In the last couple of years, the buy to let market has been presented with challenges, including changes in the tax breaks making it less viable to the investor. Add to it the five percent additional stamp duty along with more stringent lending regulations and the market has become less lucrative to the mass. This has led to is the departure of “casual” landlords from the buy to let market and left the ones willing to be properly committed to it. The upside of this is of course less competition in the market. However, as with anything to do with investments, there is an element of risk no matter how good of a deal you’ve struck. But given that house prices have risen by 2.9% compared with last year (Source: UK House Price Index, September 2024), over a longer period of time, it may still be a viable option for many, especially when compared with other, higher-risk investment options. So, is buy-to-let worth it?
From a lender point of view, perhaps the biggest risks have come with Buy to Let mortgages. It can be difficult to blame them as the most recent financial crisis in 2017 made it clear that they need to be more cautious in general.
That said, applying for Buy to Let mortgages now is all about looking for lenders who are willing to make risks. It’s understandable to have a few questions about mortgages – particularly Buy to Let because lenders aren’t as willing to go with lower rates as they have been in the past. Here are some of the most common Buy to Let mortgage questions answered:
What do I need to consider before applying for a Buy to Let mortgage?
The main thing that you need to consider would be whether or not it’s worth it in the area of the property itself. The property rates determine the effectiveness of Buy to Let mortgages because not only can it raise the value, but it can also raise the rent as well. It’s also important to consider whether or not this property is newly built – because the deposit will be higher and some lenders will even outright refuse to help. The risk is simply too high that you’ll find lenders refusing just-built properties.
How much deposit is needed in order to apply for a Buy to Let mortgage?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and this can vary wildly depending on how willing the lender is to take risks. For example, the most typical number you’ll see that a lender will ask for would be at least a 25% deposit (of the purchase price). While this is rather high, this pales in comparison to what a lender might ask of you if the property you want to rent out has just been built as it raises the overall risk. For a just-built property, you’re looking at upwards of a 35% deposit. This is the main reason why you need to be very careful when it comes to renting out a property in general.
Can I have more than one Buy to Let mortgage? If so, how many?
There have been plenty of instances where a landlord applied for a Buy to Let mortgage even though it was exceedingly clear that they already had other mortgages and would likely not be able to handle another. Whereas some lenders might have accepted this, it’s no longer the case now.
The average number you would be looking at would be about two to three Buy to Let mortgages for a single lender. This is actually rather generous because some lenders would even impose rules on your ability to apply for a Buy to Let from other lenders! As stated earlier, this depends wildly on the lender and just how willing they are to play the game of risk.
To conclude, Buy to Let mortgages and renting property in general has an element of risk associated with it depending on a number of factors. However, it’s also important to consider that there are still an overwhelming number of individuals who rent out property, because it’s an attractive prospect despite the risk. What matters now is whether or not you think renting out your property and taking a Buy to Let mortgage would be worth the risk.
For help and advice around financial planning which takes into account your overall life goals, financial requirements and situation, visit https://www.wisefp.co.uk/
Some Buy To Let Mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
