Key summary:
- Buy-to-let mortgages are specialist loans for people who want to buy a property and rent it out
- They differ from standard mortgages in deposit size, lending criteria, and affordability checks, which are largely based on income
- Most landlords choose interest-only mortgages, paying off the capital when they sell the property
- There are extra costs and responsibilities to consider, including taxes, fees, and periods without tenants
What is a buy-to-let mortgage?
A buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage is a loan specifically for buying a property you plan to rent out. On the surface, it works a lot like a conventional residential mortgage, but there are some important differences in how lenders assess applications and what they expect from you.
Becoming a landlord can still be an attractive option, even with higher interest rates and more rental regulations. Renting out a property can generate a steady monthly income, while the property itself could grow in value over time.
If you don’t have the funds to buy a property outright, you’ll likely need a mortgage, but a conventional residential mortgage won’t do. Instead, you’ll need a specialist buy-to-let mortgage.
Before you apply, it’s worth understanding the responsibilities of being a landlord.
What are the average buy to let mortgage rates right now?
| Loan to Value (LTV) | Term | £2000 fee (weekly change) |
£1000 fee (weekly change) |
£0 fee (weekly change) |
5% fee (weekly change) |
4% fee (weekly change) |
2% fee (weekly change) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75% | 2-year fixed | 4.71% (+0.05%) | 4.74% (-0.02%) | 4.89% (-0.01%) | 4.12% (-0.17%) | 4.01% (-0.23%) | 5.25% (-0.11%) |
| 75% | 5-year fixed | 4.78% (-0.07%) | 4.77% (-0.01%) | 4.82% (-0.01%) | 5.12% (+0.00%) | 5.12% (-0.22%) | 5.47% (-0.07%) |
| 65% | 2-year fixed | 4.41% (+0.05%) | 4.35% (+0.00%) | 4.8% (+0.01%) | 3.62% (-0.02%) | 3.9% (-0.29%) | 5.01% (+0.00%) |
| 65% | 5-year fixed | 4.67% (+0.04%) | 4.42% (+0.00%) | 4.7% (-0.02%) | 4.66% (+0.00%) | 5.22% (+0.00%) | 5.35% (+0.00%) |
| 60% | 2-year fixed | 4.07% (+0.00%) | 4.1% (-0.04%) | 4.48% (-0.02%) | – | – | – |
| 60% | 5-year fixed | 4.26% (+0.00%) | 4.2% (-0.04%) | 4.39% (-0.02%) | – | – | – |
Updated: 07 Nov 2025
This data is provided by Podium, using rates from buy-to-let products currently available. Please note, some lender rates may not be included.
What are the lowest buy to let mortgage rates right now?
| Loan to Value (LTV) | Term | £2000 fee (weekly change) |
£1000 fee (weekly change) |
£0 fee (weekly change) |
5% fee (weekly change) |
4% fee (weekly change) |
2% fee (weekly change) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75% | 2-year fixed | 4.03% (+0.00%) | 4.02% (-0.05%) | 4.26% (+0.00%) | 2.92% (-0.22%) | 3.56% (-0.58%) | 4.15% (+0.00%) |
| 75% | 5-year fixed | 4.05% (-0.04%) | 4.09% (-0.1%) | 4.34% (+0.00%) | 4.2% (+0.00%) | 4.45% (-0.74%) | 4.75% (+0.00%) |
| 65% | 2-year fixed | 3.95% (+0.00%) | 3.92% (+0.00%) | 4.14% (-0.05%) | 3.49% (+0.00%) | 3.32% (-0.82%) | 4.7% (+0.00%) |
| 65% | 5-year fixed | 4.09% (+0.00%) | 3.97% (+0.00%) | 4.19% (-0.04%) | 4.14% (+0.00%) | 5.09% (+0.00%) | 4.75% (+0.00%) |
| 60% | 2-year fixed | 3.89% (+0.00%) | 3.92% (+0.00%) | 4.29% (+0.00%) | – | – | – |
| 60% | 5-year fixed | 4.04% (+0.00%) | 3.97% (+0.00%) | 4.22% (+0.00%) | – | – | – |
Updated: 07 Nov 2025
This data is provided by Podium, using rates from buy-to-let products currently available. Please note, some lender rates may not be included.
How is a buy-to-let mortgage different from a residential mortgage?
While a standard residential mortgage is designed for people who live in their property, a buy-to-let mortgage is for landlords. It can be used to buy homes of different types: detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, or flats. However, some lenders may turn down applications for certain properties, such as those needing extensive refurbishment, barn conversions, or homes made from unusual materials.
You can read more here about the reasons lenders might decline a mortgage on certain types of property.
