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Posts Tagged 'BTL'

BTL tracker mortgage with flexibility built in.

Always good to see new products come out especially when they give our property investor clients flexibility.

It’s a two year tracker mortgage and within the two years you can:

– Sell the property
– Lock into a fixed rate with the lender

No early repayment charges on either option.

This will appeal to property investors and developers who are happy to tenant new developments, before selling as well as giving existing investors the ability to track, fix or even sell during the initial term.

Available from today as a limited-edition, two-year discounted tracker across buy-to-let and semi-commercial.

Available for:

  • HMOs (no maximum number of rooms)
  • MUFBs (no maximum number of units)
  • Short-term, holiday and Airbnb lets
  • Serviced accommodation
  • DSS, vulnerable tenants
  • Asylum Seeker

Buy-to-Let: Factors to Consider for a Smart Investment

Here are some issues that lenders may not like when it comes to buy to let properties as well as other factors to consider when making a purchase:

  • Structural problems: Look out for any signs of structural damage or issues with the building’s foundation. This can include cracks in walls or floors, sagging roofs, and uneven floors. These problems can be expensive to fix, and lenders may be hesitant to approve a mortgage on a property with structural issues.
  • Damp: Damp can cause a lot of problems for a property, including damage to the building’s structure and potential health hazards for tenants. Check for any signs of damp, such as musty smells, damp patches on walls or ceilings, or peeling wallpaper.
  • Electrical and gas safety: Ensure that the property has up-to-date gas and electrical safety certificates. These documents are required by law and ensure that the property’s gas and electrical systems are safe for tenants to use.
  • Fire safety: Look for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the property. These are required by law and help ensure that tenants are safe in the event of a fire or gas leak.
  • Japanese Knotweed: This invasive plant can cause significant damage to a property’s structure and can be expensive to remove. Take a ladder with you and look over any garden walls.
  • Planning permission and building regulations: If the property has been extended or altered in any way, ensure that the appropriate planning permission and building regulations were obtained.
  • Leasehold issues: If the property is leasehold, ensure that the lease is long enough to meet lender requirements which is usually 85 years, the ground rent is not over £250 pa and the service charge is no more than 0.1% of the purchase price. Also, check for how the ground rent can be increased, any arrears and the freeholder is contactable.
  • Ex-council properties: Properties that were formerly owned by the council may come with some limitations or issues if their is still a high proportion of council properties in the area with limited owner occupier demand.

Other factors to consider:

  • Electricity pylons and substations: These can have a negative impact on the value of a property, as well as potentially affecting the health of tenants.
  • Noisy or smelly shops and offices: Properties located near noisy or smelly commercial premises, such as bars, restaurants, or factories, can impact the quality of life for tenants and potentially impact the property’s value.
  • Railway lines: Properties located near railway lines may experience noise pollution and vibrations, which can be a nuisance for tenants. Additionally, properties located near railway stations may experience higher foot traffic and potential security concerns.
  • Flood risk: Properties located in areas with a history of flooding may be at higher risk of damage, which can impact the property’s value and insurability.
  • Radon gas: Some areas of the UK are known to have higher levels of radon gas, which can pose a health risk for tenants.
  • Rental yield: The rental yield is the annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property’s value. A high rental yield compared to other properties in the area may indicate that there are issues with the property, such as high maintenance costs or an undesirable location. It’s important to balance rental yield with other factors, such as location, property condition, mortgage rate and tenant demand, when making a purchase decision.
  • Energy performance certificates (EPCs): An EPC rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient. From 2025 or 2028, it may be a legal requirement for all rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C in order to be let out. It’s important to ensure that the property has an up-to-date EPC and that the rating can meet the minimum requirement, as failure to do so can result in fines and legal penalties. Improving the energy efficiency of a property can also help reduce energy bills for tenants and increase its appeal to prospective renters.

When considering a buy-to-let property, it’s important to thoroughly research any potential issues or limitations of the property before making a purchase. Working with a professional property valuer or surveyor will help.

Looking to invest in a buy-to-let property? Let Searchlight Finance help you secure your buy-to-let mortgage for your investment. Contact us today for a free consultation and expert guidance on your property investment journey.

Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks for Property Investors

Multi-unit freehold blocks are becoming increasingly popular among property investors. This article aims to provide an understanding of what these blocks are. Their advantages and disadvantages and essential considerations when investing in them.

By understanding the ins and outs you can make well-informed decisions to maximise your property investment and development opportunities.

