Regulated buy to let mortgages

Need a regulated buy-to-let mortgage? Our guide provides all the information you need to navigate the process successfully.
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Regulated buy to let mortgages

Getting into the property market can be a complex task, particularly when considering investment opportunities like buy-to-let properties. An increasingly popular choice for landlords who rent to close family members is regulated buy-to-let mortgages. Unlike standard buy-to-let mortgages, these are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering landlords and tenants an added layer of protection. This guide will delve into the nuances of regulated buy-to-let mortgages, exploring what they are, their benefits, how they differ from standard buy-to-let mortgages, and the circumstances under which they can be most useful. Whether you’re an experienced property investor or a first-time landlord, understanding regulated buy-to-let mortgages is crucial for making informed decisions in the property market.

What is a regulated buy-to-let mortgage?

A regulated buy-to-let mortgage is a type of mortgage designed for people who wish to buy a property to let out, but a family member will live in the property. In the United Kingdom, most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, if the landlord intends to rent the property to a close family member (for example, a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or sibling), the mortgage is considered a “regulated” buy-to-let mortgage and falls under the jurisdiction of the FCA.

The rules and regulations applied to regulated buy-to-let mortgages are often more stringent than those for standard buy-to-let mortgages. This is because the FCA seeks to provide an extra level of protection to borrowers who are either not involved in a business or are not business-like in their approach.

In essence, a regulated buy-to-let mortgage bridges the gap between a residential mortgage, used for property where the owner or their family life, and a standard buy-to-let mortgage, used for property that the owner rents out to non-family tenants.

Can I get a regulated buy-to-let mortgage?

Whether you can get a regulated buy-to-let mortgage depends on a variety of factors. Here are some of the criteria that lenders typically consider:

Your Intention for The Property: A regulated buy-to-let mortgage is typically given when the property is going to be rented out to a close family member. If you intend to rent the property out to non-family members, then a standard buy-to-let mortgage is more appropriate.

Your Credit History: Like any other type of mortgage, lenders will check your credit history to assess your past borrowing behaviour. If you have a poor credit score, it may be more difficult to get approved.

Your Income: Lenders will assess your income to ensure you can afford the mortgage repayments. This can come from your job but also from other sources such as investments or pensions.

Your Age: Some lenders have age limits for their mortgages, both in terms of a minimum age when you take out the mortgage and a maximum age at the end of the mortgage term.

The Property’s Value: Lenders will need to evaluate the property you’re planning to buy to make sure it’s suitable for a mortgage.

Your Deposit: As with any mortgage, the size of your deposit is a key factor. Generally, the larger the deposit you can put down, the better the mortgage deal you can get.

How does a regulated buy-to-let mortgage work?

A regulated buy-to-let mortgage works similarly to a standard buy-to-let mortgage, with the main difference being the intended occupants of the property.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how it works:

Application and Assessment: You apply for a regulated buy-to-let mortgage with a lender, which could be a bank or building society. The lender will assess your application based on your financial circumstances, including your income, credit score, and the deposit you are able to put down.

Property and Rent Assessment: The lender will also assess the property you intend to buy and the potential rental income. This process typically includes a professional property valuation to determine whether the property is suitable for a mortgage and can bring in enough rent to cover the mortgage payments.

Agreement: If the lender is satisfied with the assessment, they will agree to lend you a certain amount. The size of the mortgage is usually a percentage of the property’s value (known as loan-to-value or LTV), with the rest to be covered by your deposit.

Property Purchase: You use the mortgage loan to purchase the property.

Repayments: You make regular repayments to the lender. These payments typically cover the interest and a portion of the capital. If you fail to keep up with the repayments, the lender has the right to repossess the property.

Renting to a Family Member: The key aspect of a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is that you are renting the property out to a close family member, such as a parent, child, or sibling. Because of this family relationship, the mortgage is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides additional protections to the borrower.

How much can I borrow with a regulated buy-to-let?

The amount you can borrow with a regulated buy-to-let mortgage depends on various factors, but the two key ones are typically the value of the property you intend to purchase and the expected rental income from that property.

