Buy-to-Let Core Delivers Speed and Certainty for a First-Time UK Landlord

scenarios unparalleled underwriting banner

For brokers, success often hinges on matching the right client profile to the right product. Say a broker needs finance for a borrower attempting to make their first BTL purchase.

The borrower, a UK national working in London, inherits some capital and wants to invest in a rental property to generate income. They found a two-bedroom flat valued at £375,000 and needed a 70% LTV BTL mortgage on a 25-year term. As a first-time landlord, there was a risk that their application would end up drawn out.

Even with the borrower having no arrears or CCJs to their name, being a first-time landlord would likely lead to longer assessments on the high street, and limited options. This would be problematic, considering they were facing a tight 30-day deadline the seller had set for exchange and completion.

A simplified route that meets tight deadlines

Thankfully, our new BTL Core range is designed specifically for straightforward residential properties under standard Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). This range has been designed from the ground up to focus on speed, simplicity, and accessibility. First-time landlords specifically are accepted under Tier 2, provided the case meets our lending criteria.

The main obstacle here would be the timeline. The seller had received multiple offers and imposed a 30-day completion deadline — a tough ask in the BTL market, where legal and underwriting processes can easily stretch into several weeks.

Fortunately, the BTL Core range’s simplified process would allow us to meet the deadline. Though we usually lend on the 180-Day value, Market Financial Solutions could, on a referral basis, use the OMV valuation. Also, with no deferred or rolled-up interest options, which can sometimes complicate the deal, we’d be able to deliver funding quickly and comfortably, in time for the seller’s deadline. The exit strategy here could involve refinancing with a long-term lender, which would be made easier by the fact that they had secured the property, and generated rental income from it.

FAQs

What is Market Financial Solution’s new Buy-to-Let Core offering?

The new BTL Core range is designed to accommodate more straightforward investments, helping brokers deliver certainty within tighter timeframes. A BTL Core loan can only be used for standard residential properties let under Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). There are no rolled-up or deferred payment options, and open market values (OMVs) may be used to maximise the available LTV. By keeping the structure simple, friction is reduced during underwriting, leading to faster turnaround times. The product is ideal for first-time or experienced landlords seeking a clean, uncomplicated route to funding.

Can Market Financial Solutions work with first-time landlords?

Yes, we can work with first-time landlords. Every case is assessed on its own merits; we don’t operate a tick-box system. So long as the applicant presents a clear plan, a viable exit strategy, and a property that meets our BTL Core criteria, we may be able to support them. This approach gives brokers confidence when introducing clients who are new to the sector but financially capable.

What does OMV stand for?

OMV stands for Open Market Value. It represents the price that a property could achieve on the open market at the time of valuation. In certain cases, using OMV rather than the standard 180-day valuation can help borrowers access higher LTVs and make transactions more viable.

What is a CCJ?

CCJ stands for County Court Judgement. This is a court order made in England and Wales against a person or company that has failed to repay debt or respond to a claim adequately. Having a CCJ on one’s record can make it more difficult to secure finance, but at Market Financial Solutions, we take a case-by-case approach and may still consider applicants depending on the circumstances.