Definition:

A multi-unit freehold block (MUFB) is a single building that consist of multiple self contained individual units all owned by a single freeholder. The freeholder owns the whole building and is responsible for the maintenance and management of each unit and the common areas.

Lenders look at the size of each unit and if each unit has their own utilities. Criteria does vary considerably from lender to lender.

Advantages:

  • Diversification: Investing in MUFBs allows investors and developers to diversify their property portfolios, spreading risk across multiple units and tenants.
  • Economies of scale: Managing and maintaining multiple units within a single block can be more cost-effective due to shared costs and resources.
  • Attractive rental yields: MUFBs usually often offer higher rental yields compared to single-unit investments, making them more lucrative for investors.
  • Capital growth: Well-located and well-managed MUFBs may experience strong capital growth over time, providing long-term value appreciation but there is no guarantee.
  • Reduced void periods: With multiple units in one building, the chances of all units being vacant simultaneously are lower, providing more consistent rental income.

Disadvantages:

Management complexity: Managing a MUFB can be more complex than managing single-unit properties, requiring expertise in tenant relations, legal compliance, and building maintenance.

  • Illiquidity: Selling a MUFB may be more challenging due to a reduced pool of potential buyers, making it a less liquid investment compared to single-unit properties.
  • Concentration risk: Although MUFBs offer diversification within the block, investors may face concentration risk if their entire portfolio consists of MUFBs in a single location.
  • Financing challenges: Obtaining financing for a MUFB can be more difficult than for single-unit properties, as lenders often have more stringent lending criteria for multi-unit investments.
  • Legal and regulatory challenges: Developers and investors must navigate complex legal and regulatory requirements when converting or developing MUFBs, which may require specialist advice and support.

In conclusion, investing in multi-unit freehold blocks can be an attractive option for property investors and developers.

It is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages, conduct thorough due diligence, and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.

By understanding the complexities of MUFBs, you can take advantage of the potential rewards they offer while mitigating the associated risks.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to maximise your property portfolio’s potential.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discover how we can help you unlock the full potential of multi-unit freehold blocks.

Top 5 Tips for the Right Buy-to-Let Mortgage

Securing the right buy-to-let mortgage is a critical step in building a successful property portfolio.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 tips for choosing the right buy-to-let mortgage to help you make an informed decision.

Know your borrowing options


Before diving into mortgage deals, familiarise yourself with the different types of buy-to-let mortgages available, including fixed-rate, variable-rate and tracker mortgages.

Each type has its pros and cons, so understanding your options will help you select a mortgage that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Compare mortgage deals


Don’t settle for the first mortgage offer you come across. Instead, compare deals from multiple lenders, taking into account interest rates, loan terms, and repayment structures.

Working with a mortgage broker can help you find the best deal for your circumstances as not all products are available directly with a lender.

Consider your investment strategy


Your buy-to-let mortgage should align with your overall investment strategy. Are you focused on long-term capital growth, or do you prioritise high rental yields?

Depending on your goals, you may opt for an interest-only mortgage to maximise cash flow or a repayment mortgage to build equity over time.

Assess mortgage fees and charges


When comparing mortgage deals, be sure to factor in additional fees and charges. These include arrangement fees, broker fees, valuation fees, and early repayment charges.

These costs can impact the overall cost of your mortgage, so it’s essential to account for them when evaluating potential deals.

Plan for future market changes


While it’s impossible to predict the future, it’s crucial to consider how future market changes may impact your buy-to-let mortgage.

For instance, rising interest rates could increase your monthly repayments if you have a variable-rate mortgage.

Ensure you have a contingency plan in place to manage potential risks and safeguard your investments.

By following these tips, you can secure a mortgage that supports your goals and contributes to the long-term success of your property portfolio.

Don’t leave your buy-to-let mortgage decision to chance.

Reach out today for personalised advice and support in finding the perfect BTL mortgage for your property investment needs.

Contact us now to get started on the path to success in the buy-to-let market.

BTL Mortgages

How to Choose the Right One for Your Property Portfolio

Finding a buy to let mortgage can seem like a daunting process, but with the right advice and guidance you can get the BTL mortgage you need. Here are some tips on how to get started:

Do your research

Before you start anything, make sure you have done your research. There are a lot of different buy to let mortgages available, so it’s important to find the one that’s right for you.

Get pre-approved

Before you go ahead and apply for a buy to let mortgage, it’s important to get pre-approved by a BTL mortgage broker. This way, you know you’re eligible for a mortgage.

