Some 42 of the 49 buy-to-let lenders operating at the beginning of March are still lending despite the impact of coronavirus, analysis from Mortgages for Business shows.
Together Money and Vida Homeloans have both pulled out of the market, while HSBC is no longer accepting buy-to-let applications.
However Santander, Clydesdale, Precise Mortgages and Kent Reliance have now restarted lending, after initially taking a step back.
Shawbrook and Paragon meanwhile are using virtual valuations against standard properties up to 75% loan-to-value.
Steve Olejnik, managing director of Mortgages for Business said: “Lenders have cut down the sorts of landlords that they will lend to.
To find out more about how we can assist you with your BTL Mortgage please click here
“They’re pulling product ranges, tighten lending criteria, and increasing margins. But different lenders are derisking against different kinds of landlord borrowers. So, while some lenders are no longer lending to first time landlords, there are still lenders who are.
“My advice to landlords looking to remortgage is act sooner, rather than later. You may have to answer a few more questions when you’re applying for a remortgage that you would have had to last month – but a broker will still be able to find you a deal.”
Saffron Building Society withdrew from the market before the outbreak in March, though the lender has indicated that it will return to the market later in the year.
Lenders that have stopped lending to landlords since include: HSBC; Foundation Home Loans; Together Money; Vida Home Loans; Platform Home Loans; State Bank of India; and Furness Building Society.
BY RYAN BEMBRIDGE
Source: Property Wire