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        Buy-to-Let HMO Mortgages for Landlords

        Find out how to get the best rate on a buy to let HMO mortgage.

        Which of the below best describes your situation?

        No impact on your credit score

        Pete Mugleston

        Author: Pete Mugleston - Mortgage Expert, MD

        Updated: December 09, 2021

        If you’re looking to invest in a buy-to-let property to rent out to multiple tenants all living under the same roof, then a house in multiple occupation (HMO) mortgage is most likely what you’re looking for.

        By following this guide you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to get a HMO mortgage, which lenders to use and what requirements you’ll need to meet before your application can be approved.

        What is a House In Multiple Occupation (HMO) mortgage?

        A HMO mortgage is specifically designed to provide lending for buy-to-let properties that are rented by at least three (typically non-related) tenants – under one tenancy agreement – who all have separate bedrooms and share the communal facilities (kitchen, bathroom, lounge etc.).

        The classic example would be a property used by either students at their nearby university/college or young professionals in a large city where renting on their own is simply too expensive.

        HMOs are attractive to both landlords and their tenants.

        For a landlord, HMOs are usually more profitable, as they’re rented out based on per room/tenant so the overall amount they can collect is typically higher than for renting to just one family. For a tenant, renting a room in a HMO is much more cost-effective than renting an entire property themselves.

        How much you could borrow

        The maximum amount you could potentially borrow on an HMO mortgage will be determined by the property’s projected rental income.

        Try our mortgage calculator below to get a rough idea of whether you could afford your mortgage payments.

        calculator icon

        HMO Mortgage Calculator

        Our HMO mortgage calculator can show you how much your mortgage could cost you each month and overall. Simply enter the rental property value, deposit, anticipated monthly rent, interest rate, mortgage term and our caculator will do the rest.

        Enter the value of the rental property here
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        A deposit of at least 20% is usually required for a buy-to-let mortgage
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        Most lenders will require a deposit of at least 20%
        Deposit must be less than the property value
        Enter the anticipated monthly rent here
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        3%-3.5% is an average figure but the rate you get may vary
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        25 years is the average, but most lenders offer both longer and shorter terms
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        Borrowing

        Loan to Value ratio (LTV):

        Most lenders won't offer buy-to-let mortgages over a LTV of 80%.

        Interest Cover Ratio (ICR):

        Most lenders require rental income to be at least 125%-145% of the interest repayments for a buy-to-let mortgage.

        Get started with a specialist buy-to-let broker to find out how much they could help you save on your monthly mortgage repayments.

        Get Started with a Broker

        Maximise your chance of approval with specialist advice from an expert in Buy to Let Mortgages.

        Do you need a special mortgage for a HMO property?

        Yes, it’s recommended. Whilst HMO properties can be attractive, they can also be seen as a higher risk by some lenders and most standard buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages won’t allow for multiple tenancies.

        The main reason for this is HMOs, by their very nature, will tend to have a higher turnover of tenants. Also, collecting from multiple tenants, rather than just one, can present its own issues (what if one won’t pay?).

        This means the rental income can be much more unpredictable, which makes a lot of lenders nervous when considering mortgages of this type.

        As a result, HMO mortgages are usually only available through specialist lenders, with the right expertise and knowledge to underwrite them.

        What’s the difference between a standard buy-to-let and a HMO mortgage?

        As the name suggests, a HMO mortgage is designed specifically for landlords who want to rent properties to multiple tenants, under one agreement, whereas a BTL mortgage is best for properties with just one tenant.

        Some of the key differences between BTL and HMO are:

        Bullet Tick HMO mortgages are generally more expensive, with higher interest rates, fees and deposit requirements, to take account of the additional risks involved (see sections below)
        Bullet Tick Most lenders would prefer to offer HMO mortgages only to experienced landlords, rather than first-time buyers
        Bullet Tick Interest rates for HMO mortgages are usually linked to the LIBOR rate rather than Bank of England base rates (LIBOR is usually higher than BofE)
        Bullet Tick Maximum loan-to-value (LTVs) are typically between 60%-75% for HMO mortgages

        Due to their ‘niche’ status, only specialist lenders tend to offer HMO mortgages.

        So, the challenge is knowing how to find the right one. A mortgage broker with experience in this area will already know exactly where to look, saving you a lot of time and, potentially, some money too.

