How do buy to let mortgages work?

Buy to let mortgages are assessed differently from residential ones. Lenders primarily look at the rental income the property can generate — typically requiring it to cover 125–145% of the monthly mortgage payment at a stressed rate.

Deposits are generally higher than residential — most lenders require a minimum of 25%, though some will accept 20% with the right criteria.

Most buy to let mortgages are interest-only, meaning your monthly payment covers only the interest on the loan. This keeps payments low but means the full loan balance remains at the end of the term — you'll need a repayment strategy.

Who is this for?
  • You're purchasing a property to rent out
  • You already own a property and are expanding your portfolio
  • You want to understand the criteria before committing
  • You want to compare the full market including specialist BTL lenders
Key points
  • Minimum deposit typically 25% of the purchase price
  • Rental income usually needs to cover 125–145% of mortgage payment
  • Interest-only options available — keeps monthly payments low
  • We work with specialist BTL lenders not available on comparison sites
Common questions

Things people ask us

Can I have a buy to let mortgage on a property I already own?
How is affordability assessed on a BTL?
What's the difference between a personal BTL and a Ltd Company BTL?
Also Consider

Related mortgage types

Debt Consolidation
If you're juggling multiple debts at high interest rates, consolidating them into your mortgage can significantly reduce your monthly outgoings. But it's a decision that needs careful thought — and honest advice.
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Home Improvement Loans
If you're planning a renovation, extension, or major improvement, a further advance or remortgage to raise funds could be more cost-effective than a personal loan — particularly if your property has increased in value.
Learn more
Porting (Moving Home)
If you're moving home and still in the middle of a fixed rate deal, you may be able to port your existing mortgage to your new property — keeping your current rate and avoiding early repayment charges.
Learn more