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Buy to Let Mortgage Advisor London
Whether you’re investing in your first buy to let property or expanding your property portfolio, getting the right buy to let mortgage advice is essential.
As you’ve probably realised, the London market is fast-paced and competitive, and your mortgage strategy can have a huge impact on your returns.
At Strive, we specialise in arranging buy to let mortgages for landlords, investors, and accidental landlords across the capital.
Our experienced mortgage advisors work with everyone from first time buyers to experienced landlords, helping you secure the best deal for your mortgage needs.
From navigating the mortgage process to comparing interest rates and understanding your tax relief position, we’ll guide you through the entire process and ensure your mortgage application is structured for success.
What Is a Buy to Let Mortgage and How Does It Work?
A buy to let mortgage is a loan used to purchase a rental property that will be let to tenants. Unlike a standard residential mortgage, affordability is typically assessed based on expected rental income rather than your personal income.
Most btl mortgage products are interest-only, meaning you only pay the monthly interest payments and repay the loan balance at the end of the term.
Whether you’re buying a residential property in Shoreditch, a house of multiple occupation in Hackney, or a flat in Walthamstow, the right mortgage advice can help you build long-term wealth, protect your investment property, and manage risk effectively.
Why Get Buy to Let Mortgage Advice from a London Broker?
London is a unique and highly competitive market.
Property values are higher, rental yield varies dramatically between boroughs, and mortgage lenders tend to have stricter criteria (due to things like income tax changes and capital gains tax implications).
Working with a buy to let mortgage advisor London who understands these difficult nuances can help you:
- Maximise borrowing capacity based on potential rental income
- Access specialist lenders offering competitive deals
- Avoid delays or errors during the mortgage journey
- Review whether to stay with your current lender or switch
- Secure a mortgage agreement aligned with your long-term goals
We offer expert mortgage advice tailored to your property needs, credit history, and experience, whether you’re a first time buyer or a private landlord with additional mortgages.
How Much Can You Borrow on a Buy to Let Mortgage in London?
Your borrowing potential depends on:
- Expected rental income
- Loan to value (LTV) ratio
- Your personal income
- Your tax status
- Credit history and existing mortgage repayments
- Whether you’re borrowing personally or through a limited company
Lenders assess affordability using stress tests. Most lenders require the rental income to cover between 125% and 145% of the monthly mortgage payments. Some lenders offer top slicing, allowing you to use your personal income to support affordability.
What Deposit Do You Need for a Buy to Let Property?
Buy to let mortgage lenders generally expect a higher minimum deposit than for a residential mortgage.
Typical deposit requirements include:
- 20–25% minimum deposit
- 40% deposit to access the best mortgage rate
- High LTV options from specialist lenders
We’ll help you understand how much deposit you need and how it affects your borrowing capacity.
Fixed Rate or Tracker: Which Buy to Let Mortgage Is Best?
Choosing the right product depends on two main things, your property investment goals and risk tolerance.
- Fixed rate deals offer predictable monthly payments, ideal for budgeting
- Tracker mortgages are linked to the Bank of England base rate and can fluctuate
Strive can help you compare both and select the mortgage deal that supports your strategy.
Can You Remortgage a Buy to Let Property in London?
Yes, and it’s often a smart financial move.
Landlords remortgage to:
- Save money with better interest rates
- Release equity for a new buy to let property
- Switch from your current lender
- Restructure into or out of a limited company
We’ll handle the process, from checking arrangement fees to coordinating with solicitors and helping you exchange contracts smoothly.
Getting a Buy to Let Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed
Being self-employed doesn’t limit your options for a let mortgage.
You may need to provide:
- SA302s or tax returns to evidence self employed or rental income
- 3 months payslips if employed
- Tenancy agreement and rental proof if already let
We work with mortgage lenders experienced with self-employed cases and help you present a strong mortgage application.
Buy to Let Mortgages Through a Limited Company: What You Need to Know
Many landlords now invest via a limited company for income tax efficiency.
Here’s what to consider:
- Corporation tax applies instead of income tax
- Fewer mortgage lenders, sometimes higher interest rates
- Requires more complex record keeping
- Ideal for landlords planning a larger property portfolio
Always seek professional tax advice before making structural changes.
Understanding the Costs of Buying a Rental Property
Before buying a buy to let, consider all the costs, including:
- Arrangement fees, booking fees, and legal costs
- Stamp Duty (including surcharge and higher rates payable on second properties if you already own a main residence – use our Stamp Duty Calculator)
- Ongoing mortgage interest, maintenance, and insurance
- Void periods with no rental income
- Optional commercial mortgages for non-residential properties
We help ensure your investment property is financially viable and profitable.
Legal Responsibilities for London Landlords
As a landlord, you must:
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Have a valid EPC
- Get annual Gas Safety Certificates
- Conduct Right to Rent checks
- Secure deposits via a government-backed scheme
We’ll help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Why Landlords Trust Strive Mortgages
We support landlords throughout the entire process, including:
- Expert mortgage advice based on London’s market
- Rental income calculations and ROI planning
- Mortgage protection advice
- Faster approvals through trusted mortgage broker relationships
Our goal is to get you the best deal that suits your needs.
Ready to Find the Best Buy to Let Mortgage Deal?
Whether you’re purchasing a residential property to let or adding to your property portfolio, we’re here to help.
We’d love to hear from you – get started online or call us on 0330 043 1121today to speak with one of our expert advisers.
Frequently Asked Questions – Buy to Let Mortgages London
Yes. You’ll need a buy to let mortgage or consent to let. A residential mortgage doesn’t allow long-term rentals.
Typically, mortgage lenders require 25%, though some accept 20%. A higher minimum deposit often means better mortgage rates.
Yes. While most lenders prefer applicants who own their own home, some work with first time buyers investing in rentals.
Depending on your credit history, some specialist lenders may still approve your application.
Not without switching to a residential mortgage. Living in a let property without permission may breach your mortgage agreement.
Yes. Remortgaging lets landlords access capital for upgrades or purchasing another buy to let property.
Strive Mortgages saves you time, hassle & money
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
