Buy to Let Products - Xcel Finance

Buy to Let Mortgage Products

Investing in property can be a rewarding journey – and having the right mortgage partner makes all the difference. At Xcel Finance, we provide expert buy-to-let mortgage solutions with an engaging, client-focused approach.

Our team offers whole-of-market access to lenders, meaning we can secure market-leading rates tailored to your need. Whether you’re purchasing your first rental or expanding a large portfolio, we handle all property types – from single flats to HMOs and multi-unit freeholds– with the same dedicated, professional service. We pride ourselves on making the process fast, flexible, and hassle-free, so you can focus on your investment while we handle the rest.

Below, explore our key buy-to-let mortgage services and how we help clients succeed in each area:

Buy to let purchase.

Explore Buy To Let Purchase

Buy-to-Let Purchase Mortgages are designed for investors acquiring a property to rent out. This is the go-to option for landlords – whether you’re a first-time buyer aiming to become a landlord, or an experienced investor adding another property to your portfolio. These mortgages enable you to purchase a house or flat with the intention of letting it to tenants, turning property ownership into a steady income stream.

Common Uses & Opportunities:

Buying a rental property can be a powerful investment strategy. Investors commonly use purchase mortgages to:
• Start or Grow a Portfolio: Secure financing to buy your first rental property or expand your existing portfolio, leveraging the property’s rental income to cover the loan.
• Generate Rental Income: Earn monthly income from tenants, often using interest-only loans to maximize cash flow profits.
• Achieve Long-Term Growth: Benefit from potential property value appreciation over time, building equity and wealth for the future.
• Leverage Low Deposits Creatively: Even if you have a modest deposit (often ~25% is required for buy-to-let), there are options available to get you on the property ladder as a landlord. Xcel Finance can access lenders with flexible deposit requirements, helping you get started with minimal upfront funds.

Buy-to-let purchases come with some special considerations.

Lenders typically assess the property’s rental potential – for example, requiring that the expected rent covers a certain percentage of the mortgage interest (known as the interest cover ratio). You’ll usually need a larger deposit than for a residential mortgage (25% or more is common) and interest rates can be slightly higher.

Additionally, if you’re a first-time landlord, some lenders have stricter criteria or may require you to own a residential property already. Choosing the right property is crucial too – the rental yield should comfortably cover costs, and factors like location and property type will affect both your rent and mortgage options. It’s also important to keep an eye on market conditions (such as interest rate changes and landlord regulations) that could impact your investment’s profitability.

Xcel Finance makes purchasing a buy-to-let property easy and rewarding.

We start by understanding your goals – whether it’s maximising monthly income or aiming for future capital growth – and then we tailor the mortgage solution accordingly. Our advisers have deep knowledge of lender criteria across the market, so we can identify the best lender for your circumstances (for example, lenders open to first-time landlords or those offering high loan-to-value deals).

We’ll negotiate competitive terms on your behalf, ensuring you get a great interest rate and favourable conditions for your loan. Importantly, we handle the entire process from start to finish: from helping you prepare a strong application to liaising with lenders, surveyors, and solicitors to keep everything on track. With no upfront broker fees and speedy service.

The result? You save time, reduce stress, and get a bespoke mortgage that sets your investment up for success. If you’re considering a buy-to-let purchase, our team is ready to guide you – ensuring your new property investment is both profitable and pain-free.

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Explore Buy To Let Remortgage

