Buy to let lenders have recently relaunched and expanded their product ranges, signalling renewed confidence in the market despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This development offers landlords and letting agents a broader selection of mortgage options, including support for more complex property types and borrower circumstances.

Foundation Lending Returns with Expanded Buy to Let Products

Foundation Lending has re-entered the buy to let market after a brief withdrawal last week, which was attributed to market tensions linked to the Middle East conflict. The lender has now relaunched a refreshed suite of products that cater to a wide variety of buy to let scenarios, including standard lending, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFBs), short-term lets, and expat cases.

Alongside the return, Foundation has introduced revised pricing and product structures, notably reducing fees on selected five-year fixed rates, including those for standard HMOs. Grant Hendry, Foundation’s director of sales, emphasised the lender’s commitment to offering practical solutions across diverse borrower and property types, stating, “While we have made some changes to pricing and product structure, our focus remains on offering practical solutions across a wide range of borrower and property types. That includes maintaining support for more complex buy to let cases.”

Landbay Introduces New Small HMO and AVM Remortgage Products

Landbay has expanded its Premier range by adding new products for small HMOs and automated valuation model (AVM) remortgages. These additions provide landlords with up to 15 mortgaged properties more options for both purchase and remortgage transactions. The new products include two- and five-year fixed rates up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV).

Pricing for small HMOs starts at 5.59% on a two-year fixed rate with a 1% fee, reducing to 4.59% with a 3% fee. Five-year fixes range from 5.49% at a 1% fee down to 4.69% with a 5% fee. Product transfer options for small HMOs are slightly higher, with two-year fixes from 5.64% and five-year fixes from 5.54%. Additionally, new remortgage AVM deals are available up to 75% LTV, with five-year fixes priced between 5.24% and 4.44%, depending on the fee structure.

Rob Stanton, Landbay’s sales and distribution director, highlighted the strategic expansion, saying, “Following our recent expansion into Scotland, we are pleased to bring small HMO and remortgage AVM options into our Premier range. These additions give advisers more ways to support purchase, remortgage and existing borrower activity, particularly where speed and certainty are key.”

Barclays’ Buy to Let Fixed Rates Increase

Barclays has raised its buy to let fixed rates by 0.55%, with its five-year fixed rate at 75% LTV now set at 4.70%, available until 30 June 2031. The product includes a £1,295 fee, a free valuation, and allows overpayments.

Despite the rate increase, Barclays’ offering remains competitive. Caitlyn Eastell, financial analyst at Moneyfactscompare, noted, “Despite the notable hike, when assessed as a whole it takes a competitive position in the Best Buy tables. To add to the deal’s appeal, there is a free valuation incentive which can help reduce initial costs and partially offsets the £1,295 product fee. On assessment, the deal maintains its position in the top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

ModaMortgages Broadens Remortgage Criteria

ModaMortgages has widened its day one remortgage criteria to include landlords who have purchased properties with cash within the last six months. This change enables borrowers to release equity after refurbishing or improving properties, including those previously considered unmortgageable.

Roger Morris, group distribution director at ModaMortgages, explained the rationale behind the update: “It supports the growing trend of landlords purchasing properties at auctions with cash, or those who purchased previously unmortgageable properties and have made them into a lettable state. This could involve cosmetic touch ups like repainting, installing a new kitchen and bathroom, or adding new doors and windows.”

What this means for landlords

The relaunch and expansion of buy to let products by lenders such as Foundation, Landbay, Barclays, and ModaMortgages offer landlords greater flexibility and access to finance tailored to a variety of property types and investment strategies. The inclusion of support for complex cases like HMOs, MUFBs, and expat borrowers reflects an understanding of the diverse needs within the sector.

Fee reductions and competitive fixed rates may help landlords manage borrowing costs more effectively, while the expanded remortgage criteria provide opportunities to unlock equity and improve cash flow, especially for those who have recently purchased or refurbished properties. Overall, these developments signal a cautiously optimistic lending environment for buy to let investors amid broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/