Talk to a mortgage broker

A good broker who does BTL every day should be interested in your plans and future strategy. They will be able to help you understand the process and find the right mortgage for you.

Compare rates and costs

Once you’ve decided on a mortgage, it’s important to compare rates and all the costs as it’s not just about the headline rate.

There are a lot of different lenders out there and most are only available to mortgage brokers, so it’s important to find one that’s right for you and the property.

Get a mortgage

Once you’ve decided on a lender and have your documents ready, it’s time to get a mortgage. Make sure you have all the documents your broker has requested and be prepared to answer any questions the mortgage provider may have.

Finding a buy to let mortgage can be a daunting process, but with the tips outlined in this article, you should get the mortgage you need.

If you have any questions or would like help with finding a buy to let mortgage, please contact us.

Where have the BTL Mortgages gone?

If you’re looking for a BTL mortgage and want to fix your mortgage rate then think again. You may have to wait as the majority of lenders have removed their fixed rate products.

Nearly 40 lenders have done this this week due to the uncertainty in the market.

We’ve been here before during Covid and the last credit crunch but this seems different. When you have had something for so long it becomes the new norm. Historic five year fixes of 2% for personal investors and 3% in the limited company space now seem an eternity away.

We won’t be going back to that so now is the time to evaluate your property portfolio to see what options you have.

We expect lenders to gradually return to the BTL market once they become more confident, but rates will be higher.

Over that last few months the 4% and 5% barriers have been breached. in the limited company market we’re now looking at 6%-7% rates!

We arrange BTL mortgages every day and have been here before and as landlords ourselves we are facing the same issues as you.

If you want advice then please get in touch.

Another 80% LTV product for Buy to Let Landlords

It’s good to the see one of our lenders return to 80% LTV on single lets. They have two and five year fixed products for BTL mortgages which come either with a free or discounted valuation.

Available for personal and limited company ownership. Portfolio landlords welcome.

Tenants working, students and DSS on AST. Corporate Lets and Local Authority & Housing Association Lets (prior approval required).

They also finance HMOs and multi unit blocks and products available at both 65% and 75% LTV.

To find out more about this product and our services please contact us.

Improving the EPC of privately rented homes

We’ve had legislation where a rental property needs an EPC of E or better and now the government has issued a consultation paper to get that to C.

This consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. They think the proposed amendments would significantly improve the energy performance of private rented sector homes.

Now I’ve looked at the properties I own which are terraced houses and they are E and most of the BTL mortgages I arrange for my clients are E as well.

A lot of properties are going to be affected if it becomes law for new tenancies from 2025 and all tenancies from 2028.

It looks like grants may be available and there is also the opportunity for you to tell the government what you think by going online and completing an Online Survey

When you have a break in tenancy see how you can improve the efficiency of the property and if finance is required there are plenty of remortgage products to raise capital for this.

Portfolio Landlords – BTL Remortgage

As a professional landlord it’s not just about the rate when choosing a BTL remortgage, it’s also speed if you are approaching your current lender’s variable rate. If you have a quick lender and competitive rates you are on your way to a speedy completion for your Buy to Let Remortgage.

These are some of things a lender can do to speed the process up:

  • Title Insurance
  • Electronic Signatures on Application Forms
  • Open Banking
  • Relaxed view on Independent Legal Advice

Ideally the lender should also offer the following:

  • Product Transfers
  • Extensive solicitor panel
  • Ability to repay extra each year

When comparing mortgages always add up all the costs including interest, all lender fees, legal costs and providing Independent Legal Advice for the personal guarantee.

Also look at the information they need and how long will it take you to prepare. The list includes:

  • Portfolio – will it meet the lenders LTV threshold, with most it’s 75% although some are less and others more
  • Rental Calculation across portfolio
  • Business Plan – doesn’t take long and lenders have their own format
  • Cash flow – the longest to do but not many lenders ask for it
  • Bank Statements confirming income on the portfolio
  • Tax Year Calculations, SA100 and Tax Year Overviews for at least two years
  • Limited Company Accounts for at least two years
  • EPC – are they all E or better. If F or G a lender may ignore the income but still include the debt

We’ve been doing this type of mortgage for many years so please contact us if you need help on your next BTL remortgage.

BTL Portfolio Lending

What is BTL portfolio lending and what are the benefits? It’s not to be confused with a portfolio landlord (four or more mortgages). It’s when one lender takes multiple properties on one loan.

