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. 

Don't talk the market down, it's ticking over nicely!

There have been a number of comments made in the national press recently regarding the market being in a lull and how mortgages are becoming harder to obtain.  I do think sometimes that people talk the market down, rather than reporting the actual situation.

As both a specialist mortgage provider, as well as whole of market (including the high street lenders), AToM has actually seen an increase in business recently rather than a drop in activity.  From talking to our peers we are aware that they are experiencing this growth too! 

We have also seen a number of  new lenders enter the market and there are others due to launch soon.  This would not be happening if any lender thought the market was in decline!

One lender, Masthaven Bank, launched recently in to the residential sector looking specifically to fill gaps in the specialist market.  These include allowing gifted deposits and equity, contractors, self employed - straight forward or complex, customers borrowing in to retirement and those who fail credit scores, to name just a few.  With rates starting from under 3%, this is a lender who is looking to lend and they should be applauded for such innovation and great launch products.

Other recent 'game changers' include Kensington Mortgages who cater for those with historic blips and with only a 10% deposit.  Precise Mortgages and Kent Reliance, who are both positively active in the Buy to Let sector, especially with regards to Houses of Multiple Occupation, Ltd Company BTLs and with new underwriting regimes on the horizon for Portfolio Landlords (those with more than 4 properties) and these are definitely ones to watch.  Tipton Building Society and Dudley Building Society for allowing lending in to retirement and above average income multiples. And there are so many others who I don't have space to mention!

So the bottom line is simple.  Just because the high street says no, or your mate down the pub says 'you'll never get a mortgage' because of your situation, find an experienced mortgages specialist who may be able to open up a door to a wide range of opportunities available to you.

Right to Buy or Shared ownership?

Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a marked increase in enquiries for Right to Buy properties and those looking to purchase on a Shared Ownership basis.

Right to Buys are usually via the local council selling their properties to the existing tenant at a discounted price.  This discount can be up to £77,900 (£103,900 in London) and applicants must have been a public sector tenant for at least three years.  Some lenders will allow borrowing of up to 100% of the purchase price.  If you resell your home within five years you will usually have to repay some or all of the discount you received, however remortgaging is usually allowed in this time period.  There are other schemes available to housing associations and the Government has plans to extend Right to Buy to more housing association tenants.  So if you think you are eligible, register on the Government's website.

Shared Ownership Schemes are normally provided through housing associations.  You buy a share of your home, between 25% and 75% of the property value, and pay rent on the remaining share to the housing association.  You usually have the opportunity to purchase a bigger share of the property later on (normally called ‘staircasing’).  Local housing associations must confirm your eligibility in order to join these types of schemes.

Both schemes are proving popular in the local area and a wide number of lenders are looking to lend in both scenarios and to a number of different customer types, even those who may have had financial credit blips in the past.  So always seek advice.

Finally, first time buyers generally are in the spotlight again with many great rates and low fee products available.  One in particular, launched over the last few weeks, will allow customers to achieve, subject to an affordability assessment and minimum income levels, a loan equivalent to six times their income.  Yes SIX!  With a 15% deposit required and a competitive rate of interest, this product is an exclusive from the Tipton & Coseley Building Society.  Obviously terms and conditions apply.  There still needs to be a lot more innovation in helping the First Time Buyer sector overall, but huge credit to those trying to assist in the current climates.