Property Value: Like any other mortgage, a lender will typically only lend up to a certain percentage of a property’s value, known as the Loan-to-Value ratio (LTV). For buy-to-let mortgages, this is often around 75%, though it can sometimes be higher or lower depending on the lender and your circumstances. This means that if you were buying a property worth £200,000, you might be able to borrow up to £150,000, with the remaining £50,000 provided as a deposit.

Rental Income: The expected rental income from the property also plays a major role in determining how much you can borrow. Lenders usually require that the expected rental income is 125% to 145% of your monthly mortgage payment to ensure that you have a buffer in case of any changes in circumstances. So if your mortgage payment was £500 per month, the lender would typically require a monthly rental income of between £625 and £725.

However, these are general guidelines, and the exact criteria can vary significantly between different lenders. Other factors, such as your personal income, your credit history, and your age, can also impact how much you can borrow. To get a specific answer, you would need to speak directly to a lender or a mortgage broker, who can assess your personal circumstances and guide you accordingly.

How much deposit will I need for a regulated buy to let?

The deposit required for a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is typically higher than that for a standard residential mortgage. Generally, lenders require a minimum deposit of around 20% to 25% of the property’s value, but this can vary depending on the lender’s criteria and the borrower’s circumstances. This means if you were buying a property worth £200,000, you might need to provide a deposit between £40,000 and £50,000.

The more deposit you can provide, the lower your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio will be. A lower LTV generally leads to more favourable mortgage rates as it reduces the risk for the lender.
However, these are broad guidelines, and actual deposit requirements vary significantly between lenders. Other factors, such as your credit score, income, and the expected rental income from the property, can also impact the deposit required.

Before proceeding with a mortgage application, it’s recommended to speak directly to a lender or mortgage broker who can provide guidance based on your personal circumstances and the specific mortgage product you’re interested in.

The primary difference between a standard buy-to-let mortgage and a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is the intended occupants of the property.

Intended Occupants: With a standard buy-to-let mortgage, the property is being purchased to be rented out to tenants who are not related to the borrower. In contrast, a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is intended for situations where the borrower plans to rent the property to a close family member. This can include a spouse, parent, child, sibling, etc.

Regulation: Standard buy-to-let mortgages are generally not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as they are considered commercial transactions. However, because regulated buy-to-let mortgages involve family members and could potentially be less business-like, they fall under the jurisdiction of the FCA, offering more protection to the borrower.

Criteria: The assessment criteria may also differ. While both types of mortgages will consider factors such as income, credit history, and property value, the lender might apply more stringent affordability checks on a regulated buy-to-let mortgage to ensure that the borrower can afford the repayments.

Interest Rates and Fees: Regulated buy-to-let mortgages might come with different interest rates and fees compared to standard buy-to-let mortgages. This can be due to the added layer of regulatory protection, which can potentially increase the lender’s costs.

Availability: Not all lenders offer regulated buy-to-let mortgages because of the additional regulatory requirements. So, your choice of lenders may be more limited compared to a standard buy-to-let mortgage.

How does it differ from a standard buy-to-let mortgage?

The primary difference between a standard buy-to-let mortgage and a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is the intended occupants of the property and the regulations associated with them. Here are the key differences:

Intended Occupants: A standard buy-to-let mortgage is intended for properties that will be rented out to tenants who have no familial relation to the borrower. On the other hand, a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is designed for properties that will be let out to a family member (like a parent, child, sibling, etc.).

Regulation: Standard buy-to-let mortgages are usually seen as commercial transactions and are typically not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In contrast, regulated buy-to-let mortgages fall under the jurisdiction of the FCA because they’re often considered less business-like due to the family connection, thus requiring more consumer protection.

Lending Criteria: The lending criteria may also be slightly different. While both mortgages will consider the potential rental income, property value, credit history, and income, the affordability checks might be stricter for a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, as the lender needs to ensure that the borrower can afford the repayments.

Availability: Not all lenders offer regulated buy-to-let mortgages because of the extra regulatory considerations, which means the choice of lenders may be more limited than for standard buy-to-let mortgages.

Interest Rates and Fees: The interest rates and fees may differ between standard and regulated buy-to-let mortgages due to the additional protections and regulations associated with the latter.

