Buy to let Remortgage
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If you own a rental property, a buy to let remortgage could be your ticket to a more profitable and stress-free property investment journey. When you swap your current buy to let mortgage for a new one you can (hopefully) tap into the latest interest rates and lender incentives, free up cash to invest in other properties, or simply enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle. Plus, if you’re struggling to keep up with your monthly mortgage payments, remortgaging can help you reduce your financial burden and keep your rental business afloat.
So, if you’re a rental property owner and want to take control of your finances, consider a buy to let remortgage as your next move. With the right advice and strategy, you could unlock the full potential of your rental property and take your property investment to the next level.
To find out more about remortgaging a buy to let property, read on.
Understanding a buy to let remortgage
A buy to let remortgage is a type of mortgage refinancing where a rental property owner exchanges their existing mortgage for a new one with better terms or a different lender, in order to optimise the rental property’s financial position, increase profitability, or even expand the buy to let investors property portfolio.
As such it’s a different product from a regular remortgage in a few key ways:
Purpose
A regular remortgage is typically used to refinance residential mortgages for primary residences, or to switch to a better deal with the same lender.
A buy to let mortgage, on the other hand, is specifically designed for investors with rental properties who want to improve their rental income, access additional funds, or invest in additional properties.
Eligibility Criteria
Lenders have different eligibility criteria for buy to let mortgages compared to a regular residential mortgage. For example, they typically require buy to let property investors to have higher credit scores, a larger deposit, and a proven rental income. This is because rental properties are considered a higher risk than a residential property, and lenders want to ensure they will receive their mortgage repayments.
Interest rates
Buy to let remortgage rates tend to be higher than residential remortgage rates, reflecting the higher risk involved. However, the interest rates on buy to let remortgages can still be competitive and lower than other types of financing options.
Tax implications
There are also different tax implications for a buy to let remortgage compared to a standard residential mortgage. Investor property owners may be able to claim tax relief on the mortgage interest payments for their buy to let investment property, which can help reduce their tax bill and increase their rental income.
Deposit requirements
Buy to let mortgage lenders usually require a 25% deposit. Lower deposits may be available, however these are usualyl reserved for experienced landlords with multiple properties and proven responsible borrowing.
Eligibility criteria for buy to let remortgage
The eligibility criteria for a buy-to-let remortgage will vary depending on the lender, but generally, lenders will take the following factors are taken into consideration:
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio
Lenders typically offer remortgage deals up to a certain percentage of the value of the property, known as the LTV ratio. The maximum LTV ratio varies between lenders but usually ranges from 60% to 80%. This means that if the property is valued at £200,000, and the maximum LTV ratio offered by the lender is 75%, you can borrow up to £150,000.
Rental Income
The lender will also consider the expected rental income from the property. Typically, lenders require the rental income to be at least 125% of the monthly mortgage payment. For example, if the mortgage payment is £1,000 per month, the rental income should be at least £1,250 per month.
Property Condition
The lender will assess the condition of the property to ensure it is in good condition and suitable for rental purposes.
Credit Score
Credit score and credit history will also be taken into consideration by the lender. Lenders prefer borrowers with a good credit score as it indicates that you have a history of managing credit responsibly.
Affordability
Lenders will also assess your income and other financial commitments to ensure you can afford the mortgage repayments.
Age
Some lenders have an age limit for applicants, typically they’ll only accept applications from people between 21 and 70 years old.
How a buy to let remortgage works
A buy-to-let remortgage allows you to switch your existing mortgage on a rental property to a new mortgage deal. Essentially, you’re taking out a new mortgage (potentially with a new mortgage provider) on the property to replace your existing one.
Remortgaging can help lower your monthly payments, reduce your interest rate, access equity in the property, or change the length of the mortgage term. To be eligible for a buy-to-let remortgage, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, including the property’s value, expected rental income, and your credit score.
You’ll need to apply for a remortgage with a lender, and they will assess your application based on their eligibility criteria. If approved, the lender will pay off your existing mortgage, and you’ll start making monthly repayments on the new mortgage deal.
Benefits of buy to let remortgage
Overall, buy to let remortgaging can be a smart financial move for property investors. By taking advantage of the latest market conditions and lender incentives, you can optimise your finances and potentially build a more profitable property investment portfolio.
Key benefits include:
Lower monthly payments
Remortgaging your rental property can help you secure a more competitive interest rate, which usually means lower monthly payments. This can improve your cash flow and make your property investment more profitable.
Access to additional funds
By remortgaging your rental property, you may be able to access additional funds that you can then use to invest in more properties, make home improvements, or pay off other debts.
Switch to a better deal
If you’re unhappy with your current lender or mortgage terms, remortgaging can give you the opportunity to switch to a better buy to let deal. This can help you save money on interest and reduce your overall mortgage costs.
