## Buy to Let Mortgage Searches Remain Robust in February 2026

Buy to let mortgage searches conducted by UK financial advisers remained resilient in February 2026, according to the latest data from Twenty7tec’s Mortgage Market Snapshot. Advisers carried out 291,468 buy to let searches during the month, representing a 4% decrease compared to January 2026 but a 2% increase compared to the same month in 2025. This suggests that while activity has eased slightly after the start-of-year surge, demand remains higher than the previous year.

Within this total, buy to let remortgage searches rose by 8% year on year, indicating that many landlords are actively refinancing existing borrowing arrangements. This trend points to a market where landlords are reviewing their mortgage deals to secure better terms or rate certainty amid ongoing economic changes.

## Market Activity Settles After Early Year Surge

Nathan Reilly, chief customer officer at Twenty7tec, commented on the figures, noting that the market appears to be settling into a more typical pattern following the strong rebound in adviser activity seen at the beginning of 2026. He said:
“February’s figures suggest the market is settling into a more typical rhythm following the strong rebound in adviser activity at the start of the year. While search volumes have moderated slightly month on month, the fact activity remains higher than this time last year highlights the continued resilience of adviser demand.”

Reilly also emphasised the prominence of refinancing, stating that borrowers continue to review existing deals and seek rate certainty in a changing environment. This ongoing refinancing activity is significant for landlords aiming to manage borrowing costs and financial risks.

## Wider Residential Mortgage Market Trends

Beyond buy to let, the broader residential mortgage market also experienced a slight slowdown in February 2026. Advisers conducted 1,814,583 mortgage searches, down 4.6% from January but still 3.6% higher than February 2025. Residential remortgage searches accounted for 688,053 of these, a 9% decline from January but a notable 19% increase year on year.

First-time buyer mortgage searches fell slightly to 164,803 in February, down 2% from January and 12% lower than the same month in 2025. This decline contrasts with the relative stability in buy to let activity and highlights differing dynamics within the housing market.

## What This Means for Landlords

The data suggests that UK landlords remain engaged in managing their mortgage arrangements, particularly through remortgaging. The increase in buy to let remortgage searches year on year indicates landlords are actively seeking to optimise borrowing costs or secure fixed rates amid economic uncertainty. While the slight monthly dips in search volumes may reflect seasonal adjustments, the overall resilience points to a stable lending environment for buy to let investors.

Landlords should continue to monitor mortgage market trends and consider refinancing opportunities to maintain financial flexibility. The settling market rhythm may also mean more predictable mortgage product availability and pricing in the coming months.

—

Suggested internal link anchors
– buy to let mortgage searches
– remortgaging
– landlord borrowing arrangements
– mortgage market trends
– refinancing buy to let mortgages
– residential mortgage market
– first-time buyer mortgage searches
– mortgage rate certainty
– landlord financial planning
– property investment finance

—

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/