What are the criteria for a Regulated Buy to Let mortgage?

The criteria for a regulated buy-to-let mortgage can vary between lenders, but they typically include the following:

Property Use: The property must be let to a close family member. This can include a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law.

Affordability: You’ll need to show that you can afford the mortgage repayments. Lenders will look at your income, outgoings, and other financial commitments to assess this.

Rental Income: The potential rental income from the property usually needs to cover 125% to 145% of the mortgage interest payments, depending on the lender and your personal tax rate. This is known as the Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR).

Credit History: You’ll generally need a good credit history, although some lenders may consider applicants with less-than-perfect credit depending on the circumstances.

Age: There may be minimum and maximum age limits. Lenders will also often look at your expected retirement age to ensure the mortgage will be repaid by that time.

Deposit: As with any buy-to-let mortgage, you’ll generally need a deposit of at least 20% to 25% of the property’s value, although this can vary between lenders.

Property Value and Type: The property’s value and type can affect the loan size and terms. Lenders might not offer mortgages for properties of non-standard construction or in poor condition.

Can you rent to a family member under a buy-to-let mortgage?

If you plan to rent out a property to a close family member, you generally would not use a standard buy-to-let mortgage. Instead, you would use a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, also known as a family buy-to-let mortgage.

Regulated buy-to-let mortgages are designed specifically for situations where the property is to be let to a family member. The “family member” term usually includes a spouse, civil partner, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling.

This type of mortgage falls under the jurisdiction of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers more protections for the borrower, as the FCA considers them to be less business-like transactions due to the family connection.

It’s crucial to inform your lender about your intentions to rent the property to a family member. Renting to a family member under a standard buy-to-let mortgage without informing your lender could be considered a breach of contract and may have serious consequences, such as the lender demanding full repayment or changing the terms of your loan.

How is my income calculated if I’m self-employed?

If you’re self-employed and applying for a regulated buy-to-let mortgage (or any type of mortgage), lenders will typically calculate your income based on the profits of your business. This can be more complex than for employed applicants, and different lenders might use slightly different methods. Here are the general steps:

Tax Returns: You will typically need to provide at least two years’ worth of tax returns or accounts prepared by a certified or chartered accountant. Some lenders might accept just one year of accounts, but the more years you can provide, the better.

SA302 Forms: In the UK, you can provide your SA302 tax calculation form from HMRC as proof of your income. This form shows your total income received and total tax due for a specific tax year.

Average Profits: Lenders often calculate your income based on the average profits of your business over the past two to three years. This method allows the lender to account for fluctuations in your income from year to year.

Net Profit: If you’re a sole trader or in a partnership, lenders usually consider your share of the net profit as your income.

Salary and Dividends: If you operate as a limited company, lenders usually add together your salary and dividends to calculate your income.

Can any relatives ever live in a Regulated Buy to Let?

Yes, in fact, the main distinguishing feature of a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is that it’s designed specifically for situations where a close family member will be living in the property as their main residence. The term “family member” typically includes a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or civil partner, although different lenders might have slightly different definitions.

With a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, the usual commercial considerations of a standard buy-to-let mortgage are less prominent, and the borrower is offered more protection by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This makes regulated buy-to-let mortgages more suitable for situations where a family member is renting the property, as the relationship between the landlord and tenant is less business-like.

It’s important to note that not all lenders offer regulated buy-to-let mortgages, so if you’re considering renting a property to a family member, it’s worth speaking to a mortgage broker or financial advisor who can guide you to the right lenders and products for your needs.

What if my family member moves out?

If the family member who was living in your property under a regulated buy-to-let mortgage moves out and you wish to rent the property to non-family members, this would fundamentally change the terms under which the original mortgage was granted.
In this situation, you should immediately notify your lender to discuss your options, which might include:

Switching to a Standard Buy-to-Let Mortgage: Your lender may agree to switch your regulated buy-to-let mortgage to a standard buy-to-let mortgage, which is designed for situations where the property is being rented to non-family members. There may be fees or different interest rates associated with this switch.

