Stay ahead with the latest mortgage rates, tax deadlines, and rental reforms affecting UK landlords. Essential insights from expert brokers.
Mortgage Rates: Quiet but Stable
SWAPs remain largely unchanged, with two- and five-year SWAPs showing minimal movement month-on-month. While this might feel frustrating if you’re hoping for rate drops, the lack of volatility is a positive sign, especially with the Autumn Statement approaching. It means lenders aren’t under pressure to reprice, and for now, stability is the name of the game.
On the lender side, it’s been very quiet. Nottingham and Santander have made small reductions, but nothing significant. These tweaks don’t signal a wider trend, and most lenders are holding firm.
Find your next BTL mortgage rate here >>
Lender Criteria: Studio Flats & Solar Panels
Metro Bank has made two notable changes: they now accept studio flats (minimum 30 square meters) and properties with leased solar panels, provided certain conditions are met. While Metro isn’t the most landlord-friendly lender, these updates are worth noting.
Studio flats, especially in city centres, can offer strong yields and consistent demand. The solar panel change reflects a slow but growing shift toward green lending criteria, which landlords should keep an eye on as energy efficiency becomes more central to property finance.
Tax Returns: Act Now or Risk Delays
Lenders like Santander are tightening up on tax documentation. From 6th October, they’ll require your 2023–24 tax return to consider your application. This means landlords who leave their returns until January could find themselves restricted in lender choice, or worse, unable to proceed with a mortgage. If you're self-employed or rely on rental income, now’s the time to get your paperwork in order.
Making Tax Digital: Are You Ready?
From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 will be required to comply with Making Tax Digital. While this still feels a way off, preparation takes time.
Many landlords are still unsure how to approach digital tax reporting, whether to use software or outsource to an accountant. Either way, it’s clear that digital tax reporting is coming, and those who prepare early will avoid last-minute stress and potential compliance issues.
Renters Reform Bill: What’s Coming?
The Renters’ Reform Bill is expected to pass by late 2025, with phased implementation likely into 2026. While the final details may shift slightly, the core changes, like the move from fixed-term ASTs to rolling tenancies, are expected to go ahead.
Lenders like Paragon don’t anticipate major changes to their lending approach, as tenant behaviour is unlikely to shift dramatically. Still, landlords should be aware of the changes and how they might affect tenancy management and long-term planning.
Short-Term Lets: Licensing on the Horizon
The government has confirmed that licensing for short-term holiday lets is still on the agenda. While details are being worked out, the aim is to help councils manage housing availability in high-demand areas.
For landlords operating in the short-term let space, this means more regulation is coming, so it’s worth keeping an eye on developments and preparing for compliance.
Political Watch: What If Andy Burnham Took Over?
Speculation around Andy Burnham potentially challenging Keir Starmer raises some interesting housing implications. Burnham has voiced support for council tax reform and large-scale council house building.
For landlords, this could mean increased costs in some regions and downward pressure on rents if a significant number of affordable homes enter the market. While it’s all hypothetical for now, it’s a reminder that political shifts can have real financial consequences for property investors.
Next Steps
Even in a quiet mortgage market, landlords must stay informed. For tailored advice:
Call us on 0345 345 6788 or submit and enquiry here and one of our team will call you back.
