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The Global Insight

Do you need a deposit for a buy-to-let mortgage?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 27, 2026

The minimum deposit for a buy-to-let mortgage is usually 25% of the property’s value (although it can vary between 20-40%). Most BTL mortgages are interest-only. This means you pay the interest each month, but not the capital amount. At the end of the mortgage term, you repay the original loan in full.

Are buy-to-let mortgages still available?

More than 85% of buy-to-let mortgage lenders are now continuing to lend to landlords, according to mortgage broker Mortgages for Business. In numbers, just seven of the 49 buy-to-let lenders operating in March have now stopped lending. This leaves 42 still to choose from.

Why is it so hard to get a buy-to-let mortgage?

Mortgage providers see buy-to-let mortgages as higher risk than residential mortgages. This is because landlords often face problems with rent collection, and it is unlikely that your property will constantly be occupied.

Is buy-to-let mortgage more expensive?

More expensive — Buy-to-let mortgages are typically about one percentage point more expensive than residential mortgages. This is because banks view tenants as higher risk than owner-occupiers. High fees — Some buy-to-let mortgages also have high arrangement fees – as much as 3.5 per cent of the property value.

What is the lowest deposit for a buy-to-let mortgage?

As BTL mortgages usually require a minimum of a 15% deposit (85% LTV), there is not a high negative equity risk if house prices fall.

Can I live in my buy to let property?

No you can’t live in a property with a buy to let mortgage on it, and if you do you’ll be in breach of your mortgage terms and conditions and will be committing a fraud. Most buy to let mortgages aren’t regulated and are assessed on the basis of interest rental cover rather than affordability.

Can I live in my own buy to let property?

Although it’s not illegal to live in your own buy-to-let property, if you do live in it you will be in breach of your lender’s terms and conditions. If you intentionally live in your buy to let property you could be committing mortgage fraud. If the lender finds out they may ask for an immediate repayment of the loan.

What do you need to know about buy to let mortgages?

A buy-to-let mortgage is a mortgage sold specifically to people who buy property as an investment, rather than as a place to live. If you plan to rent out a new property, most lenders will prefer you not to finance your purchase with a standard residential mortgage. Who are buy-to-let mortgages for?

Can a limited company buy to let mortgage be used?

Around a quarter of BTL mortgages are limited company BTL mortgages. The rest of BTL mortgages can only be used for investing in property in your own name. If you’re thinking of buying this mortgage product, our limited company buy to let mortgages comparison above will be helpful to you.

How can I change my mortgage to buy to let?

If you already have a mortgage with us and your rate is coming to an end, or has ended, you can switch your mortgage deal online. Find out how to make payments or overpayments, changes to your mortgage and more. Before you apply for a buy to let mortgage, check if you meet our lending criteria.

What are the interest rates for a buy to let mortgage?

Buy-to-let mortgages generally need a larger deposit than residential mortgages and the interest rates are typically higher. What are the interest rates for a buy-to-let mortgage? The interest rates for mortgages differ, depending on whether you’re taking out a buy-to-let mortgage or a residential mortgage.