Buy-to-let mortgage advice

Buy-to-let mortgage advice for your next rental property.

Whether this is your first investment, a portfolio purchase or a remortgage, bring the property, rent, deposit and ownership plan into one clear conversation.

Arrange a call Try the rent-cover calculator
Edinburgh based Advice across the UK New and experienced landlords
Modern rental homes with a To Let sign
Buy-to-let, in contextStart with the property, rent and plan

Advice shaped around your situation

First investment Portfolio growth Existing landlord Limited company

Look beyond the rate

Buy-to-let is a property decision, not simply a mortgage.

Red-brick city property with a To Let sign
The wider rental pictureDifferent properties bring different lender considerations

A buy-to-let mortgage is more than a loan against a rental property. It brings rent, risk, lender criteria, tax position, ownership structure and long-term plans into one decision.

Donlevy Mortgages can help first-time landlords, portfolio landlords and limited-company applicants understand what lenders may accept before they apply — whether buying a single rental property, remortgaging, considering an HMO or reviewing a more complex property investment. Tax advice should be taken separately from a qualified professional.

Rental position

Will the rent support the borrowing?

Expected rent is considered against lender stress rates and coverage calculations.

Property & deposit

Does the security fit the lender?

Loan-to-value, property type, condition and intended tenancy can all shape the options.

Borrower & structure

How should the case be presented?

Experience, income, commitments, portfolio and ownership route all provide context.

Your route

Advice for the investment move you are making.

Start with where you are now. The lending route can then be built around the property, your experience and what you want to do next.

Starting out

First-time landlord

Understand the deposit, rental calculation and lender criteria before committing to a property.

 Expanding

Portfolio growth

Bring the new purchase and existing portfolio together so the full proposal can be considered.

 Reviewing

Buy-to-let remortgage

Review the current deal, property value, rent and future plans before choosing the next step.

 Structuring

Limited-company borrowing

Explore mortgage routes for company ownership alongside separate professional tax advice.

Start with the numbers

Sense-check the rent against the proposed borrowing.

Enter a mortgage amount, illustrative stress rate and interest coverage ratio to explore a general minimum-rent illustration.

  • See the monthly rent produced by the assumptions
  • Adjust the stress rate or coverage ratio
  • Use the result as a starting point for advice

Lenders use different stress rates and coverage ratios. This is not a lender affordability assessment or personalised advice.

Explore all calculators

Before using this calculator: Please read our Terms of Business and Privacy Notice. The result is a general illustration only.

Illustrative rent cover

What rent might a lender require?

£
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Lender assessment

What is likely to shape the decision?

No two applications are identical. Lenders apply their own criteria and calculations, so the complete picture matters.

Discuss your position

Expected rental income

The proposed rent and the lender’s own stress calculation.

Deposit and loan-to-value

The amount being borrowed compared with the property value.

Property and tenancy

The type, condition, location and intended way the property will be let.

Your wider position

Income, credit commitments, landlord experience and any existing portfolio.

Common questions

Useful answers before we speak.

If your property or circumstances are more complex, a conversation is usually the quickest way to establish the possible routes.

What affects how much I may be able to borrow?

The expected rent is central to many buy-to-let assessments, but the lender may also consider the stress rate, coverage ratio, deposit, property, personal income, commitments and wider portfolio.

Can a first-time landlord get a buy-to-let mortgage?

Potentially, yes. Available lenders and criteria will depend on whether you already own a home, your wider circumstances, the property and the proposed rent.

Should I buy personally or through a limited company?

Both routes may have mortgage options, but lender choice, pricing and tax treatment can differ. Mortgage advice should be considered alongside advice from a qualified tax professional.

Can you help with a buy-to-let remortgage?

Yes. The review can consider your current deal, property value, rent, equity, early repayment charges and what you want the property or portfolio to achieve next.

What should I prepare for an initial conversation?

Have the purchase price or current value, expected rent, deposit or equity, ownership plan and details of any existing properties to hand.

What will the mortgage advice cost?

We charge a fee for mortgage advice. Our standard fee is £495, although the fee may range from £0 to £650 depending on the application. The exact amount will be confirmed before you proceed.

Ready when you are

Bring the property. Put the lending route into focus.

Share the expected value, rent and deposit, and start with a clear view of what may be realistic.

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Some forms of buy-to-let mortgage are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change; seek professional tax advice.