Lenders cut buy to let rates and expand lending criteria

Buy to let lenders are sharpening pricing and criteria as landlords brace for a surge in refinancing activity in 2026.

The Mortgage Lender has reduced selected five-year fixed rate standard BTL products by 5bps.

The move is timed to coincide with what many expect to be one of the busiest remortgage cycles in recent years.

That’s because UK Finance is forecasting around 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgages will mature this year, including the investment sector.

That volume is pushing borrowers to review far more than a single deal, prompting deeper analysis of leverage, cashflow and long-term portfolio resilience.

TML’s limited-edition options

Along with lower rates, TML’s range includes limited-edition options starting from 3.29%, with both fee and fee-free products available.

Free valuations are also being offered across all BTL applications.

Chris Kirby, the head of field sales at Shawbrook, said: “Many landlords are using this point as an opportunity to look beyond a single refinance and review their wider portfolios, with affordability, balance and long-term sustainability firmly in focus.

RAW support for overseas landlords

RAW Capital Partners has adjusted its proposition to make repayment administration easier for foreign national borrowers.

The Guernsey-based specialist will now allow mortgage interest to be serviced directly from a UK bank account.

The change is designed to cut the cost and friction tied to cross-border transfers and currency exchange, particularly for landlords already collecting rent domestically.

The firm’s chief executive, Tim Parkes, said: “Landlords based overseas often face additional layers of complexity when investing in the UK buy to let market, particularly around day-to-day cash management.

“It’s a straightforward improvement that we’ve made based on ongoing feedback from brokers and borrowers.”

Atom unveils new commercial pricing

Atom bank has unveiled a 0.25% reduction in rates where applicants show a debt service coverage ratio of 200% on trading deals.

It also applies to an interest coverage ratio of 200% on investment property loans.

The incentive applies immediately to new submissions.

Atom has also simplified stress testing for commercial cases, setting affordability at 1% above Bank of England base rate plus margin.

The lender’s head of business lending, Tom Renwick, said: “In offering this discount, we are making it easier for high quality businesses to secure the funding they need, reinforcing our commitment to support a broader spectrum of SMEs with competitive and cost-effective funding to push on with their plans for 2026 and beyond.”

Portfolio expansion at TSB

Meanwhile, TSB has entered the portfolio landlord space with a new buy to let range.

The bank will lend to investors holding up to 10 mortgaged properties, with rates beginning at 3.89%.

Borrowing is available up to 75% loan to value, with advances from £25,000 to £1 million.

Applicants can hold as many as five buy-to-let loans with the bank, covering both acquisitions and remortgages.

TSB’s director of mortgages, Craig Calder, said: “We’re delighted to support even more customers with our award-winning mortgages, and the launch of our new portfolio buy to let lending helps give landlords more options in managing the cost of their properties.”

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