Buy to Let Mortgages 2021

What is a buy to let mortgage?

Compare buy to let mortgages

Buy to let mortgages are used to finance the buying of property for investment purposes such as buying a property with the sole intention of renting it out. Buy to let mortgages become very popular towards the end of the 90’s and some commentators say had a huge impact on fuelling the housing boom before the crash of the mid 2000’s.

How Can I get a buy to let mortgage?

Many of the high street lenders offer a buy to let product especially for the purchase of buying property to let. Mortgages can be obtained in the normal way via the lender direct or through the use of a mortgage broker. A quick search here on the website will show you the “whole of market” buy to let products and rates that are currently available.

What are the differences between a buy to let and normal residential mortgage?

Buy to let mortgages are generally more expensive with higher interest rates when compared to the standard residential mortgage. The acceptance criteria for a buy to let mortgage takes into consideration the achievable rent value from the property as well as the income and credit worthiness of the mortgage applicant. This means that some lenders will require the applicant to have a minimum income and that the property can achieve a minimum rent value. The minimum rental value is expressed as a percentage of the interest only payment element.

Buy to let mortgage brokers

Mortgage brokers have an indepth knowledge of the market

If you are considering purchasing a property to let out as an investment then it is a wise decision to speak to a buy to let mortgage broker before making any firm offers to buy. A good mortgage broker will be able to explain what options are open to you given you budget and investment plans. If you have a property in mind then a broker can help to see if the numbers “stack up” and if the property is a wise investment decision.

Due Diligence – know all the facts before buying

It is important to carry out careful due diligence and with any investment decision to be aware of all the facts and pros and cons of buying a buy to let property. It’s important to consider that if you failed to rent out your property, or you experienced void periods then you will still be liable to pay your mortgage obligations as normal.

What types of buy to let mortgages are there?

The types of mortgages are very much the same as normal home purchase mortgages. Buy to let mortgages are available as fixed rate, variable rate, and both interest only and capital repayment. You also have the flexibility to remortgage a buy to let property in the normal way, either to move to a better rate or simply to release any available equity in the property.

Buy to let mortgages have provided thousands of people across the UK to realise their property investment dreams. Many people have gone on to build substantial property empires worth millions of pounds, while others have purchased buy to let property to provide towards their pension in later life.