>>a buy-to-let mortgage is specifically designed for investors purchasing property to rent out rather than to live in personally.

Unlike residential mortgages for your own home, these specialist loans cater to the unique needs of landlords and property investors.

how do they differ from other mortgages?

These investment mortgages typically require a more substantial deposit—generally around 25% of the property’s value—and feature different lending criteria and age restrictions compared to standard residential mortgages.

We strongly recommend consulting with a mortgage specialist who can provide tailored guidance based on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of various lenders.

who can get a buy-to-let mortgage?

Qualifying for a buy-to-let mortgage involves meeting more stringent criteria than for residential loans.

Lenders often require that you already own property (either outright or with an existing mortgage), maintain an excellent credit record, and demonstrate a minimum annual income (usually £25,000+). Most lenders also impose a maximum age limit of approximately 80 years.

Before beginning your search for an investment property, it’s advisable to seek professional guidance regarding your mortgage options.

Our experienced mortgage consultants can provide valuable advice on lending criteria, budgeting considerations, and overall affordability.

how we support you

Investing in rental property represents a significant financial commitment that warrants professional guidance before proceeding with any mortgage application or property purchase.

Our extensive network of qualified mortgage consultants is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and authorised to provide comprehensive mortgage and protection advice.

Through our established relationships with numerous lenders, we occasionally access exclusive mortgage products unavailable elsewhere.

Our consultants possess detailed knowledge of each lender’s specific criteria, which proves particularly valuable for buy-to-let investors.

• Providing access to thousands of buy-to-let mortgage products from our carefully selected panel of lenders.
• Determining your potential borrowing capacity and explaining all associated costs.
• Helping you identify suitable properties and navigate the entire purchasing process.
• Assisting with offer construction if your property purchase is for sale through another agent, and as long as we are not acting for the seller of the property.
• Managing all aspects of your mortgage and protection arrangements, whether you buy through us or not.

becoming a Lifetime Member

When arranging a mortgage through our services, you can become a Lifetime Member and enjoy these exclusive advantages.

no more broker fees*

After paying your initial broker fee, you’ll never pay another broker fee again, regardless of how many times you:

• Grow your property portfolio: Add additional properties to your investment holdings without incurring further broker fees.
• Refinance your existing properties: Whether seeking better rates, releasing equity, or restructuring your finances.

*An administration fee will still apply to all current and future mortgage applications.

£100 referral reward programme**

When you recommend someone who successfully completes a mortgage through our services, we’ll reward you with £100 in the month following the legal completion of their new mortgage. There’s no limit to the number of people you can refer.

**This promotion may be withdrawn at any time. Payment will be processed to your bank account 30 days after your referred friend or family member completes their mortgage. The referred client must mention your referral during their initial consultation.

helping you find good investments

Some lenders impose restrictions on property types they’ll finance, so having a specific property in mind helps our mortgage consultants identify the most appropriate buy-to-let mortgage products for your needs.

Consider how well the property will appeal to a diverse range of potential tenants and what return you anticipate on your investment. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment might not accommodate families, potentially limiting your tenant options.

We provide a complimentary rental assessment service where our lettings specialists will evaluate your prospective property’s rental potential and provide realistic income projections, helping you determine its investment viability.

This rental assessment also forms an essential part of your buy-to-let mortgage application. Contact one of our mortgage consultants to arrange this service.

limited company buy-to-let options

Many investors opt to purchase rental properties through limited companies for tax efficiency. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a limited company established specifically for managing your property portfolio.

We recommend consulting with independent financial advisors regarding the tax implications of establishing a limited company structure.

You should seek independent financial advice on the tax implications of setting up a limited company.

types of mortgages available

Here are some of the most popular types of mortgages available.

fixed rate

Your payments are locked in for a set period (typically 2, 3, 5 or 10 years), regardless of what happens to the Bank of England Base Rate.

This gives you certainty for budgeting, but be aware of potential early repayment charges and arrangement fees.

You move on to your Standard Variable Rate at the end of the fixed rate period (unless you remortgage).

Be aware of payment shock: An increase in the payment on an adjustable-rate mortgage that may surprise the borrower at the end of an incentive period.

base rate tracker

Your payments track the Bank of England Base Rate plus additional interest. You’ll benefit from immediate rate reductions, but you’re also not protected from rate increases.