Buy-to-Let Remortgages allow existing landlords to refinance their rental properties. If you already own a buy-to-let (or a portfolio of them), remortgaging involves switching your mortgage to a new deal – either with your current lender or a new lender – to take advantage of better rates or to release equity. This option is ideal if you’re approaching the end of a fixed rate, looking to raise funds, or simply want to reduce your mortgage costs on a rental property.
Common Uses & Opportunities: Remortgaging a buy-to-let is a savvy move used by many successful property investors to enhance their portfolio’s performance. Some common reasons to remortgage include:
• Securing a Better Rate: Interest rates and mortgage deals change frequently. By remortgaging, you could lock in a lower rate and boost your rental profit margins (or avoid the lender’s high Standard Variable Rate after a fixed term ends).
• Releasing Equity (Capital Raising): Over time, your property may have increased in value or your mortgage balance decreased. A remortgage lets you tap into that equity – providing a lump sum of cash that you can use for new investments, renovations, or other purposes. For instance, many clients remortgage to fund the deposit on their next property purchase or to upgrade their current rental to charge higher rent.
• Portfolio Restructuring: If you own multiple properties, you might remortgage to reorganize your finances – for example, consolidating loans, moving properties into a company structure, or adjusting loan terms for better cash flow. A portfolio remortgage can simplify management and sometimes reduce overall costs.
• Switching to Interest-Only or Changing Term: You might decide to switch from a repayment to an interest-only mortgage (or vice versa) to alter your cash flow, or extend the mortgage term to lower monthly payments. A remortgage is an opportunity to tailor the loan terms to your current strategy and needs.

While remortgaging can be very beneficial, there are a few challenges to navigate. Timing is important – remortgaging too early could incur early repayment charges on your existing loan, so we always check the best timing to avoid unnecessary fees. The process will require a new property valuation, and sometimes landlords are surprised if a valuation comes in lower than expected (which can affect how much you can borrow). Lender criteria may also have tightened since you last took out a mortgage; for example, after recent interest rate rises, some lenders now require higher rental coverage (they might insist that the rental income covers 125% or 145% of the mortgage payments at a stressed interest rate). If your current rent doesn’t meet these stricter tests, borrowing the amount you want can be challenging with certain lenders. Additionally, if you’ve expanded your portfolio, some lenders have limits on the number of properties or total borrowing you can have – which could affect your remortgage options. All these variables mean it’s vital to choose the right lender and product when refinancing.

Our expert brokers at Xcel Finance make the remortgage process smooth and advantageous for you. We begin by reviewing your current mortgage and goals: Are you aiming to save on interest, raise capital, or both? With that in mind, we scour the entire market to find a remortgage deal that best achieves your objectives. Because we work with all types of lenders – from high-street banks to specialist buy-to-let lenders – we can find options even if other banks have said no. We’ll pinpoint lenders that can accommodate your needs (for example, those who offer flexible rental stress tests or higher loan-to-value for equity release). Once we find the ideal product, we handle the paperwork and negotiations. Our team will manage the valuation, lender application, and legal process, keeping you updated at every step so there are no surprises. The goal is to complete your remortgage with minimal hassle and downtime, so you can immediately start benefiting – whether that’s enjoying lower monthly payments or putting your released funds to work on a new project. In short, we use our know-how to ensure your remortgage adds value to your investment strategy. Talk to us about your buy-to-let remortgage – we’ll save you time, money, and effort while unlocking the best possible deal for you.

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Explore HMO Mortgages

HMO Mortgages are specialist buy-to-let loans for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) – properties rented by several tenants who are not part of the same household, but share facilities like kitchens or bathrooms. Typical HMO examples include student houses or professional house shares. If your rental property will have multiple independent tenants (each with their own tenancy agreement), an HMO mortgage is likely what you’ll need. These loans are tailored to the unique opportunities and challenges of HMO properties, and are a must for landlords aiming to maximize rental yield through multi-tenant properties.
Common Uses & Opportunities: Investing in HMO properties can be extremely rewarding for landlords seeking high income. Key advantages and uses of HMO mortgages include:
• Significantly Higher Rental Yields: Because you can rent out rooms individually, HMOs often generate much more rent than a single-family let. In fact, these properties generally offer greater yield and stronger cash flow for landlords – many HMO investors see substantially higher ROI (for example, an HMO might yield 8–10% annually versus 4–5% on a standard buy-to-let). More rent means more profit and extra cushion to cover expenses.
• Reduced Void Risk: With multiple tenants, you are less likely to face a period of zero income. If one tenant moves out, others are still paying rent – so your entire rental income doesn’t vanish due to a single vacancy. This multi-tenant setup can lead to fewer complete void periods, especially in areas of high rental demand (university towns, city centres, etc.).
• Meeting High Tenant Demand: There is strong demand for affordable room rentals – from students, young professionals, and others who prefer shared accommodation. An HMO allows you to tap into this large tenant pool. In many cities where rents are high, renting by the room is popular, virtually ensuring you a steady stream of prospective tenants.
• Optimizing Larger Properties: HMO mortgages let you convert or use larger properties (like a big house) efficiently by renting to multiple occupants. This can turn an otherwise unprofitable large property into a cash-flow positive investment. Many investors use HMOs to boost income on properties that have extra bedrooms or can be reconfigured into additional lettable space.

