Trade body, UK Finance, will this morning publish its latest quarterly insight into buy-to-let lending. Ahead of this, what kind of shape is the buy-to-let market in at present? Do you see things getting worse or better? What are the key challenges facing landlords at present — and are many heading for the door? Any thoughts on the state of the B2L market, send them across. Deadline is 10:30am.

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State of the buy-to-let market

Many landlords are still struggling to make buy to let investments financially viable with the increased interest rates and additional regulations that they are having to adhere too. We are seeing investors wanting to expand their portfolios but the more stringent rental calculations due to the higher rates, makes the financing of these new investments difficult. Lenders have tried to be initiative with their products by offering lower rates which means clients can borrow more, but these products come with significant arrangement fees which put investors off. Some landlords are moving into other areas of the market such as HMO's, this is due to the higher returns on their investments. This type of property however does come with greater risks with higher tenant turnover, additional regulation and planning requirements. 

Jack Tutton

Having started working as a cashier in a well-known bank 11 years ago, Jack worked hard and made his way up the career ladder. In early 2015 he became fully qualified to provide advice on mortgages. Being very customer focused, he strongly believes in treating people in the way in which he would want to be treated.

Being totally independent and having access to the whole of the mortgage market means that he can advise his clients no matter what their circumstances to their best interest.

Outside of work, Jack is a keen football fan with Portsmouth being his favourite team. He also enjoys running and completed the London Marathon in 2021.

Buy to let has always been an ideal investment opportunity and is an excellent choice for investing towards ones pension. However, the government now see BTL Landlords as the enemy with proposed changes to CGT and the heavy taxation on LL plus Inc SDLT on the purchase for many its becoming a far less desirable option especially in light of the Renters Reform Bill. In terms of lending a lot needs to be done to encourage new BTL Landlords into the property sectors such as lending to FTB who know its unlikely that the first property they can afford to buy will be the place they can afford to live in with many yound people staying at home longer but also wanting to get on the property ladder. Also lending requirements as to the type of tenant / tenancy will need to be more thought out in light of the Renters Reform Bill and should ideally expand to include social housing. BTL will always be a great long term investment, but the criteria needs to change

Sally Asling

About Sally Asling.
Passionate About People and Property
I am deeply passionate about both people and property, firmly believing in the philosophy of “Putting People First in Property.” As a recruiter, this principle is not just important; it is essential.

Guiding the Right Fit
My primary goal is to guide individuals toward finding their ideal fit—the right role within the right career, and with the right company. Equally, I focus on ensuring that companies find the right match for their teams. Achieving this alignment is crucial for long-term success.

Over 30 Years of Industry Expertise
With over 30 years of experience in the Residential Sales and Lettings industry, I have gained extensive knowledge and expertise. I was also a member of the regulatory bodies ARLA and NAEA until I transitioned into recruitment five years ago. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in the property industry, always striving to assist my clients to the best of my ability.

A Client-Centric Approach
Having witnessed and adapted to the many changes within the industry over the past three decades, I am convinced that property professionals must offer a client-centric, personal, and relationship-based service. The challenges faced by the property sector can often be addressed by building the right teams, coaching and developing those teams, and focusing on staff retention.

Tailoring Solutions for Success
To facilitate this, I prefer to work closely with my clients, thoroughly understanding the job role and the specific requirements, and then sourcing exceptional talent that truly fits. By doing so, I help create teams that are not only skilled but also aligned with the company’s values and objectives.

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Despite all the noise in the economy and the usual political ups and downs, I truly believe the buy to let let market remains strong. Yes, landlords are facing a few bumps, like rising interest rates and tighter regulations, but let’s not forget the massive demand for rental properties right now!  Property investment is a long game, and those who keep their eyes on the prize will continue to reap the rewards. Sure, landlords may need to adjust their strategies, but it’s far from a mass exodus – there are still plenty of opportunities to grab!

Kim McGinley

Prior to setting VIBE up in early 2018, Kim had spent the previous 12 years working for specialist banks in the Commercial Mortgage industry working closely with a closed panel of mortgage brokers/introducers and with underwriting her own cases at the outset, she would oversee each case throughout the entire process through to completion.

This undoubtedly gave Kim the best oversight as to what challenges a lender faces and she saw a real opportunity to set up as a broker herself to utilise her skills and attributes gained throughout her career to really make a difference to her clients… and so VIBE Specialist Finance was created!

Now an award winning specialist mortgage brokerage working with investors and property developers all over the UK, we are continuing to support our clients, providing a first class service.

The private rental sector is on a knife-edge and our Government is sharpening the blade.  Labour’s flip-flop policies lack coherence or vision, pushing landlords to the brink, and forcing many to rethink their investments. With tougher legislation and looming tax changes, the balance has tipped too far. Landlords are left shouldering the full financial risk, while new tenant laws make it harder to manage problematic tenants. The result? A shrinking rental market that risks leaving vulnerable renters with even fewer options. If we don’t strike a fair balance, we’ll see a rental crisis unfold. 

Patricia McGirr

Trish McGirr doesn’t do jargon. She’s the strategist corporates, lenders and boards call when financial distress threatens to spiral from balance sheet to headline. Director of Autris Ltd and founder of Repossession Rescue, she has built her reputation by exposing the human cost of debt and the chaos it creates for business. Her authority was forged in governance, first in the NHS, then through national consulting roles shaping policy and strategy. Since 2003 she has also lived and breathed property and finance, advising on distressed assets and risk. That mix of boardroom insight and frontline reality means she speaks with rare credibility on mortgages, debt, consumer impact and the challenges of deploying AI responsibly. Trish doesn’t just comment, she challenges. She calls out complacency in finance and corporate strategy, demanding solutions that balance profit with principle. For her, debt, vulnerability and automation aren’t operational headaches; they’re governance priorities that decide trust, compliance and brand survival. And when financial decisions hit the frontline, Trish is the voice that makes clear: risk becomes reputation, and governance is survival.

State of the buy-to-let market

4 responses from the Newspage community
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Jack Tutton

Director at SJ Mortgages

Sally Asling

Director at ProFind Property Recruitment

Kim McGinley

Director & Specialist Broker at VIBE Finance

Patricia McGirr

Founder at Repossession Rescue Network

4 responses from the Newspage communityCopy all

4 responses from the Newspage community
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