Latest data from research via BVA BDRC landlord survey for Q3, July – September, 2020 shows that HMO properties outrank all other property types by quite some way, delivering a rental yield of 6.9%compared to the average 5.7% for other property types.

Even in the current unpredictable COVID climate, it’s not unreasonable to imagine that multi-tenant living may be required even more in the future, given the predicted changes to demographics and the fact that housing supply levels are not meeting demand and are unlikely to do so well into the future.

The survey data also showed that landlords who are letting to students and the retired are able to reach the highest rental yields, at an average of 6.6%.Local Housing Authority lets generate a return of 6.5%, which is well above the average.

Of course, the purchase of an HMO is a significant step for a landlord who is new to property letting; it comes with a higher level of responsibilities and licencing requirements and as their mortgage advisor, it’s prudent to ensure that you remind them of this as they embark on their portfolio diversification in this way.

Landlord respondents said that it’s the HMOs that cost a great deal to upkeep and maintain, taking back typically 23% of their own gross rental income. As well as this, utilities and council tax tend to cost much more on HMOs, which are more likely to come out of the inclusive rental income in this sort of shared accommodation.

However, it’s clear that landlords who are looking to increase their average yield are now keenly investigating this sector so it is worth familiarising yourself with the mortgage and ownership technicalities so that you can help them secure the right finance option to suit individual needs.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you remain at the forefront of landlord business needs in 2021.

A month is a long time in the buy-to-let mortgage market, although Covid-19 has added a certain feeling of Groundhog Day to our lives due to the various government restrictions currently being applied around the UK.

However, the buy-to-let mortgage sector continues to evolve in reaction to market demands and the marketplace is as dynamic as ever with daily changes to product pricing and lending criteria. 

Encouragingly the Stamp Duty holiday has had a noticeable positive effect on the buy-to-let purchase market as landlords seek to expand their portfolios while the cost saving measure is still in place. At TBMC, the level of purchase enquiries and applications has increased significantly since April 2020.

The boost to purchase activity is good for intermediary and lender businesses, but some providers are dealing with the surge better than others. It seems apparent that those who have good IT systems and streamlined processes are able to handle the increased demand, but less well-equipped providers are struggling to maintain service standards. This clearly has a detrimental effect on the customer experience, causing frustration to everyone involved.

In the current coronavirus environment, landlord customers now expect a better online service from all parties to the mortgage application process, including being able to choose a product without the need for face-to-face meetings. Being able to upload supporting documents online is also a key advantage in terms of efficiency of service, so lenders without online facilities may lose out to the competition.

At TBMC, we have a dedicated buy-to-let mortgage sourcing system which includes an online application form. We have recently added an online declaration and the facility to upload documents directly which will increase our processing efficiency. BM Solutions also announced recently that it would be launching a new online application system in 2021 with improved document uploading and case tracking features.

If buy-to-let mortgage providers are to maintain good service levels, continual improvements to IT systems and processes are key to meeting the expectations of customers. The current environment is unusual and pent-up demand for properties is putting higher than normal pressure on lenders, however it is a good way to identify potential shortcomings and find solutions for giving a better service.

Sector sentiment

Brokers are starting to feel more confident about the buy-to-let market as recent boosts to business give rise to some optimism. Paragon recently published its latest FACT index for quarter three, September 2020, which showed that nearly half of brokers (48 per cent) are seeing ‘strong demand’ for buy-to-let mortgages, up 22 per cent from June.

Nearly half of participants (49 per cent) expect to see more buy-to-let business in the next 12 months, up 8 per cent from June. Also, 89 per cent think that their business will be as strong or stronger than before the Covid-19 crisis, up 8 per cent from June.

It is good to see growing confidence among buy-to-let mortgage brokers, but elsewhere in the buy-to-let sector there is concern for the support being offered to tenants during this time. Although the furlough scheme has been extended to the end of March 2021, questions arise over what further assistance tenants will receive if they are struggling to pay their rent and will landlords end up bearing the financial burden.

The National Residential Landlord Association (NRLA) has been campaigning for the Government to provide interest free, government guaranteed hardship fund loans for tenants in England to help them pay off Covid-19 related arrears. This type of scheme is already in place in Scotland and Wales. The NRLA also calls for landlords to be able to cover arrears by grants if tenants don’t take up a loan.

The impact of Covid-19 on the buy-to-let sector has been difficult for all parties involved, but there are indications that as the market recovers, confidence is growing and there is optimism for the future. However, there are still challenges to overcome before a real sense of normality returns.