Below is an update from West One, the Bridging, BTL, Commercial, and Seconds Mortgage lender, that you can access via our specialist mortgage team. Contact our team today for more information.
Announcement
Using buy-to-let mortgages to fund EPC improvements
Under proposed regulation changes announced by the government, all new tenancies will be required to have an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above from 2025 with existing tenancies being subject to the same regulations from 2028. Currently new and existing tenancies are required to have an EPC rating of ‘E’; however, this is being revised as part of the government’s strategy to decarbonize and reduce emissions.
It has been estimated that there are around 3.2 million privately rented properties in England and Wales that have an EPC rating of ‘D’ or lower. Bringing this amount of properties up to the required standards before the 2025 and 2028 deadlines presents a host of challenges for landlords, the most pressing being ‘how will landlords finance the cost of the improvements?’
There is a huge opportunity for brokers to help guide their buy-to-let clients through this and discuss the available financial options.
Buy-to-Let Mortgage
A new buy-to-let mortgage itself may be a good option for your client, if they are coming to the end of the mortgage term. A remortgage can be a useful way for the landlord to access the equity that has built up in their property and spread the costs out over a longer period. However, the suitability of this product will depend on several factors including the term of the mortgage and the affordability of the repayments.
How can West One help?
At West One, we lend on a wide variety of property types to a broad range of borrowers, whether borrowing in individual names or through a limited company. Our expert team are committed to delivering cases with speed and flexibility.