Very few lenders can do this and it tends to be the banks, both high street and challenger and a few specialist lenders.

The question I get asked a lot from professional landlords is when should I do this? There is no definitive answer as every portfolio is different.

If you are considering restructuring your portfolio as part of tax planning then review your finances at the same time.

Pros

– You go from a number to having a relationship with a manager who understands property.

-Greater flexibility if a property becomes empty as rental cover calculated across the portfolio.

-Can be lower costs in setting up the loan as reduced valuation fees and legal costs.

-Option for 100% on purchases if there is headroom within the security calculation.

-Low pricing if loan is for 3-5 years increasing cash flow.

-Administration easier as one account as less lenders to deal with.One direct debit for all properties and only one lender discussion at renewal time.

Cons

-Performance Covenants: eg: Minimum LTV, rental cover, net assets.

-Provision of regular information to the lender including accounts, portfolio lists.

-All rents may have to go through the same bank where the loan is and all monies in these current accounts can be used to offset the loan balance if things don’t go to plan.

-Some lenders will only commit for three or five years and then you renegotiate so further valuation fees, set up fees, possible increase in rate. Others will do twenty-five.

-Lenders may require regular valuations on the portfolio which you will pay for.

-Cross default clauses. If you have a problem on one loan it affects all the others with the same lender.

-Consolidation clauses. If you sell a property they may take 100% of proceeds.

-Usually on repayment basis so lose benefit of cash flow if that’s you want.

-Ideally £1m loans + to get the best rates.

-Less brokers to assist you due to the complexity

At Searchlight we have experience in arranging these facilities and we’d be happy to talk you to about your finance requirements. Please contact us by phone or email.

BTL Yield

Always look at the yield as one of the comparisons when viewing a BTL property and if its high for the area ask yourself why?

Once you start investigating you realise that the return is high because the property or location has potential issues.

Ones I’ve seen recently include next to a pub, takeaway, massage parlour, council waste depot, haulage yard, supermarket, railway line etc.

Not everybody wants to live next to these type of properties and as a result, it’s harder to sell or rent.

This reduces the number of BTL Mortgage lenders available and of the ones that are in the market, you may get a lower loan to value, reducing your return on capital and the interest rate is normally higher.

So if the yield is better than comparable properties in the area find out why.

Remortgage of BTL Portfolio in Lancashire

£330,000 refinance from a bank that says No!

Due to the age of the applicants, their existing lender had given notice to a long-established Lancashire property company to move it’s property portfolio to another bank or sell.

The directors were in their 80’s and spent most of their time overseas and didn’t own a main residence in this country. To add to this, their tenants received housing benefit which some of the banks didn’t like.

We kept in constant contact with the outgoing lender and updated them at every stage. This gave the bank the confidence to grant extra time in a complicated restructure.

Never to back away from a challenge, we arranged with the directors for a UK based relative to become a director. This gave a new bank comfort in succession planning and where other brokers had failed we obtained the finance needed. The properties have been retained giving the clients a comfortable income in their well-earned retirement.

BTL Tip – Mortgage Illustration

Take your time to go through the Mortgage Illustration which shows you everything about the product which includes all fees including arrangement, product, broker and valuation fees and also gives you details on any exit penalties or early repayments. It also explains the rate that it will go to once the initial product is finished and if there is a free valuation or legal costs.

Ignore the amount specified under legal costs as unfortunately, most lenders keep this very very low and unrealistic to reduce the Annual Percentage Rate.

When can bridging finance be used?


Standard bridging is ideal for customers looking to secure the purchase or refinance of a residential or investment property
including:

Chain break – whilst waiting for an additional property sale
Raising funds for short term requirements
Auction purchase
Capital raising for any legal purpose
Meeting tight transaction deadlines

Light refurbishment:

Light refurbishment is used where short term finance is needed for items such as:

  • Modernising properties
  • Replacing kitchens and bathrooms
  • Properties deemed uninhabitable/unletable by long term lenders

Heavy refurbishment:

Heavy refurbishment is where you may require short term finance for works that require building regulations or planning permission.This could help with:

  • Conversion and reconfiguration of residential property
  • Commercial to residential
  • Completing a development that is wind and water tight
  • Extension, loft conversion and basement digs

What is a small HMO to a lender?

• A HMO with C4 planning use specifically relates to smaller HMOs

• The classification of C4 originates from C3 with the added benefit of permitted development.

