Buy to Lets - PRA Rules, Over 55s, The Leek BS and Tiptons lower rates!

Hope you had a great summer.  I don’t think there was a lull in anyway shape or form in our sector as it remained incredibly busy throughout!  However, it still feels like it’s back to work with a bang in the mortgage world.  

We’ve seen many lenders release details regarding the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) changes, which come into effect on 30^th September.  In short, anyone who owns more than four Buy to Let properties will be classed as a professional landlord.  The new rules require lenders to assess applications using a specialist underwriting process, review and stress test the landlord’s whole portfolio, as well as the individual’s financial capability. This includes those held in a Limited Company name.  Lenders will be required to make sure you are not over exposed and any decision to lend will be made once the whole portfolio has been taken in to account.  Each lender will interpret the rules differently and many lenders have not yet confirmed how they will be looking to change things.   But you need to be aware that these rules are imminent and we expect some delays whilst the changes imbed themselves.

For the OVER 55s, there has been much focus recently on offering rates to those lending in to later life.  One such example is with Shawbrook Bank, who have lowered the fixed and variable rates on its 55 Plus interest-only product offerings.  Rates will now be available from 4.75% variable depending on circumstances and terms, available to age 85.

Our good friends at the Tipton Building Society have launched some exclusive products with rates starting from just 1.04%.  This includes free valuation and free legals on remortgages.  The lender also manually assesses everything, so even though the high street might have said no, there may be an option with a lender such as Tipton, assuming no adverse, and good income etc.

Finally, the Leek United Building Society have launched a First Time Buyer 95% mortgage, with a free valuation, free standard legal work in relation to the property purchase and no application fees.   Great for those with a small deposit looking for their first property and we must applaud the lender for trying to help a sector that is in dire need of innovation to help get people on the first rung of the property ladder.