While HMOs offer great returns, they do come with added complexity. Firstly, regulation is a big factor – many HMOs require a license from the local council, and you must ensure the property meets specific safety standards (fire alarms, emergency exits, etc.). There are also often planning rules (for example, certain areas have Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights for small HMOs), so you need to ensure the property is allowed to be an HMO. Lenders pay close attention to these factors; they will usually require proof of any necessary HMO license and may have their own definition of what counts as an HMO. Managing an HMO is generally more hands-on than a single-let: you’ll be dealing with multiple tenants, more frequent turnover, and higher wear-and-tear on the property. It’s important to know that HMOs can have higher tenant turnover and increased maintenance costs compared to standard buy-to-lets so factor in letting agent fees or your time in managing the property. From a financing perspective, not every lender offers HMO mortgages. Those that do often have stricter criteria: for instance, some require you to be an experienced landlord (or even have prior HMO experience) before they’ll lend, and they might ask for a larger deposit (sometimes 25-30% or more) as well as a strong credit profile. Interest rates on HMO mortgages can be slightly higher due to the perceived risk of multiple tenants. Additionally, lenders often cap the number of rooms (for example, many will finance up to 6-bedroom HMOs, but fewer will go beyond that into large HMO territory). All these factors make it crucial to choose the right lender – one that understands your HMO strategy and accepts your specific scenario (property size, your experience level, etc.). Attempting to use a standard buy-to-let mortgage on an HMO property is not advisable, as it could breach mortgage terms if the lender doesn’t permit multiple tenants. In short, HMO investing is rewarding but complex, requiring careful navigation of rules and lender requirements.

This is where Xcel Finance’s expertise truly makes a difference. We are specialists in HMO financing, guiding many investors through purchasing or refinancing multi-let properties. Our role is to simplify the complexity for you. We start by reviewing your HMO plan – the property details, number of tenants, your landlord experience – and then we identify the ideal lenders who can support that plan. Only a limited number of UK lenders actively offer HMO mortgages, and each tends to have its own rules about what they’ll lend on. Thanks to our extensive lender network and experience, we know exactly which lenders are best for, say, a 5-bed licensed HMO for a first-time HMO landlord, versus a 8-bed student house for a seasoned investor. We’ll match you to the right lender from the start, avoiding wasted time with applications that may get declined elsewhere. Our team also helps you package your application to meet the stricter criteria HMO lenders have – we’ll ensure you have the needed documentation (license, tenancy agreements, etc.) and highlight your strengths (for example, other landlord experience or a professional managing agent in place) to give the lender confidence. Working with a knowledgeable broker greatly improves your chances of approval and a good rate on an HMO mortgage, and that’s exactly the advantage we offer. We’ll negotiate competitive terms on your behalf and walk you through the process step by step. Throughout, you’ll have a dedicated adviser who can answer all your questions about HMO licensing, insurance, or anything else. In the end, our goal is to secure your HMO mortgage with minimal fuss, so you can start enjoying those higher rental returns. Many clients who started with one HMO through us have since grown to multiple HMOs, thanks to the success of that first project. If you’re looking at an HMO investment, make Xcel Finance your first call – we’ll help you unlock the door to higher yields with a tailored, reliable financing solution.

