March 2011 Buy-to-Let Finance and Update

Latest Landlord News by: Madalena Penny.

Research surrounding this year’s Buy-to-Let industry is painting a positive picture of late.  With a further ten lenders entering the sector since the beginning of 2010, there seems to be a progressive movement indicative of the increase of the private rented sector in general.

Results from research conducted by Paragon reveal that nearly 50% of mortgage brokers are expecting increases in the amount of buy-to-let business they introduce in 2011, with 29% of brokers expecting to do at least 10% more business.  Further studies by Paragon notes a 2% rise in landlords agreeing that mortgage finance was easier to obtain in the final quarter of 2010.

Government reform in the social sector gives rise to an increase of tenant demand in the private sector due to policies to be introduced next year.  As from April 2012, social landlords will have the option to slap a 2-year fixed term tenancy on tenants.  The influx of this policy will drive tenants on social sector waiting lists to the ranks of the private sector, especially considering the hike in rents social sector landlords plan to impose on their tenants.

The RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) survey, which was conducted between November 2010 and January 2011 showed a decline of private available housing stock on the market, leading to a rise in rental values.  Surveyors revealed the most significant rise in the total history of RICS surveys with 40% more chartered surveyors reporting a rise in rents.

Again, this is not the only collaborative research.  The Department for Communities and Local Government has also published their ‘English Housing Report’ stating that one in six (15.6%) of all households in England are sustained by the private rented sector, with a decline of households supported by the social sector by 2.5% in the last 9 years.

It is of no wonder that the private rented sector is attracting much attention from investors, especially with an increase of lenders and products being launched on the market to capitalize on the growth of the sector.  On a 2-year fixed term, The Mortgage Works are doing well with their BTL product, with a maximum LTV at 65%, a 3.99% interest rate and a 3.5% fee.  Interestingly enough, the Bank of China are offering a Term Tracker at 3.88% Base + 3.38% at a fee of £1,895 up to £500,00 at a 70% LTV, though for 10% less LTV, Principality BS are offering a 2-year Tracker at 3.29% (Base + 2.79%) with only a 2.5% fee.

This year, landlords will do well to expand their portfolios as BTL products gain momentum, albeit slowly but with stability, offering a wise landlord long-term potential, growth and increasing yields.