        How to get a HMO mortgage

        If you’re looking for a HMO mortgage, there’s a few simple steps you can take to make the process a lot more straightforward.

        This is how we recommend you do it…

        Step 1. Check your credit report and affordability

        Before you get approval for an HMO mortgage, lenders will test your affordability.

        Prepare by checking and if need be updating your credit score and gathering information on your level of income and any evidencing documents such as payslips, invoices, or proof of income from other rental properties you may have.

        You can download your credit reports through our dedicated credit reports hub.

        Step 2. Gather your paperwork and do your research

        Being prepared for an application with the right documents is key to a successful and stress-free  process.

        You’ll need three months of bank statements and proof of address. Lenders will look at your experience as a landlord, (for many, this is a qualifying criteria for an HMO mortgage), so it’s important to gather documents evidencing any current letting agreements and ownership for properties you already have.

        It’s also important to spend time researching different HMO properties before deciding which one you want to buy.

        Do you know how much rent you need to charge, per occupant? Which areas are better than others?

        It may be wise to speak with local property experts to get their view on this before moving ahead.

        Step 3. Speak to an expert HMO mortgage broker

        Many high-street banks don’t offer HMO mortgages, and some of the specialist HMO lenders only work through brokers who understand their criteria.

        That’s why the best way to get this type of home  loan is with help from an experienced mortgage broker who has access not only to traditional banks, but also specialist buy-to-let lenders.

        With the help of a broker, you’ll be able to access all offers on the market and select the best option for your situation – they’ll also save you lots of time and hassle.

        If you get in touch we can arrange for an advisor who has the right expertise in this area to contact you directly.

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        What is the eligibility criteria?

        For HMO mortgages, there’s some specific criteria a lender will want to understand and assess before they can approve your application, as follows:

        Property value and whether it’s licensed

        Some lenders have minimum requirements for HMO mortgage property value.

        But with offers for loans starting from £50,000 – £100,000 property value, this is unlikely to become a sticking point with your application. Some lenders also judge a properties’ eligibility based on whether or not it requires a license to be a HMO from the local council.

        Number of rooms

        Lenders have rules for the number of rooms or tenants a HMO property can have.

        For some, the property has to have a minimum of five rooms to qualify, others will accept the minimum threshold of three bedrooms.

        Very few lenders impose a maximum, and those that do tend to be quite high (between 15-20 bedrooms).

        Buy-to-let landlord experience

        Many lenders require applicants to already have experience as a BTL or HMO landlord.

        One years’ experience is a common minimum requirement, but this will vary from one provider to the next.

        But if you don’t already have HMO or BTL landlord experience, don’t despair – a select handful of HMO lenders will lend to applicants without previous experience.

        First-time landlords can get a HMO mortgage, but the process does tend to be more difficult.

        This is where the services of a broker can be to your advantage. They will be able to identify which lenders can help, so you don’t waste time applying to those who won’t consider your application.

        Whether or not you’re a portfolio landlord

        Many mainstream lenders won’t lend to portfolio landlords – people with four or more properties.

        This is because mortgage providers have to carry out increased underwriting requirements before approving a HMO mortgage, including examining business plans, cash flow forecasts and portfolio finance spreadsheets.

        If you’re a portfolio landlord, a HMO broker can help you through the process of preparing these documents and finding a specialist HMO portfolio mortgage provider.

        General eligibility

        As with all mortgage applications, one of the most important things lenders will look out for is your ability to pay off your mortgage.

        This includes checking all aspects of your income and credit history. For many lenders, a taxable (non-rental) income is a must – usually minimum £25,000 per annum – and any existing BTL properties must be declared with HMRC.

        Other factors such as your age, deposit size and loan-to-value ratio will also be used to judge your affordability. Some mortgage lenders have stricter loan-to-value criteria for HMO loans than they do for BTL or other mortgage types.

        How to get the best rates

        Typically, applicants that are not portfolio landlords and who buy in their personal name as opposed to buying from a limited company will have access to lower rates.

        And as always, your deposit size will play a big factor in increasing or decreasing your rates.

        The table below will give you an idea of the HMO mortgage rates currently available. Please note that these deals were accurate at the time of writing (June 2023) and are subject to change.