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Explore ‘Multi-Unit-Freehold’ Mortgages

Multi-Unit Freehold Block Mortgages (MUFB mortgages) are a specialist type of buy-to-let loan for properties that contain multiple self-contained units under a single freehold title. In simpler terms, an MUFB mortgage lets you finance several flats or units in one building with one mortgage, as long as those units are all held under one owner (you) and on one title deed. Common examples include a block of apartments, a converted townhouse split into several flats, or a multi-unit property where you rent out each unit separately. MUFB loans are perfect for investors who want to acquire or refinance an entire building of flats or multiple units in one go, rather than deal with separate mortgages for each unit.
Common Uses & Opportunities: Multi-unit freehold blocks offer an efficient way to grow your rental income and portfolio. Here’s why investors pursue MUFB mortgages:
• One Property, Multiple Income Streams: With an MUFB, you can earn rental income from several units within one property. For instance, a 4-unit block of flats could generate four separate rents. This multiplies your revenue and, similar to an HMO, reduces the impact of any single unit being empty at a given time (since the other units still provide income). It’s a strategy to diversify your rental income within one investment.
• Portfolio Expansion in a Single Transaction: Instead of buying four separate houses with four loans (and incurring costs each time), you could buy a four-unit building with one mortgage. This streamlines your expansion – one purchase process, one set of fees, and one mortgage to manage – making it easier to scale up your portfolio. It’s an attractive opportunity for those looking to accelerate their investment growth efficiently.
• Value-Add and Capital Growth Potential: Owning a multi-unit block opens up creative ways to boost value. Investors sometimes buy a MUFB property at a discount (compared to selling units individually), then add value by refurbishing the units or improving the overall building. Over time, the property’s value can increase significantly. In some cases, investors might later decide to split the freehold into separate leases for each flat and sell them individually, potentially realizing a substantial profit (this is a longer-term strategy and depends on legal and market factors, but the potential is there). In the meantime, you’re collecting rent from all units.
• Simplified Property Management: All your units are in one location, which can simplify maintenance and management compared to owning units spread across different sites. You can handle repairs, inspections, and tenant queries more efficiently when everything is under one roof. If you hire a managing agent, they too may charge less (per unit) for a single-site block than for multiple scattered properties. In essence, an MUFB can offer economies of scale in management.

Key Complexities to Consider: Financing a multi-unit freehold block is a bit more complex than a standard buy-to-let. Not all lenders offer MUFB mortgages – it’s a niche product – and those that do often have specific limits. For example, a lender might cap the number of units at, say, 4 or 6 in one freehold for their buy-to-let range; if your block has more units than their limit, you’d need to go to a specialist or commercial lender. Lender criteria will also consider the composition of the units. They usually require each unit to be self-contained (with its own kitchen, bathroom, etc.), and of a minimum size (tiny studio flats below a certain square footage might be declined by some). The valuation process for MUFBs can be different: sometimes the lender will value the whole block as one investment (known as an investment value), and sometimes on a break-up value (what it would be worth if sold as individual flats) – this can affect how much they’ll lend. You might find the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) is a bit lower for multi-unit blocks (75% LTV is typical, but some lenders might prefer 70% or require you to put down a larger deposit for very large blocks). Additionally, landlord experience is a factor; many lenders will want you to have prior landlord experience before lending on a multi-unit property, since it’s considered a step up in complexity. Managing multiple tenancies means more responsibility, so they’ll be more comfortable if you’ve managed other rentals successfully. Another challenge can be the exit strategy – think ahead about how you plan to use or dispose of the property in the long run. If you ever wanted to sell units individually, you’d have to split the title and potentially refinance each unit, which requires careful planning. Lastly, the legal process can be a bit more involved (your solicitor will need to ensure the title covers all units properly, and lease agreements if any unit is leasehold within the block, etc.). In short, MUFBs are fantastic investment assets, but the financing and management require a knowledgeable approach and specialist lender selection.