Increased flexibility
Remortgaging can also give you more flexibility in terms of your mortgage length and payment structure. You may be able to choose a longer or shorter mortgage term, or opt for a repayment mortgage, variable rate mortgage, or interest only mortgage.
Potential for higher returns
By remortgaging your rental property, you can free up cash that you can then use to invest in more properties. This can increase your overall property portfolio and potentially lead to higher returns on your investment.
Risks, considerations, and drawbacks of buy to let remortgage
While a buy to let remortgage can be a useful financial tool to maximise an investment property’s value, there are some risks and drawbacks to consider.
For example:
Higher interest rates
Buy to let remortgage rates are typically higher than regular remortgage rates, reflecting the higher risk involved in lending for rental properties. This can increase the overall cost of borrowing and reduce profitability.
Fluctuations in property value
The rental property market is subject to fluctuations in property values and rental incomes, which can affect a borrower’s ability to repay their mortgage. If house prices fall or rental incomes decrease, property investors may struggle to make their mortgage payments and could risk defaulting on their mortgage.
Additional fees
There may be additional fees associated with taking out a buy to let remortgage, such as arrangement fees, valuation fees, and legal fees. These can add up and increase the overall cost of borrowing.
Rental property management
Rental properties require ongoing management, including finding tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining the property. This can be time-consuming and require additional expenses, such as property management fees or letting agent fees.
Market risk
Property markets can be unpredictable, and changes in interest rates or economic conditions can affect the value of rental properties. Investors who have invested in rental properties through a buy to let mortgage may be exposed to market risk if their property value declines.
Working with a financial advisor or mortgage broker can be helpful in evaluating all the risks, allowing you to make an informed decision.
The impact of buy to let remortgage on your credit rating
As well as the above risks and drawbacks, remortgaging can have both positive and negative impacts on your credit rating, depending on how it is managed.
On the positive side, if you successfully remortgage your rental property to obtain better terms, such as lower interest rates, this can lower your monthly mortgage payments and improve your cash flow. This in turn can help you make your mortgage payments on time and in full, which can positively impact your credit score.
Additionally, if you use the funds from the remortgage to invest in additional rental properties, you may be able to increase your rental income and improve your overall financial position.
Unfortunately there are potential negative impacts on credit rating if you do not manage your buy to let remortgage effectively. For example, if you miss mortgage payments or defaults on your mortgage, this can significantly harm your credit rating and make it more difficult to obtain credit in the future.
Additionally, if you take out too much debt through a buy to let remortgage and are unable to manage your monthly payments, this can also harm your credit rating.
How the experts can help secure a buy to let remortgage
Seeking professional advice before considering buy to let remortgage is crucial for several reasons:
Expert guidance
A professional mortgage broker, such as Believe Money, or a financial advisor can provide expert guidance on the complexities of a buy to let remortgage, including the risks and benefits involved, and help investors make informed decisions about their options.
Tailored advice
Every property owner’s financial situation is unique, and what works for one investor may not be appropriate for another. Seeking professional advice allows investors to receive tailored advice that takes into account their specific financial circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance.
Access to exclusive deals
Mortgage brokers often have access to exclusive deals and products that may not be available to investors who approach lenders directly. This can help you obtain better terms and save money over the life of your investment.
Avoid costly mistakes
The buy to let remortgage process can be complex, and borrowers who proceed without seeking professional advice may make costly mistakes that could impact their credit rating or financial stability.
By working with a professional, you can avoid these pitfalls and costly mistakes, and ensure you make the best possible informed decisions for your financial future.
Our step-by-step guide to buy to let remortgaging
- Get your finances in order: Before even thinking about remortgaging your buy to let property, it’s important to review your finances and make sure you’re in a good position to take on a new mortgage. Crunch those numbers, check your credit score, and make sure you’re ready to take on this new financial responsibility.
- Shop around for the best deal: The UK is home to a variety of mortgage lenders, each with their own unique offerings for buy to let remortgages. Spend some time shopping around for the best deal that suits your needs, including interest rates, fees, and loan terms. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a better deal – after all, this is your hard-earned cash we’re talking about.
- Submit your application: Once you’ve found the perfect buy to let remortgage, it’s time to submit your application. This typically involves filling out a stack of paperwork and providing proof of income, assets, and liabilities. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible to help the lender make a decision on your application.
- Await approval: After submitting your application, all you can do is sit back, relax, and wait for approval. The lender will review your application and may request additional information or documentation. Be patient and try not to stress too much – you’ve done all the hard work already.
- Finalise your remortgage: If your application is approved, it’s time to finalise your buy to let remortgage. This typically involves signing yet more paperwork and transferring your mortgage to the new lender. Make sure you understand all the terms of your new mortgage before signing on the dotted line.
