender options, rental assessment and next steps.

Important information: Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Many buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some consumer buy-to-let cases may be treated differently. Mortgage advice is subject to your individual circumstances, rental assessment and lender criteria. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change; seek independent tax advice where required.