Selling the Property: If renting to non-family members is not possible or not desirable, you might consider selling the property. Depending on the market conditions and the remaining balance of your mortgage, this could allow you to repay your mortgage and possibly make a profit.

Living in the property Yourself: If it’s feasible for you, you might consider moving into the property yourself. In this case, you would need to discuss with your lender about changing your mortgage to a residential one.

What if part of my property is let to a family member?

If part of your property is being let to a family member, it’s considered a regulated buy-to-let mortgage. This is because the rules and regulations for this type of mortgage apply whenever a close family member is living in the property, regardless of whether they occupy the whole property or just a part of it.

For instance, if you have a two-flat property and you live in one flat while renting the other to a close family member, it’s considered a regulated buy-to-let situation. The same applies if you’re renting out a room in your property to a family member.

However, the specifics may vary from lender to lender. Some may have different rules or requirements depending on the proportion of the property that’s being rented out to family members. Therefore, it’s recommended to discuss your specific situation with potential lenders or a mortgage advisor to understand the best course of action.

Can I live in a regulated buy-to-let?

if you’re considering living in the property yourself, the regulated buy-to-let mortgage may not be the appropriate mortgage product for your situation.

If you wish to live in the property, a standard residential mortgage would typically be the correct type of mortgage to consider, as these are intended for properties that the borrower will use as their main or only residence.

If you currently have a regulated buy-to-let mortgage and your circumstances change such that you wish to live in the property, it’s important to discuss this with your lender.

They may be able to switch your mortgage to a residential one or advise you on the best course of action. It’s crucial to do this before moving into the property, as failing to inform your lender and moving in could be seen as a breach of your mortgage agreement.

Who can get a Regulated Buy to Let mortgage?

In order to qualify for a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

Family Tenant: You plan to let the property to a close family member. The definition of “family member” typically includes a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or civil partner, although definitions can vary between lenders.

Affordability: You meet the lender’s affordability criteria. This usually means proving that you can afford the mortgage repayments, typically through a combination of your income, savings, and the prospective rental income from the property.

Creditworthiness: You have a good credit history. Lenders will usually perform a credit check to assess your financial reliability.

Age: You meet the lender’s age requirements. Many lenders have both minimum and maximum age limits for their mortgage products.

Deposit: You have a sufficient deposit. Most buy-to-let mortgages require a larger deposit than residential mortgages, typically around 20% to 25% of the property’s value, though this can vary between lenders.

Property: The property meets the lender’s criteria. This can include factors like its value, location, and condition.

Can I get a regulated Buy to Let Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Getting any kind of mortgage with a poor credit history can be more challenging, but it’s not impossible. The same holds true for regulated buy-to-let mortgages. However, it’s important to know that it may limit your options and potentially increase your costs.

Here’s why:

     

      1. Fewer Lenders: Not all lenders offer regulated buy-to-let mortgages in the first place, and among those that do, fewer still may be willing to lend to someone with a poor credit history.

      1. Higher Interest Rates: If you do find a lender willing to offer you a mortgage, you may face higher interest rates and fees, as lenders typically see borrowers with bad credit as a higher risk.

      1. Larger Deposit: You may also need to put down a larger deposit to secure the loan. The lender may require this to offset the risk associated with your credit history.

      1. Affordability Checks: Even if you have a larger deposit and are willing to pay higher interest rates, lenders will still conduct affordability checks to ensure you can keep up with the mortgage payments. This is especially important for regulated buy-to-let mortgages, which come under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

    If you have a poor credit history and are considering a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, it would be wise to seek advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor. They can provide advice tailored to your personal circumstances, potentially help improve your creditworthiness before applying for a mortgage, and guide you to lenders who are more likely to consider applications from people with poor credit.

    Regulated Buy to Let Mortgage rates

    Typical buy-to-let mortgage rates in the UK could range anywhere from around 1.5% to 5%, depending on various factors. These factors include the lender’s current rates, the size of your deposit (loan-to-value ratio), your credit history, the rental income you expect to receive, the length and type of the mortgage (fixed rate, variable rate, etc.), and overall market conditions.