• Permitted development allows for a change of use from C3, up to a maximum of 6 occupants, without a full planning application as long as there is no Article 4 direction in the area.

• Valued on a “vacant possession” basis by most lenders: the property is valued in its present condition with full benefit of vacant possession. The surveyor uses comparable evidence to support the valuation figure.

• Article 4 is whereby the local authority is looking to restrict the number of HMOs and restrict permitted development in a geographical area

• This may affect the valuation in the sense that if a HMO has the benefit of planning in an area then there is a value in the scarcity of the HMO

• Valuers confirm whether a property sits within an A4D area, and if so, how much proportion of the MV is in essence ‘scarcity value’

£330,000 refinance from a bank that says No

Due to their withdrawal from the market their existing lender had given notice to a long established Lancashire property company to move it’s property portfolio to another bank or sell.

The directors were in their 80’s and spent most of their time overseas and didn’t own a main residence in this country. To add to this their tenants received housing benefit which most of the banks didn’t like.

We kept in constant contact with the outgoing lender and updated them at every stage. This gave the bank the confidence to grant extra time in a complicated restructuring.

Never to back away from a challenge we arranged with the directors for a UK based relative to become a director. This gave a new bank comfort in succession planning and where other brokers had failed we obtained the finance needed. The properties have been retained giving the clients a comfortable income in their well-earned retirement.

Multi Unit BTL Mortgages

What is it?

A freehold property split into self-contained flats. Make sure it has the correct planning permission if it has been converted and building regulations. Lenders want each unit to be greater than 30sqm and to have their own utilities.

These can be as simple as a terraced house converted into two self-contained flats or a new build on one freehold title split into multiple flats.

We have a wide range of BTL and specialist lenders which can provide options for all types of multi-unit BTL mortgages.

Bridging Finance Risks

I deal with bridging finance risks on a daily basis. Like everything in life the vast majority of lenders and brokers are perfectly acceptable and do a good job but there are a few issues that not everyone is aware of.

There is a lot of paperwork and you can’t always easily compare one lender to another. You might be under pressure financially or need to complete quickly.

Always make sure you know what you are signing and pay particular attention to the points below. This list is not exhaustive but the main points to consider. If in doubt talk to a reputable broker who has experience in bridging and your own solicitor.

The term of the loan. If you can’t apply for a remortgage until you have owned a property six months then why is the loan six months or less? On average it takes 6-8 weeks to complete a remortgage so the term should be at least nine months. Is it so the lender can charge you extension fees or default interest? Or that the transaction hasn’t been explained to them fully?

Interest – Monthly or daily. Loan set up 7th October and repaid 7th December. That’s 2 months and one day or three months depending on who the lender is. At an average margin of 1% that can be a lot of money.

Retained, rolled up or serviced. The latter is straightforward in that you repay the interest each month when it falls due. Retained is when you borrow from the bridging lender the interest payments due on the loan. If you have a six-month loan then the total of these interest payments are added to the amount you wish to borrow. Rolled up is when interest is added to the loan each month and you pay interest on that amount. There is a vast difference in the total cost when looking at these alternatives.

Changing the rate during the application. The rate you get offered should be the rate you pay unless there are issues with the valuation or additional information comes out during the process that increases the risk to the lender. Some brokers offer headline rates to get you interested which are never available

You have a loan for eight months and repay after three. Interest has been retained so you are expecting five months back. With some lenders, you won’t – they keep it. Always ask what happens when repaid early.

Don’t be swayed by the rate. Add all the costs up to compare including valuation.

Exit fees, admin costs etc. Make sure you know everything that is being charged.

Default interest. If you are late paying then rates can stay the same go up to 48% or worse. Some lenders even backdate this!!. Always ask what their policy is if the loan is late being repaid

Reputation. Don’t be swayed by FCA or any other membership. It’s no guarantee that you will get the best terms

And the worst to last. You or your broker should start on how the bridging loan will get repaid and obtain evidence of that, an agreement in principle etc. I regularly see loans taken out that don’t have this. It is usually either a remortgage or sale. Don’t enter into a loan unless you have more than one option to repay it.

Please go we don’t want you!

We all understand why property is not flavour of the month for some lenders who have historic bad debts and we are seeing many long established landlords having their funding lines cut from certain lenders.

I have seen 40 year connections told, please repay we don’t want you any more.

It’s important you have a lender who understands property, has a good reputation and is clear and transparent about credit policy.

