Buy-to-let

Buy-to-let mortgage advice

Whether you're buying your first rental or growing a portfolio, Quanstrom Financial's advisers compare buy-to-let lenders and explain how each one may assess your rental income.

  • Personal and limited company purchases
  • HMOs, holiday lets and portfolio landlords
  • Free first consultation, with no obligation

Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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At a glance

Buy-to-let in numbers

25%

The smallest deposit many buy-to-let lenders ask for, subject to criteria.

125%

How far the rent may need to cover the mortgage payment at the lender's test rate. Higher-rate taxpayers may need more.

5%

The extra Stamp Duty usually added to standard rates when you buy an additional property.*

4

Types of buy-to-let we can help with: standard, limited company, HMO and holiday lets.

*England and Northern Ireland, on additional properties costing £40,000 or more, correct as of August 2026. Different rules apply in Scotland and Wales. Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

What to know

Buy-to-let mortgages, explained

Lenders look at buy-to-let differently from a residential mortgage. Here's what usually matters.

Read our buy-to-let guide

Deposit

Many lenders ask for at least 25%, and a larger deposit could give you access to a wider choice of rates.

Rental income

Lenders usually test whether the rent covers the mortgage payment by 125% or more at a set test rate. Higher-rate taxpayers borrowing personally may need around 145%.

Interest-only or repayment

Many landlords choose interest-only to keep payments lower, but you'll need a clear plan to repay the loan at the end of the term.

Stamp Duty

Additional properties usually attract a 5% surcharge on top of standard rates in England and Northern Ireland, correct as of August 2026.

Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

What we arrange

Buy-to-let mortgages we can help with

From your first rental to a growing portfolio, we'll compare lenders whose criteria may suit your plans.

Standard buy-to-let

Buying a property in your own name to let to a single household.

Limited company

Buying through a limited company, often a special purpose vehicle. We'll explain the mortgage side, and your accountant can advise on tax.

HMOs and multi-unit

Houses in multiple occupation and multi-unit blocks, which some lenders may consider under specialist criteria.

Holiday lets

Furnished holiday lets, where some lenders may assess expected holiday income rather than a standard tenancy.

Let to buy

Letting your current home so you can buy your next one, with a mortgage for each.

Remortgaging a rental

Switching deals or releasing equity on a property you already let, subject to criteria.

Why Quanstrom Financial

Why landlords choose us

  • Lenders compared across the marketIncluding specialist lenders for limited companies, HMOs and holiday lets.
  • Rental calculations explainedWe'll show you how each lender may assess the rent, so there are fewer surprises.
  • Your plans looked at as a wholeFrom your first rental to remortgaging a portfolio, we'll help you plan the next step.
  • Local people who know EastbourneWe work with local estate agents and solicitors every week, so we know the local market well.

It is common to find knowledgeable mortgage brokers but it's rare to find someone that invests in communicating this knowledge clearly and as often as needed.

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Protect your incomeIf your income stopped, could you keep up your mortgage payments? Life insurance and income protection could help. There's no charge for our protection advice.Protection options

Buy-to-let questions

Can't see your question? Call us on 01323 364432 or book a free consultation.

How much deposit do I need for a buy-to-let mortgage?

Many lenders ask for at least 25%, subject to criteria. A deposit of 35% to 40% could give you access to a wider choice of rates.

How much rent do I need?

Lenders usually want the rent to cover the mortgage payment by at least 125% at their test rate, and some ask for around 145% if you're a higher-rate taxpayer borrowing personally. We'll work out what rent may be needed for the loan you have in mind.

Should I choose interest-only or repayment?

Many landlords choose interest-only to keep monthly costs lower, as long as they have a clear plan to repay the loan at the end of the term, such as selling the property. We'll explain how each option could affect your costs.

Do I pay extra Stamp Duty on a buy-to-let?

Usually, yes. In England and Northern Ireland, additional properties costing £40,000 or more attract a 5% surcharge on top of standard rates, correct as of August 2026. Your solicitor will confirm the amount before you exchange.

Should I buy through a limited company?

It depends on your tax position, the size of your portfolio and your plans. We'll explain how the mortgage side works, and we'd suggest speaking to your accountant about tax. Our buy-to-let guide explains more.

Are buy-to-let mortgages regulated?

Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some are, for example if you or a close family member will live in the property. We'll explain which applies to you.

How much does your advice cost?

Fees vary depending on your circumstances - get in touch and we'll explain any costs clearly before you proceed. Your first consultation is free and there's no obligation.

Planning your next rental?

Book a free consultation and we'll talk through your plans. We aim to reply the same working day, and there's no obligation.

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