        Lender Product Details
        Frosted Rates Image

        Looking for more rates and deals?

        We can match you with a mortgage broker who can provide you with up-to-date bespoke rates and deals from across the entire market and help you secure the best ones available.

        Last updated August 2023

        It takes scanning through the entire UK HMO mortgage market and understanding the different product types to find your best rate offer.

        But most people don’t have that kind of time at their disposal, and they may still miss out on offers from lenders who work solely through brokers for HMO.

        That’s why it’s recommended you get help from a specialist mortgage broker who can cut through the red tape to find you the best HMO interest rate and mortgage terms, based on your circumstances.

        Calculate your rental yield

        Rental yield is an important indicator of how profitable your rental investment property is. You can use our calculator below to work out the rental yield for the HMO property you’re looking to buy:

        calculator icon

        Rental Yield Calculator

        This calculator will show you the rental yield on your HMO property using either the original purchase price - plus associated costs - or the current value. All you need to do is choose which option you want to base your calculation on and your monthly rental premiums.

        Input either the original property purchase price or current value to work out the rental yield.
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        £

        Gross Rental Yield:

        Net Rental Yield:

        Now you've worked out what your current rental yield is, why not speak to a broker to see what buy-to-let mortgage/remortgage opportunities are available? With their expertise in this market they'll be able to identify a range of new deals which could reduce your mortgage payments and, as a result, improve your overall rental yield.

        Get matched with a HMO mortgage broker today

        HMO mortgage loans are a niche product – there are only a handful of specialist HMO lenders in the UK today – but they offer a wide range of products and terms to cater to all borrower needs.

        Whether you’re looking for a £100,000 or £15 million mortgage loan for a 5 bedroom property or a 200 unit co-living block, there’s a provider and mortgage type with the means to cater to your specific needs.

        A broker with the right expertise in this market can help you find the right HMO mortgage to suit your specific needs.

        Our advisor-matching service will make sure the broker we introduce you to has the right knowledge to help.

        Get in touch today on 0808 189 0463 or make an enquiry. We don’t charge a fee and there’s no obligation to take things further after an initial consultation.

        Get Started with a Broker

        Maximise your chance of approval with specialist advice from an expert in Buy to Let Mortgages.

        FAQs

        Each council determines its own HMO licensing requirements and not all require you to get a license.

        However, buildings with three or more storeys that are occupied by five or more people sharing facilities do typically require licensing.

        For smaller HMOs, licensing rules are less stringent – but you’ll still need to check the rules with your local council.

        To register your HMO license, visit this government site.

        Specialist HMO mortgage lenders often cater to both individuals and companies interested in HMO mortgages, so whether you have a special purpose vehicle (SPV) or a limited company, there will be a specific mortgage product type for your needs.

        But bear in mind that rates for these loans can be higher, so it’s important to carefully scan the entire market with the help of a broker.

        Ask us a question

        We can help! We know everyone's circumstances are different, that's why we work with mortgage brokers who are experts in Buy-To-Let mortgages. Ask us a question and we'll get the best expert to help.

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        Pete Mugleston

        Pete Mugleston

        Mortgage Expert, MD

        About the author

        Pete, an expert in all things mortgages, cut his teeth right in the middle of the credit crunch. With plenty of people needing help and few mortgage providers lending, Pete found great success in going the extra mile to find mortgages for people whom many others considered lost causes. The experience he gained, coupled with his love of helping people reach their goals, led him to establish Online Mortgage Advisor, with one clear vision – to help as many customers as possible get the right advice, regardless of need or background.

        Pete’s presence in the industry as the ‘go-to’ for specialist finance continues to grow, and he is regularly cited in and writes for both local and national press, as well as trade publications, with a regular column in Mortgage Introducer and being the exclusive mortgage expert for LOVEMoney. Pete also writes for OMA of course!

        FCA Disclaimer

        *Based on our research, the content contained in this article is accurate as of the most recent time of writing. Lender criteria and policies change regularly so speak to one of the advisors we work with to confirm the most accurate up to date information. The information on the site is not tailored advice to each individual reader, and as such does not constitute financial advice. All advisors working with us are fully qualified to provide mortgage advice and work only for firms that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. They will offer any advice specific to you and your needs.

        Some types of buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage. Equity released from your home will also be secured against it.