Thankfully there are banks that are open for business and more are coming into the sector.

How do you calculate bridging interest?

I’m surprised how many just focus on the monthly rate. The way interest is charged is equally as important as it can make a big difference in how much you pay.

Firstly you should have been made aware of this before the application stage.

There are three ways for lenders to calculate interest:

Serviced

This is when you will pay a monthly amount calculated on the interest rate so no deductions are taken from the loan to cover the interest for the period. Some lenders do not offer this facility and the ones that do require proof that you can make these repayments from your income.

Retained interest

An amount which covers the total number of monthly interest payments and the setup fee is deducted from the initial loan. With some lenders, you can choose the number of months that are retained and service the rest. The retained interest is still part of the amount that you borrow so interest will also be charged on this amount by the majority of the lenders. This way at the end of the loan you will not exceed the lenders LTV.

Rolled up interest

This is a better way of calculating interest and again is aimed at borrowers who are not able to make the monthly interest payment. Interest is compounded which reduces the overall costs.

BTL products we have access to …

We have direct access to lenders that will consider:-

  • Limited Company applications
  • Single Freehold split into multi-unit
  • Multi Lets
  • HMOs of all sizes
  • Portfolio Finance
  • Student Tenants
  • DSS/LHA Tenants
  • Flats above shops, restaurants
  • Rental valuations on HMOs
  • No minimum income
  • Limited Company applications
  • Pension and Trust applications
  • Professional landlords

Financing a Flip

 

A flip is buying a property and then selling quickly, hopefully at a profit. It may be a refurbishment to increase the value or you may just be trading property. There are only two ways to finance these:

Cash, which may be from a remortgage of another property
Bridging Finance

Don’t use a mortgage to finance them as it will seriously affect your future prospects of getting a mortgage. Lenders look at your credit file to see when mortgages are taken out and repaid. If you are using BTL mortgages for this type of transaction don’t as you are using long-term money for a short-term purpose and it’s mortgage fraud.

Buy to Let Light Refurbishment Finance

Refurbishment Finance is not for everyone as there are strict criteria but it does show there can be an alternative to bridging.

For a property that requires a level of light refurbishment which doesn’t involve any structural work or change in planning then it’s a very cost-effective way of adding a property to your portfolio.

You have to be an existing landlord and you are buying the property personally to get these rates. The initial loan is based on the lower of the valuation or purchase price. The valuer also estimates a valuation and rent figure after the work has been completed and the final loan is based on these figures. The difference between the two loans is retained by the lender until the work has been satisfactory completed.

You do the work normally within three months and you need savings to also cover the mortgage payments for that period. Once the work is finished the valuer reinspects and if all OK the retention is released.

The minimum property valuation is £100,000 and as with all lenders you need to be in receipt of income that is provable.

If you need to complete quickly, the value is lower or you need help with the refurbishment costs then bridging finance may be the answer.

 

BTL Mortgages for Professional Landlords

One of our BTL lenders for professional landlords:

  • Up to 80% LTV
  • Standard and specialist buy-to-let products for all types of landlord (including limited companies)
  • Single residential units, HMOs and multi freeholds
  • Choice of competitive fixed and variable rates
  • No portfolio limits
  • Maximum age 85 at end of mortgage term (79 at start of the term)
  • No minimum income required for experienced landlords
  • Capital raising to 80% LTV, to fund portfolio expansion
  • New build and ex-public sector houses accepted

These products are unregulated BTL mortgages and are subject to you and the property meeting their criteria. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

 

BTL products we have access to

We have direct access to lenders that will consider:

  • Limited Company applications
  • Single Freehold split into multi units
  • Multi Lets
  • HMOs of all sizes
  • Portfolio Finance
  • Student Tenants
  • DSS/LHA Tenants
  • Retail with flats above
  • Rental valuations
  • No minimum income
  • Limited Company applications
  • Pension and Trust applications
  • Professional landlords
  • Adverse credit
  • Ex Pat applications
  • Foreign Nationals

Searchlight Finance Ltd is a broker not a lender.

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We are a credit broker not a lender.

Searchlight Finance Ltd is registered at 98, King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6HQ. Company Register number is 07929050.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA registration number is 743220. You can check via www.register.fca.org.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, Z3109319 and you can check via www.ico.org.uk.

We conduct both regulated and unregulated business and therefore not all products provided through us are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We source finance from the whole of market and may receive commissions that will vary depending on the lender, product, or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed.

Member of National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).