Buy to let and commercial lenders are adjusting their offerings with new rates, products, and strategic changes that impact landlords and investors across the UK. Notably, Kent Reliance for Intermediaries is exiting new lending, while other lenders such as Paragon Bank, Landbay, and Atom Bank are enhancing their product ranges and application processes to better serve landlords.

Paragon Bank Simplifies Applications for Complex Properties

Paragon Bank has expanded its streamlined buy to let (BTL) application process to include Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Multi-Unit Blocks (MUBs). This update is designed to reduce the administrative burden for landlords holding up to 15 properties, particularly those investing in higher-yielding and more complex property types.

Previously, Paragon’s simplified process applied only to single self-contained homes, but the extension now allows landlords to benefit from automatic data retrieval from sources such as Companies House, Experian, and Hometrack. This reduces the need for paperwork and manual checks, speeding up the application journey.

Importantly, most landlords will no longer need to submit payslips, tax returns, or bank statements, and limited company borrowers are not required to provide two years of accounts at the outset. All applications remain fully underwritten, with additional documentation requested only when necessary.

Louisa Sedgwick, Paragon’s managing director of mortgages, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting landlords venturing into HMOs and MUBs, stating that the enhanced process makes it easier to access expertise and grow portfolios in these sectors.

Landbay Reduces Premier Range Rates and Expands Specialist Products

Landbay has announced reductions of up to 10 basis points on selected two- and five-year fixed-rate products within its Premier range. These reductions apply to standard borrowing, product transfers, and like-for-like remortgages for landlords with portfolios of up to 15 properties.

Repriced options include five-year fixed deals starting from 4.84% and two-year fixes from 4.79% at 75% loan-to-value (LTV) with a 1% fee. In addition, Landbay offers higher-fee alternatives that provide lower headline rates, giving landlords flexibility depending on their borrowing preferences.

Responding to growing demand for diversified income streams, Landbay has extended its Specialist range by introducing four new holiday let small multi-unit freehold block (MUFB) products. These cater to landlords seeking to diversify their portfolios and access higher-yielding sectors.

Rob Stanton, Landbay’s sales and distribution director, highlighted the importance of these new products in providing greater choice for brokers and landlords in the expanding holiday let market.

Furthermore, Landbay has introduced a 5% annual overpayment facility on new buy to let applications, offering borrowers additional flexibility to reduce their mortgage balances when they have surplus funds.

Kent Reliance for Intermediaries Withdraws from New Lending

Kent Reliance for Intermediaries (KRFI) has announced it will cease new lending from 17 December 2025, including buy to let, residential shared ownership, and further advance products. Applications that have reached the fees-paid stage will continue to completion, and existing customers will still receive ongoing support.

This withdrawal aligns with the OSB Group’s multi-brand strategy, which recently launched Rely as a dedicated buy to let proposition and positioned Precise as the group’s specialist for residential and bridging finance.

Adrian Moloney, OSB Group’s intermediary director, reflected on KRFI’s 13-year history supporting brokers and customers with specialist buy to let and residential finance. He noted that the group is now focusing on simplifying broker choices within its lender brands to better meet customer requirements.

Atom Bank Achieves Record Commercial Lending Performance

Atom Bank has reported a record-breaking quarter for commercial mortgage offers, surpassing its previous highest level with a month still remaining in the quarter. Offer values are tracking more than 7% higher than the previous quarter, with October marking the strongest month on record.

This achievement was realised despite reduced staffing during school holidays and the opening of Atom’s new headquarters in Newcastle.

Tom Renwick, Atom’s head of business, stated that the record results demonstrate strong appetite for commercial mortgage lending and the effectiveness of the bank’s streamlined loan processes in delivering value to brokers and borrowers.

Implications for UK Landlords and Agents

These developments reflect ongoing adjustments in the buy to let and commercial lending markets, with lenders refining their products and processes to better meet landlord needs. The simplification of application procedures, especially for complex property types like HMOs and MUBs, can help landlords expand their portfolios more efficiently.

Rate reductions and new product offerings, such as Landbay’s holiday let products and overpayment flexibility, provide landlords with more options to tailor finance solutions to their investment strategies. However, the exit of Kent Reliance from new lending highlights the importance of staying informed about lender availability and product changes.

Landlords and letting agents should consider these changes when planning finance strategies, ensuring they work with lenders and brokers who understand the nuances of buy to let and commercial property investment.

Looking Ahead: TLA’s Trusted Partners Hub

The Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in the first quarter of 2026. This initiative will feature verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses.

Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers are invited to register their interest to become part of this network, which aims to enhance the support ecosystem for landlords across the UK.

Providers can find more information and register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/