Buy to Let Mortgage Advice for Landlords & Companies
Work with us online, or meet us in St Albans, Hertfordshire or London.
Your mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage or on any other debt secured against it. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Buy to Lets.
WELCOME TO THE MARTEL FAMILY
Buy to Let doesn't have to be complicated
Buy to let lending has changed a lot in recent years. Stress testing, portfolio rules, limited company structures, what worked years ago doesn't always work now.
We work with landlords at every stage. First-time landlords who've never done this before and need someone to walk them through it. Experienced landlords with four, five, or more properties who need a broker who understands portfolio underwriting and doesn't treat every case the same way.
If you're buying in your own name, we'll find the right lender for your circumstances. If you're buying through a limited company SPV, we know which lenders work well for that structure. Either way, we'll look at your whole picture and give you a straight answer.
Get in touch with us by calling on 01727 309 160 (M-F, 9am-6pm) or submitting our online form. When you call, you'll speak to a real person, based in the UK. They'll take your details and your broker will get back to you directly.
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
Taking things step by step
Whether you are down the road in St Albans, commuting from Harpenden, or dialling in from a different time zone entirely, we keep our process completely transparent
A Friendly Chat
We talk through your plans over the phone or a coffee to see how I can help.
The Search
We explore mortgage options from high street, specialist lenders, and private banks, to find the right fit for your situation.
The Paperwork
Once you send over your basic documents, we handle the application forms and chase the providers.
Our initial conversation is entirely without obligation. If you would like to run some numbers or just want to ask a quick question, drop us a message.
SPECIALIST BUY TO LET SERVICES
How can we help?
As mentioned above there are many different ways to make buy to let work and it really depends on your individual circumstances. Below is a list of ways we can help.
First-time landlords: Buying your first rental property and not sure where to start. We'll explain the criteria, the deposit requirements, and what lenders are looking for, clearly, without the jargon.
Portfolio landlords: Four or more properties triggers portfolio underwriting rules. We know how lenders assess the whole portfolio, not just the property you're buying, and we'll structure your application accordingly.
Limited company SPV mortgages: Buying through a limited company is now common for tax reasons. We handle the mortgage side, which lenders accept SPV applications, what they need, and how to get the case through cleanly. We'll always recommend you speak to your accountant about the tax position.
Remortgaging existing buy-to-lets: Fixed rate ending on a rental property. We'll compare what your current lender is offering against the wider market and recommend whichever makes more sense for your situation.
HMOs and multi-unit properties: Houses in multiple occupation and multi-unit freehold blocks need specialist lenders. We have access to lenders who work in this space and understand how to present these cases.
Capital raising against existing properties: Raising money against a property you already own, whether for a further purchase, refurbishment, or another purpose. We'll look at what's available and what it costs.
Holiday lets and short-term rentals: Mortgages for properties let as short-term holiday accommodation or via platforms like Airbnb require specialist criteria. We know which lenders accept these cases, how they assess borrowing potential using seasonal rental income projections, and how to navigate the specific rules for holiday let financing.
Most importantly, we'll talk through what's relevant to your situation before you make any decisions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Clear Mortgage Advice for Landlords in St Albans & Beyond
Securing a mortgage on a Buy to Let property can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. We talk you through each step and ensure the whole process runs smoothly.
How much deposit do I need for a buy-to-let mortgage?
Most lenders require a minimum of 25% deposit for a buy-to-let mortgage, though some will consider 20% in certain circumstances. The exact amount will depend on the property, the lender, and your overall financial position.
Should I buy through a limited company or in my personal name?
This is primarily a tax question, and we'd always recommend speaking to your accountant before deciding. What we can tell you is how lenders treat each structure and which options are available to you either way.
What is rental stress testing and how does it affect what I can borrow?
Lenders don't just look at the purchase price. They test whether the expected rental income covers the mortgage payments at a notional interest rate, typically higher than the actual rate. This stress test affects how much you can borrow. The calculation varies between lenders and between personal name and limited company applications.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time landlord?
Yes. Most lenders will consider first-time landlords, though some require you to already own a residential property. We'll identify which lenders are right for your situation.
What are the EPC requirements for landlords?
Current rules require rental properties in England and Wales to have an EPC rating of E or above. The government has confirmed that a minimum EPC rating of C will become mandatory for all tenancies by October 2030, supported by a £10,000 cost cap per property. We recommend reviewing your portfolio's energy efficiency early to plan any necessary improvements.
How does being a portfolio landlord change my mortgage application?
Once you own four or more mortgaged rental properties, lenders view you as a portfolio landlord. This means they will stress-test your entire background portfolio alongside your new application.
They will check that your overall portfolio loan-to-value (LTV) remains balanced and that your total monthly rental income across all properties safely covers your total debt.
Can I get a buy to let mortgage for a holiday let or Airbnb property?
Yes, but you cannot use a standard buy-to-let mortgage for short-term holiday letting. You need a specialist holiday let mortgage. Instead of checking a standard monthly tenancy agreement, lenders calculate your borrowing power using an average of low, medium, and high-season yield projections provided by a reputable holiday letting agency.
How do I release equity from an existing rental property to buy another?
You can raise capital either by remortgaging to a new lender or securing a further advance with your current one. Lenders will assess the current market value of your property and look at your current borrowing.
As long as the rental income safely covers the higher mortgage payments under current stress tests, you can release those funds to use as a deposit for your next purchase.
It's important to let us know if you think you will want to release more funds, that way we can consider what lender is better suited to your needs.
What do lenders look for when financing an HMO or multi-unit block?
Lenders look heavily at your property management experience, as HMOs are considered higher risk. They will also require proof of appropriate local authority licensing and planning permissions for the property.
Crucially, the valuation can be calculated on a commercial investment basis (the rental yield it generates) rather than its bricks-and-mortar value as a single dwelling.
Have another question? We're happy to help.