Buy-to-let mortgage advice
Hat’s off to buy-to-let investors.
It’s a balancing act.
There’s a lot to keep your eye on — deposits, yields, interest rates, lenders, stress tests, tax structures, regulation and maintenance.
At Moat Mortgages, we help property investors make balanced decisions and secure the right funding so they can grow their portfolios without dropping any balls.

How we help:
•
Access to specialist buy-to-let lenders
•
Mortgages for limited companies and portfolios
•
Competitive rates and investor-friendly terms
•
Help navigate lender criteria and stress tests
•
Finance to help grow your property portfolio

Full of surprises.
At Moat, we don’t just find amazing mortgages; we aim to help you make amazing property investments..
So, we work in partnership with you, sharing insights and acting as a sounding board to ensure you make fully informed decisions.
With Moat, you get more than a mortgage. You get expertise that helps your property investments work their magic.
We support all investors:
•
First-time landlords entering the buy-to-let market
•
Portfolio investors expanding and refinancing multiple properties
•
HMO investors financing higher-yield specialist properties
•
Limited company and SPV buyers
•
Landlords releasing equity to fund their next purchase
If you’re looking for a buy-to-let mortgage adviser that knows all the tricks of the trade, talk to Moat.
Hit the property jackpot.
Whether it’s your first rental or your next portfolio move, we help property investors line up the right mortgage deals so they can win big at buy-to-let.
First-time Buy-to-Let
Straightforward advice for new landlords who want to understand deposit requirements, rental calculations, and lender expectations before making their first investment.
Limited company mortgages
Guidance for investors purchasing through a company structure, including lender appetite, documentation, and suitable product selection.
Portfolio landlord finance
Support for experienced investors seeking funding across multiple properties, with advice shaped around structure, scalability, and long-term strategy.
Buy-to-Let remortgages
Advice on refinancing existing properties to improve cash flow, release equity, or secure a more suitable deal for your portfolio.
Buy-to-let FAQs.
What is a buy-to-let mortgage?
A buy-to-let mortgage is designed for people purchasing a property to rent out to tenants rather than live in themselves. Lenders primarily assess affordability based on the expected rental income from the property.
How much deposit do I need for a buy-to-let mortgage?
Most lenders require a deposit of around 20–25% of the property value for buy-to-let mortgages. A larger deposit can help you access lower interest rates and better mortgage deals.
How is buy-to-let affordability assessed?
Lenders usually require the expected rent to cover 125–145% of the mortgage payments. This is known as the rental stress test and helps ensure the property remains affordable if interest rates rise.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage as a first-time landlord?
Yes. Many lenders offer mortgages to first-time landlords, although some may require you to already own your own home.
Do I pay Stamp Duty on buy-to-let properties?
Yes. Buy-to-let properties are typically subject to an additional Stamp Duty surcharge on top of standard property tax rates in England and Northern Ireland.
Can I remortgage a buy-to-let property?
Yes. Many landlords remortgage to secure better rates, release equity for further investments, or reduce monthly mortgage costs.
Can I release equity from a buy-to-let property?
If the property has increased in value, you may be able to release equity through a remortgage, which can then be used to invest in additional rental properties.
Can I buy a buy-to-let property through a limited company?
Yes. Many landlords now purchase buy-to-let properties through a limited company structure, often called an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle). This approach can offer tax planning advantages depending on your circumstances, although professional tax advice is recommended.
Can first-time landlords buy property through a company?
Yes. Some lenders will offer limited company buy-to-let mortgages to first-time landlords, although the criteria may be stricter and the lender may still require directors to personally guarantee the loan.
Do directors need to give personal guarantees?
In most cases, yes. Even though the mortgage is in the company name, lenders typically require company directors to provide personal guarantees, meaning they remain responsible for the loan if the company cannot repay it.
Can I transfer my existing buy-to-let property into a company?
It is possible, but it is usually treated as a property sale to the company, which can trigger Stamp Duty and potential capital gains tax. Because of this, many landlords seek advice before making this change.
Why do landlords buy property through a company?
Some landlords use company structures because of potential tax efficiencies on mortgage interest and retained profits, particularly for those with larger portfolios. The best structure depends on your financial situation, so tax advice is important.