    It’s important to note that regulated buy-to-let mortgages can sometimes have slightly higher interest rates than standard buy-to-let mortgages. This is because these mortgages are considered to have a higher risk profile, as they’re more personal in nature due to the involvement of family members.

    Keep in mind that rates can and do fluctuate based on changes in the economy and the Bank of England’s base rate. Therefore, the rates you’re offered may be different.

    Regulated Mortgage lenders

    Here are some examples of potential lenders:

       

        1. Nationwide Building Society: Nationwide offers a range of mortgage products, including regulated buy-to-let mortgages under certain circumstances.

        1. Paragon Bank: Paragon is a specialist lender that offers a wide variety of buy-to-let mortgages, including regulated ones.

        1. Metro Bank: Metro Bank offers a range of buy-to-let mortgage products, which can sometimes include regulated options.

        1. Precise Mortgages: This is another specialist lender that often caters to landlords and investors, including those looking for regulated buy-to-let mortgages.

      What happens if you’re caught living in an unregulated buy-to-let?

      Living in a property that has an unregulated buy-to-let mortgage on it without notifying your lender can be a serious breach of your mortgage agreement. Here’s what could happen:

      Mortgage Recall: Your lender could demand immediate repayment of the entire mortgage balance, which is called “calling in” the mortgage. This could force you to sell the property to repay the loan, and if the sale doesn’t cover the full amount, you’d still be responsible for repaying the rest.

      Higher Interest Rate or Fees: The lender may change the terms of your mortgage, which could include raising your interest rate or charging you additional fees.

      Credit Impact: It could negatively affect your credit rating, making it harder for you to borrow money in the future.

      Legal Implications: In extreme cases, it could have legal implications as it’s a breach of contract.

      If you find yourself in a situation where you want or need to live in a property that has a buy-to-let mortgage on it, it’s important to speak with your lender as soon as possible. They may be willing to change your mortgage to a residential one, or they can advise you on the best course of action.

      Are Buy To Let Mortgages Regulated?

      In the UK, whether a buy-to-let mortgage is regulated or not depends on the circumstances under which the property will be rented out.

      Standard buy-to-let mortgages, where the property is to be rented out to tenants who are not related to the borrower, are not usually regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They are considered commercial transactions and as such, are not subject to the same regulations as residential mortgages.

      However, when the property is to be rented to a close family member (a spouse or civil partner, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling), the mortgage falls under a “regulated buy-to-let” category. In this case, the mortgage is regulated by the FCA, providing borrowers with additional protections.

      These regulations mean that lenders have to follow stricter lending criteria, which can include more detailed affordability checks. This is because a regulated buy-to-let mortgage is treated more like a residential mortgage in the eyes of the law, due to the personal relationship between the landlord and tenant.

      So, while not all buy-to-let mortgages are regulated, some are, depending on the circumstances under which the property will be rented out.

      Are Business Buy To Let Mortgages Regulated By The FCA?

      Business buy-to-let mortgages, also known as “investment” buy-to-let mortgages, are generally not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

      A business buy-to-let mortgage is a type of mortgage used when a property is purchased with the sole intention of renting it out as an investment. These mortgages are usually treated as commercial loans because they’re intended for business purposes, and therefore, they’re not subject to the same regulatory protections as residential mortgages or regulated buy-to-let mortgages.

      However, there are some exceptions. If the borrower or a close relative intends to live in the property for more than 40% of the time, it would be considered a regulated buy-to-let mortgage and would come under FCA regulation.

      Can my child live in my buy-to-let property?

      Yes, as we mentioned earlier, your child can live in your buy-to-let property, but it will impact the type of mortgage you can have on the property. If a close family member, such as a child, is going to live in a property you’re buying to let out, you’ll likely need a “regulated” buy-to-let mortgage rather than a standard buy-to-let mortgage.

      Regulated buy-to-let mortgages are governed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are designed for “consumer” landlords – that is, individuals who are renting out properties to close family members. They come with additional protections for the borrower compared to standard buy-to-let mortgages, which are usually seen as commercial transactions.

      If your child is going to live in the property and you don’t have a regulated buy-to-let mortgage, it’s crucial to inform your lender and switch to the appropriate product. Failing to do so could be seen as a breach of your mortgage terms.

