Help please! I need to move into my BTL property

Help please! I need to move into my BTL property

0:02 AM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago 9

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Hello, I have a BTL property which I have had for two years now. But my circumstances have changed and I now need to move into the property.

Can anyone advise me as to whether I am entitled to do so (obviously providing notification to the lender) Do any Property118 readers know what the ramifications of me doing so would be? Can the bank force me to sell the property? Or am I allowed to do this based on my change in circumstances?

And under what circumstances would this be allowed? (The property is currently empty so no tenant to vacate thankfully)

Thanks in advance for the advice,

Lisa


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Comments

Jan

10:30 AM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

If it's in your own name, can't see a problem. I've moved between a few properties I've also let, never any issues. Not sure of the situation if it's in a ltd company or if you have a mortgage though. Obviously tell all the relevant people like council tax, insurance, accountant etc.

BRACKS Mead

10:41 AM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

My brother in law did this. Although its in your name, you must abide by all about the terms and conditions of your mortgage. BTL mortgages do usually have conditions around you moving in. But these vary hugely between providers. Eg No conditions/ no family can rent it/live in it without rent/limited only within first year of mortgage term/ without permission from mortgage provider/ etc

I believe this is because of the messy repossession/unpaid rent/ process when you mix family and business together!

You dont sound in a messy situation. Basically you will still pay mortgage and be in control of the property, and thats what they want to hear!

Just call your mortgage provider, they will take you through the process. My brother in law now lives permanently in his flat.

TheBiggerPicture

10:49 AM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

Residential and buy to let mortgages are regulated differently.

That's why they don't like you living in a property as a resident if you have a buy to let.

It may affect an insurance claim if you live there. I would be more worried about the insurance status.

eagle view

11:31 AM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

On this matter, you need to tell your lender, and most likely they will allow you. You will also need to change your insurance to owner-occupier.

Darren Peters

11:48 AM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

Are you locked in on a low fixed rate? I'm wondering if you have the option of remortgaging on to a residential mortgage - perhaps even with the same provider. All things being equal a residential mortgage is a bit cheaper than a BTL

Michael Booth

18:02 PM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

No matter what you need to move into the property inform lender there will be a cost more than likely andi inform the insurance company that will incure a cost, but you need to be in you have no choice..

Judith Wordsworth

18:45 PM, 2nd February 2024, About 3 months ago

If the mortgage is a BTL mortgage read the Ts and Cs very carefully.
You should be able to move in BUT would need to change the mortgage to a residential one. Your mortgage lender, or broker, should be able to give you the timescale in which this would need to be done.

If your mortgage is a residential mortgage, with permission to rent the property out, just inform the mortgage lender that you are moving into the property and will no longer be renting this out. Also remember to notify the buildings insurance provider and you never know you might get a refund on your premiums.

Laura Delow

8:32 AM, 3rd February 2024, About 3 months ago

In the first instance, speak with your mortgage lender and try to come to an agreement that you may live in the property. The lender’s decision will be based on whether your income is sufficient to meet their lending criteria, as previously the lender would have taken into consideration the monthly rental income when deciding how much to lend. Your mortgage lender will now consider your annual income to see if you can continue to make your repayments.
Alternatively, you can redeem the current mortgage and take out a residential mortgage. This is likely to be the best option for you as the interest rate is likely to be lower.
In any event, you must make your mortgage lender aware of your intentions as breaching your mortgage conditions could have serious consequences.

Lisa Rose

8:03 AM, 6th February 2024, About 3 months ago

Thank you all for your comments and advice.

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