- Enjoy the benefits: Once you’ve remortgaged your buy to let property, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits. Whether you’re lowering your monthly mortgage payments, accessing equity for a new investment, or simply securing a better interest rate, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve made a savvy financial decision.
Key documents you need for a buy to let remortgage
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Proof of identification: You will need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driving license, to verify your identity.
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Proof of income: You may be required to provide proof of your rental income and other sources of income to show that you can afford the mortgage payments. This may include bank statements, tax returns, and rental agreements.
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Property valuation: The lender may require a professional valuation of your property to determine its current market value and ensure that it meets their lending criteria.
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Existing mortgage information: If you are remortgaging an existing buy to let property, you will need to provide details of your current mortgage, including the outstanding balance and repayment terms.
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Insurance information: You may be required to provide proof of insurance for your rental property, including landlord insurance and building insurance.
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Legal documents: The lender may require copies of legal documents related to the property, such as the title deeds and lease agreements.
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Credit history: The lender will also check your credit history to assess your creditworthiness and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a buy to let remortgage.
Please note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the lender and your individual circumstances. It’s a good idea to check with your lender or mortgage broker to confirm exactly what documentation you need to provide when applying for a buy to let remortgage.
Anticipated timeline for a buy to let remortgage application
The timelines for a buy to let remortgage can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the lender’s processing times, the complexity of your application, and any delays in obtaining the necessary documentation.
However, here is a rough timeline that you can expect:
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Application submission: Once you submit your application, it typically takes 1-2 weeks for the lender to review it and request any additional documentation.
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Valuation: After the lender has received all the required documents, they will usually arrange for a property valuation, which can take 1-2 weeks to complete.
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Underwriting: Once the valuation is complete, the lender will underwrite your application, which involves assessing your creditworthiness, rental income, and other factors. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your application.
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Approval and offer: If your application is approved, the lender will issue a formal offer, which sets out the terms and conditions of the remortgage. This can take 1-2 weeks to prepare and issue.
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Legal completion: Once you have accepted the offer, you will need to arrange for the legal completion of the remortgage. This involves transferring the funds from the new lender to your existing lender to pay off the existing mortgage, and can take up to 4 weeks to complete.
Typically, you can expect the entire process of a buy to let remortgage to take anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on various factors. It’s important to bear in mind that this timeline can be affected by unforeseen delays, so it’s best to allow for some extra time in your planning.
Remortgage your buy to let property with Believe Money
If you’re considering a buy to let remortgage, it’s crucial that you do your research and seek professional advice. At Believe Money we make mortgages easy. For example we:
Find the right product
With so many buy to let remortgage products available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the options and find the one that best suits your needs. We can help you compare rates, fees, and features to find the product that is right for you.
Understand the risks
Buy to let remortgages can be complex and carry risks, such as changes in interest rates, rental yields, and property values. We can help you understand the risks and provide advice on how to manage them.
Save time and money
By working with us, you can save time and money by avoiding the hassle of searching for the right product and negotiating with lenders. We can also help you secure a better deal by negotiating on your behalf.
Ensure eligibility
Not all lenders offer buy to let remortgages, and eligibility requirements can vary widely. We can help you understand the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the lender’s requirements.
Avoid mistakes
The buy to let remortgage process can be complex and confusing, and mistakes can be costly. We can guide you through the process and help you avoid costly errors.
In summary, seeking professional mortgage advice can help you find the right buy to let remortgage product, understand the risks, save time and money, ensure eligibility, and avoid costly mistakes. So, before you embark on a buy to let remortgage, be sure to do your research, compare buy to let mortgage deals, and most importantly, speak to the experts.
To find out more about buy to let remortgages, or to compare remortgage deals, or start an application, speak to our friendly team today.
About Company
Believe Money is an award-winning mortgage broker with access to exclusive deals from our extensive panel of providers, including no upfront fees and low interest rates to suit your circumstances. Choosing the right mortgage is one of the most important decisions you could ever make and it pays to use an expert like Believe to make sure you’re getting the best deal to suit you now and in the future.
Whether you’re moving house, looking to remortgage or want a good deal on a mortgage refinance, Believe Money works hard to get you the best deal in a smooth, hassle-free process with ongoing support. As soon as you contact us, we’re here at every step of the mortgage journey, right through to completion.
Ready to find the best mortgage deal? Contact us online or give us a call on 01302 591 360.
Why Use Believe Money?
Believe Money is an award-winning finance broker dedicated to offering the best range of affordable loan options. Whatever your circumstances or credit rating, we’re committed to getting you the best secured loan interest rates by searching our entire panel of secured loan providers.
Whatever you need a secured loan for, we’re here to help. Our specialist advisors are available Monday to Friday, so if you need any help please contact us online or give us a call on 01302 591 360.
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