Xcel Finance has the expertise to navigate the multi-unit freehold mortgage market for you. We understand that MUFB investments often form a key part of a professional landlord’s strategy, and we’re here to make it happen smoothly. When you consult with us, we’ll discuss your property – How many units? All residential or mixed-use? – and your goals. With that, we pinpoint the lenders best suited for your project. Because we welcome complex property types like multi-unit freeholds, we have established relationships with specialist lenders who cater to these loans. We know, for example, which lenders are comfortable with larger blocks of 10+ units, or which ones offer the highest LTV for a 4-flat block. Our whole-of-market access ensures that even if mainstream banks can’t help, the niche lenders we work with can step in. We’ll guide you through the application requirements, which can be a bit different – for instance, helping you prepare a schedule of rents for all units, and making sure the valuer gets the right information to appraise the block. If you’re acquiring a MUFB, we can arrange an Agreement in Principle quickly so you have confidence (and proof) of financing when negotiating the purchase. If you’re refinancing, we’ll work to get you a better rate or a higher loan amount (if you’re releasing equity), by presenting the strong rental performance of your units to the lender. As always, we manage the end-to-end process: from application to valuation and through to completion, keeping you updated at each milestone. Financing a multi-unit property might seem daunting, but with Xcel by your side it becomes a straightforward, transparent process. Our clients often remark that we made a typically “commercial” style deal feel as easy as a standard mortgage – that’s our aim. So whether you’re buying your first block of flats or refinancing a portfolio of multi-unit buildings, you can rely on Xcel Finance to secure the ideal MUFB mortgage that propels your investment strategy forward.

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I started working with Jamie in 2018, when I was carrying out some small refurbishment projects. He’s helped me grow my business and raise funds for larger and larger projects over the years, and now we’re working on multiple projects each year with loans of up to £5m.

North London | Property Developer and Investor

I was introduced to Xcel Finance by my architect. I had been working with a lender on a large mixed-use development project, and had my main contractor ready to go; but the development lender let me down at the last minute…!

Thankfully, Xcel Finance were able to get up to speed incredibly quickly and arrange alternative funding… it was also a better deal than I originally had too. I was working with Jamie and highly recommend him.

West London | Property Developer and Investor

“Jamie made the process easy and supported us through the whole thing. No challenge was too big and there was always a way through, around or over. Thanks for your help it made a huge difference. We would definitely recommend Excel Finance.”

Matthew | Property Developer | South Wales

We’re a letting agent who also own a large portfolio of buy to lets and we also do some refurbishment projects. We used to have to speak to lots of different brokers for different projects and lending types… but now we just use Xcel Finance.

There’s nothing they can’t do and they offer great value for money.

Letting Agent | Greater Manchester

“I was a building contractor for 20 years, and got tired of making money for other people. I started using my own cash to buy and flip houses but the profits weren’t enough – I was going to give it up. I spoke to Jamie at Xcel Finance and he helped me understand that with the same deposit I could borrow funds from a lender and build much bigger projects and significantly increase my profits. It’s an excellent service.”

John | Property Developer | Essex

“I was amazed how quickly they were able to get my funding in place. Great service. Would highly recommend Xcel Finance.”

Carol | Gloucestershire | Bridging Finance Customer

“Excellent Exceptional Xcel. Jamie exceeded all expectations with such a cool and calming caring understanding nature, We were definitely an exception to the rule.

We cannot thank him enough for finding funding that has allowed us to finish a very special restoration of a listed building, (grand design dilemma, bank won’t lend money, owners despair)

He is forever in our thoughts, and has restored my faith in the whole financial world, I thought they were all against me, and was petrified of losing our home and all our efforts. Back to work, house to restore and get ready for sale.”

Carol & Kevin | Gloucestershire | Bridging Finance Clients

Our customers choose us to arrange their funding because…

Our brokers are not only property finance experts, but are highly trained to deliver exceptional levels of service; no matter your requirements.

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We will save you money because we work with all types of lender, and will negotiate the best rates and the flexibility you need.

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We will save you time because we’ll find the best loan quickly, and complete as much of the paperwork for you as possible.

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We will reduce stress because we take full ownership of sourcing, arranging, and completing your funding; so you can relax knowing it’s all taken care of.

Xcel Finance are proud members of the NACFB, a recognised sign of reassurance and quality for both lenders and borrowers.