• Arrangement fees
• Early repayment charges (these are possible)
• Payment shock: An increase in the payment on an adjustable-rate mortgage that may surprise the borrower at the end of an incentive period.

base rate

The Bank of England base rate influences the mortgage interest rates available to buyers. A higher base rate typically means more expensive mortgage products, while a lower base rate can lead to more competitive, affordable options.

variable rate

Your payments follow your lender’s Standard Variable Rate.

When the base rate rises, the Standard Variable Rate will likely increase too, and this typically is higher than the Bank of England rate.

While you’re unlikely to face arrangement fees or early repayment charges, monthly budgeting can be more difficult.

standard variable rate

A standard variable rate (SVR) is a type of variable-rate mortgage that you’re typically switched to when your current fixed-rate, tracker, or discount mortgage comes to an end — unless you decide to take out a new deal instead.

conveyancing services

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property from one person to another. A conveyancer will charge an additional fee for their services, and there are thousands based around the UK. To avoid confusion and make the process as stress-free as possible, this is where we can help.

Our home conveyancing service offers:

• Fixed Legal Fee
• "No sale, no legal fee" promise
• Search Pledge on third-party costs if your purchase falls through, and it is not your fault
• No need to visit a Conveyancer's office
• Specialist expertise for properties in England and Wales
• Upfront searches giving you the possibility of moving 2 weeks earlier than others (terms and conditions apply)

valuation and surveys

The lender will process your application and arrange a basic mortgage valuation to ensure the property is worth the mortgage amount they are lending you.

You should be aware this valuation is not a survey and may not identify any physical problems with the property.

We can help you choose which survey would suit you best and arrange it for you, either directly with the lender or via our Survey and Valuation department (Connells Survey and Valuation).

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Survey Only)

This is a report suitable for conventional properties, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. The focus of the report is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of the property.

RICS Home Survey Level 2 + Valuation (Survey and Valuation)

This report is as above, but also includes the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘market value’ of the property and an insurance reinstatement figure.

RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Survey)

The Level 3 Survey is the most detailed survey Connells Survey and Valuation offer. Typically instructed on older properties, those that have been extended or altered significantly, or those of unusual construction.

• Comments on defects and their cause, and gives advice on remedial measures required
• Does not include a valuation

ensuring your investment is safe

Buy-to-let mortgage providers require landlord-specific buildings insurance from the point of exchange on freehold properties.

While some buildings insurance policies include basic accidental damage coverage, you may wish to enhance protection for the physical structure of your investment property.

Additional insurance products to consider include:

• Contents insurance
• Life insurance
• Critical illness
• Income protection

For Scottish property purchases, your mortgage lender will require buildings insurance to be in place by the date of entry.

preparing a Will

Having a Will in place ensures your property, possessions and assets are distributed according to your wishes, saving your loved ones worry, costs and stress.

Our Will-writing service offers:

• Competitive pricing with no hidden charges
• Completion by correspondence in your own time
• Peace of mind that your estate and wishes are taken care of
• Additional services such as will storage and lasting power of attorney
• Provision for children by appointing guardians and leaving gifts

Our will-writing partners deliver a straightforward, uncomplicated service for your peace of mind. Ask your mortgage consultant for further details.

discovering our comprehensive lettings support

We offer versatile lettings services tailored to your specific property management requirements, whether you’re new to property investment or an experienced portfolio landlord.

Our services include:

• Extensive property marketing to potential tenants
• Coordinating property viewings
• Comprehensive tenant referencing, including affordability and right to rent verification*
• Professional tenancy agreement preparation
• Detailed inventory documentation at tenancy commencement and conclusion
• Arrangement of all necessary compliance and safety certifications
• Regular property inspections
• Rent collection and arrears management
• Round-the-clock repair and maintenance support
• Deposit replacement guarantee options
• Optional Rent and Legal Protection Insurance (additional terms and conditions apply).**

Full details of the services we provide and our charges for them are confirmed in our Terms & Conditions for Lettings.

*Right to rent checks apply to England only.
**Additional charges are applicable for this service.

Any fees payable will be explained in your initial no obligation appointment, before you choose whether to use our Mortgage Services.

MS/SEQ/8339/08.25 5502/1225
Correct at time of publishing 18.02.2026