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Part of our UK mortgage rates guide. See the main pillar for the full lender comparison, FRN-verified best buys by LTV band and worked-example payments: Best Mortgage Rates UK 2026. |
By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated April 2026 · Fact-checked Mortgages · April 2026Buy to let remains one of the most popular investments for UK landlords despite tax changes, rising mortgage rates and increased regulation. With rental demand remaining strong across most UK cities, the buy to let market continues to attract new and experienced investors. Here is a complete guide to buy to let mortgage rates and rules in April 2026.
How Are Buy to Let Mortgages Different?Buy to let mortgages differ from residential mortgages in several key ways. Lenders assess affordability primarily based on rental income rather than your personal income — typically the rent must cover 125-145% of the monthly mortgage payment at a stressed interest rate of around 5-5.5%. This is called the rental coverage ratio stress test. Deposits for buy to let properties are typically higher than for residential homes — most lenders require a minimum 25% deposit (75% LTV), and the best rates are available at 60-65% LTV. Interest-only mortgages are widely available for buy to let — meaning you pay only the interest each month and repay the capital at the end of the term or when you sell. 💡 From April 2017, mortgage interest tax relief for individual landlords was phased out and replaced with a 20% tax credit. Higher-rate taxpayers are disproportionately affected — many are now considering buying through a limited company to restore full mortgage interest deductibility. Limited company buy to let has grown significantly, though it comes with higher mortgage rates and additional accounting costs. Limited Company Buy to LetBuying through a limited company (typically a Special Purpose Vehicle or SPV) allows landlords to deduct mortgage interest as a business expense, restoring full tax efficiency for higher-rate taxpayers. However, limited company buy to let mortgages typically charge 0.3-0.5% more than personal buy to let mortgages, and extracting profits from the company involves dividend tax. The break-even depends on your individual tax situation — consult a tax adviser before proceeding. Is Buy to Let Still Worth It in 2026?Buy to let returns have been squeezed by higher mortgage rates, stamp duty surcharges (3% above standard rates for additional properties) and the phased removal of mortgage interest tax relief. However, rental yields remain strong in many UK cities — particularly student towns, commuter belts and northern cities where property prices are relatively lower versus rental income. ⭐ OUR VERDICT Buy to let remains viable in 2026 for landlords who bought at lower prices and with lower LTV mortgages, and for those buying in high-yield areas. The best strategy depends on your individual tax position, LTV, location and long-term goals. For new entrants, a limited company structure often makes more financial sense than personal ownership for higher-rate taxpayers. Always use a whole-of-market mortgage broker for buy to let — rates and criteria vary significantly between specialist lenders. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the minimum deposit for a buy to let mortgage? Most buy to let mortgage lenders require a minimum 25% deposit (75% LTV). Some specialist lenders offer 80% LTV products at higher rates. The best rates are available at 60% LTV or below. Can I get an interest-only buy to let mortgage? Yes — interest-only mortgages are widely available and commonly used for buy to let. You pay only the interest each month, keeping monthly costs lower, but must repay the full loan amount at the end of the term — typically through sale of the property or remortgaging. Do I pay stamp duty on a buy to let property? Yes. Buy to let properties (and any additional residential property) attract a 3% stamp duty surcharge above the standard residential rates. This applies in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales have their own systems with similar surcharges. How do lenders assess buy to let affordability? Buy to let lenders primarily use rental income to assess affordability, not your personal income. The standard requirement is that the monthly rent covers 125-145% of the mortgage interest payment, calculated at a stressed rate of approximately 5-5.5% — regardless of the actual mortgage rate. This rental coverage ratio must be met for the lender to approve the mortgage. |
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