Lenders compete for BTL mortgage business

Buy-to-let mortgage rates are being slashed to record lows in an effort to keep the market alive following the continued efforts by the Chancellor George Osborne to keep the buy-to-let boom under control.

In fact these efforts by the Chancellor appears to have  triggered what might be called a ‘price war’ as lenders compete to attract new business.

Charlotte Nelson, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk reportedly said:  “The BTL market has faced intense pressure recently, but despite this, rates have continued to fall across all fixed rates. For example, the average two-year fixed rate has fallen by 0.71% in just two years, while the average five-year fixed rate has dropped by an equally significant 0.76% over the same period.

“A year on from pension freedoms and almost £3bn has been paid out in cash lump sum withdrawals, so it’s highly likely that some of this money has been accessed with BTL in mind.

“Savings rates are currently so poor that many are looking elsewhere to fund their retirement, so lenders have tried to capitalise on this new pool of cash by offering some of the best rates the BTL sector has ever seen. In addition, providers also cut rates in the run-up to the stamp duty changes in order to attract those keen to buy before they were implemented, which has further aided the downward slide in rates.

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

The Future of Urban Real Estate: Trends and Predictions for 2026

Affordability pressures, hybrid work arrangements, and steep borrowing costs are heavy influences on urban real estate for 2026. We’re seeing an increase in mixed-use development and a renewed focus from investors on markets with a steady demand. Markets that can balance housing access, transportation, lifestyle amenities, and flexible workplaces will come out on top. Major…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

London’s prime residential market isn’t falling — it’s repricing

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners London’s prime residential market has looked subdued by global standards, but framing current conditions as a decline overlooks the more important underlying dynamic. The market is undergoing structural repricing driven by higher interest rates, shifting tax policy and a more volatile geopolitical environment. This is not…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – April 2026

Market activity strengthens with applicant demand recovering and supply remaining ahead of last year   After the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, April provides the final snapshot of market conditions ahead of implementation, offering a clear benchmark for how the sector is positioned entering this new regulatory environment. The lettings market strengthened through the…
Read More
Breaking News

Five hidden costs catching home buyers out

FIVE hidden costs that’re catching home buyers out, AFTER they put their offer in, says expert • Buyers often focus on deposits and mortgages, but overlook thousands in extra costs • Delays, surveys and legal fees can quickly inflate budgets • Unexpected gaps in funding are becoming increasingly common A lot of home buyers think…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: March 2026

Buyer activity and sales agreed picked up this month as the housing market entered the spring season, with increased stock levels giving consumers more choice despite ongoing affordability pressures. Meanwhile, the rental market remained highly competitive, as tenant demand continued to outstrip supply and concerns over future regulation weighed on landlord confidence. Sales 1. The…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Act risks leaving the tenants it set out to protect with fewer options

Fewer than a third of landlords are fully aware that the Renters’ Rights Act bans advance rent payments of more than one month, according to new research from LRG. The survey of 650 landlords and tenants across England and Wales found that 43% know the rules have changed but remain uncertain of the details, while…
Read More