      Do my family members need to sign a formal tenancy agreement?

      Yes, even when letting to family members, it’s generally recommended to have a formal tenancy agreement in place. Here are a few reasons why:

      Clear Understanding: A formal agreement helps ensure both parties have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. This can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

      Legal Protection: If problems do arise, a written agreement provides legal protection for both parties. For example, it can help prove that the arrangement is indeed a tenancy, not just a family favour.

      Mortgage Requirements: If you have a buy-to-let mortgage on the property, your lender may require you to have a formal tenancy agreement, even when letting to family members.

      Regulations Compliance: A tenancy agreement helps ensure compliance with rental regulations, such as deposit protection rules.

      In the UK, the most common type of agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement. While this is commonly used for non-family tenants, it can also be used for family members.

      Regulated buy-to-let mortgage calculator

      Mortgage calculators, whether they are for regulated buy-to-let mortgages or any other type of mortgage, generally require some key inputs:

      Property Price: This is the total price of the property you intend to buy.

      Deposit Amount: This is the amount of money you plan to put down as a deposit. It’s usually expressed as a percentage of the property price.

      Mortgage Term: This is the length of time you’re planning to take to pay off the mortgage, often 25 or 30 years, but it could be any term agreed with the lender.

      Interest Rate: This is the interest rate of the mortgage. If you’re unsure, you could use the average current rate for regulated buy-to-let mortgages in the UK, but keep in mind that the rate you’ll get will depend on your specific circumstances.
      The calculator will then estimate your monthly mortgage payments based on these inputs.

      You can find many mortgage calculators online provided by mortgage lenders, comparison sites, and financial advice websites. However, please keep in mind that the numbers generated by a mortgage calculator should be taken as estimates. For a more accurate assessment, it’s best to consult with a mortgage broker or financial advisor.

      Best Buy To Let Regulated Mortgages

      General guidance on what to consider when looking for the best deal:

      Interest Rate: The lower the interest rate, the less the loan will cost you over time. But remember to check whether the rate is fixed (stays the same for a set period) or variable (can change over time).

      Fees: Some mortgages come with high upfront fees that can make a loan with a low-interest rate less of a good deal.

      Flexibility: Consider how flexible the mortgage is. Can you make overpayments or underpayments? Is there a penalty for paying off the loan early?

      Loan-to-Value (LTV): The lower the LTV, the more favourable the interest rate is likely to be. This is because a lower LTV means less risk for the lender.

      Regulated buy to let specialists

      A specialist broker can be beneficial for several reasons:

      Expertise: Regulated buy-to-let mortgages are less common than standard buy-to-let mortgages, and not all lenders offer them. A specialist has the necessary knowledge and expertise to guide you through this less-travelled path in the mortgage landscape.

      Access to Suitable Products: A specialist broker can give you access to a wider range of suitable mortgage products than you might find on your own. They have access to lenders that you might not be aware of and can potentially negotiate better terms on your behalf.

      Efficiency: Navigating the mortgage market can be time-consuming, especially when you’re looking for a specialised product. A broker can save you time by doing most of the legwork.

      Advice: A specialist can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping you understand what you can afford, what terms are favourable, and how to make your application as appealing as possible to lenders.

      Compliance: A specialist can help ensure that you’re following all the rules and regulations related to regulated buy-to-let mortgages, reducing the risk of potential legal or financial consequences down the line.

      By working with a regulated buy-to-let specialist, you can navigate the process more smoothly and potentially secure a mortgage that is better suited to your needs.

      FAQs

      What does it mean for a mortgage to be regulated?

      A ‘regulated’ mortgage means that it falls under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This offers protection to the borrower because the FCA requires lenders to follow certain rules and guidelines to ensure fair practices, such as thoroughly assessing whether borrowers can afford to take out the mortgage.
       

      Are the interest rates different for regulated buy to let mortgages?

      The interest rates for regulated buy to let mortgages can sometimes be higher than those for standard buy to let mortgages. This is because lenders may consider them higher risk due to the potential complications around having family members as tenants. However, rates can vary depending on your circumstances and the specific lender, so it’s always worth comparing different options.

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