There are three main differences between conventional mortgages and BTL mortgages to be aware of:
- Cost: Buy-to-let mortgages are usually more expensive than residential mortgages (sometimes called owner-occupied mortgages). Interest rates and arrangement fees tend to be higher because lenders often see them as a higher-risk investment – largely because the person taking out the mortgage won’t be living in the property. So, to have access to the lowest-available rates, you’ll need a healthy deposit (often at least 25% of the property value), a good credit rating, and a reliable income or financial history.
- Affordability based on rental income: While affordability for residential mortgages is calculated in relation to your income, buy-to-let mortgages are assessed against the rent your property could earn. Lenders want to be confident that the rental income can comfortably cover the mortgage repayments.
- Deposit size: Residential mortgages can often be secured with as little as a 5% deposit. With a buy-to-let mortgage, you’ll typically need at least 25% of the property’s value, although some lenders may accept 20% in exceptional cases. A larger deposit usually means a better rate, and more borrowing options.
Who can get a buy-to-let mortgage?
In theory, anyone can take out a buy-to-let mortgage, and there’s no strict limit to how many you can hold. Some property investors build portfolios with multiple loans across different lenders.
That said, lenders do have rules to protect themselves. Minimum age requirements often apply, and many lenders prefer applicants to have a full-time income. Some lenders may ask that you already own a property.
Even with these conditions, the key requirement for all lenders is often the deposit. Most will lend up to 75% of the property’s value, meaning you’ll need at least 25% upfront.
How lenders assess buy-to-let applications
Lenders focus heavily on the rental potential of the property. They generally expect the rental income to cover at least 125% of the mortgage repayments, which provides a buffer in case the property is empty for a while.
You might be asked for a rental income forecast from an ARLA-registered letting agent. Your personal income still matters, especially as a safety net, but it’s usually not the main factor.
Location is also key. Consider property prices and the typical rental yield in the area. If the numbers don’t add up, you may need a higher deposit, or to look elsewhere.
Types of buy-to-let mortgage
Like residential mortgages, buy-to-let loans can be repayment (capital plus interest) or interest-only.
- Interest-only mortgages are popular with landlords because monthly payments are lower, and rent typically covers the interest. At the end of the term, the full loan amount remains, and many landlords plan to sell the property to repay it, ideally at a profit.
- Repayment mortgages have higher monthly payments, but the loan is fully repaid by the end of the term. You can continue renting out the property, or sell it on
BTL mortgage FAQs
Can I live in a property with a buy-to-let mortgage myself?
No – doing so would breach the mortgage terms and could be considered mortgage fraud.
Can I switch from a residential mortgage to buy-to-let?
If your circumstances change and you want to rent out your home, you’ll need permission from your current lender. If they decline, you could remortgage onto a buy-to-let mortgage.
What will lenders ask for?
Applications require standard documents: ID, proof of age, employment, and income. You may also need a rental forecast from a letting agent. There may also be other information requested, depending on the lender.
How much can I borrow?
The amount depends on expected rental income, as well as deposit size, and often your own personal income. Lenders typically require rent to exceed your mortgage payment by 25%, giving them a safety margin. If the numbers fall short, you may need a bigger deposit.
What are some additional costs?
On top of the cost of the repayments, you may incur other costs when buying a buy-to-let property and taking out a buy-to-let mortgage:
- Lender fees – Some charge a non-refundable fee (often around £500), others a percentage of the loan.
- Legal fees – Solicitor costs for conveyancing and property checks.
- Broker fees – If you use a mortgage broker.
What are the tax implications?
You’ll pay tax on rental income, and capital gains tax may apply if and when you decide to sell the property:
- Basic rate taxpayers: 24% on gains from buy-to-let properties.
- Higher/additional rate taxpayers: 24% on gains.
It’s wise to speak with a qualified accountant to understand your liabilities.
Are BTL mortgages covered by the Mortgage Charter?
Buy-to-let mortgages aren’t covered by the Mortgage Charter, so you won’t get the same protections as standard residential borrowers.
Choosing the right buy-to-let mortgage:
When deciding on a mortgage, consider:
- Whether you’d prefer interest-only or repayment
- Your ability to cover repayments during vacant periods
- The type of property and its location, as well as the potential rental income
Getting advice from a mortgage broker can help you navigate these decisions and find the most suitable product.
Please note: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on the mortgage. Early Repayment Charges may apply if you leave your current mortgage during the fixed-rate period. Rightmove is not authorised to give financial advice; the information and opinions provided in these articles are not intended to be financial advice and should not be relied upon when making financial decisions. Please seek advice from a regulated mortgage adviser.
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