Lendinvest’s latest announcement can be viewed here. Remember, their BTL product set is available via our Direct to Lender Mortgage Club as well as through our fees free packaging service. We also offer their Bridging range too. Full details are available here. Contact our team to discuss any cases or criteria in detail across their full range.
A Brokers Guide to Our New ExPat Buy-to-Let Criteria
As we approach 2026, the Buy-to-Let (BTL) landscape is shifting. After a period of volatility, the market is finding a more stable rhythm. Interest rates are firming up, tenant demand in key regional hubs remains at near-historic highs, and for the first time in years, the conversation is moving from portfolio ‘resilience’ to strategic ‘growth.’
For British Expats living abroad, the UK property market remains a premier asset class. Continuing to invest in UK properties while living abroad can help generate income along with funding retirement.
However, accessing it hasn’t always been easy. Rigorous income thresholds and rigid corporate structures have often shut out high-quality borrowers who simply didn’t fit a specific box.
That changes today. To support the evolving 2026 market, we have updated our lending criteria to offer greater flexibility for overseas investors.
The Market Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, there are three key trends that are defining the opportunity for Expats:
- Regional Yield Focus: While London maintains its status as a core safe-haven, the strongest yield opportunities for 2026 are primarily emerging from the North, Midlands, Wales and Scotland. Investors are strategically targeting areas with high rental growth where tenant demand significantly outstrips supply.
- The Professionalisation of the Sector: With the forthcoming Renter Reform Act (formerly the Renters’ Rights Bill), the market is increasingly favouring experienced, professional landlords who demonstrate robust governance and an understanding of enhanced compliance.
- Stabilised Rates: While the ultra-low rates of the 2010s are behind us, 2026 is projected to offer a more predictable and stable rate environment. This is crucial for sophisticated portfolio management and accurate long-term cash flow forecasting.
Cut the Complex.
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Breaking Down Barriers: Our New Expat Criteria
In response to these market shifts, we have overhauled our Expat Buy-to-Let proposition. We recognised that to attract the best investors, we needed to simplify the process.
Here are the two major changes we have recently released:
Opening the Door to Individual Applications
Previously, our expat lending was strictly limited to Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) or Limited Companies. While the corporate route remains popular for tax optimisation, we recognise that it adds unnecessary complexity for many investors. Some prefer the administrative simplicity of holding property in their own name without the burden of annual corporate filing and governance.
We are pleased to announce that we now accept applications from UK Individuals living abroad, alongside SPVs, Limited Companies, and LLPs. This provides a choice based on your client’s financial strategy.
Removing the £50,000 Minimum Income Threshold
We understand that expat income is inherently complex, often fluctuating due to currency exchange rates, bonuses or tax-efficient employment structures. A rigid £50,000 threshold was an arbitrary barrier that often excluded high-quality, capable investors who may not receive a standard salary. We have therefore completely removed the £50,000 minimum income requirement. For our experienced expat landlords, we will now assess affordability based on the strength of the application and the rental coverage, offering a truly flexible approach.
Essential Criteria at a Glance
While we have increased flexibility, we remain committed to responsible lending. Here is what you need to know about our updated Expat product:
- Borrower Profile: Borrowers must be a UK National living or working abroad. We also happily lend to retired applicants
- Experience Matters – No First Time Landlords (FTL): to maintain the quality of the portfolio and mitigate risk, borrowers must have previous BTL experience and cannot be First Time Landlords (FTL). You must also demonstrate a recent UK credit footprint from the last 3 years and maintain active revolving credit accounts.
- Property Types: We lend up to 75% LTV on Standard properties, HMOs, and MUFBs (Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks). Note: Holiday Lets are not currently accepted for expats.
- Operational Ease: Borrowers will need a UK bank account for rental income and payments, and a managing agent in place (or a clear plan for remote management).
The 2026 market will belong to informed and agile investors who can move quickly to secure the best assets. By removing the barrier of forced incorporation and rigid income thresholds, we are opening the door for more experienced expats to strategically grow their wealth in the UK property market.
Whether you are looking to refinance an existing portfolio or acquire a new HMO in a high-yield region, LendInvest’s new criteria is designed to make the process as simple and efficient as possible.
The future of mortgage origination.