The UK buy-to-let market continues to evolve at pace. This week has brought significant developments for landlords, from the confirmed rollout of the National Landlord Register through to major lending policy changes from The Mortgage Works and further upward pressure on mortgage rates.
For landlords, the key takeaway is clear: compliance requirements are increasing, while mortgage and funding decisions are becoming more important than ever.
Here’s your weekly MFB News update from 16th September 2026.
National Landlord Register Rollout Confirmed
The government has now confirmed the regional rollout timetable for the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, often referred to as the National Landlord Register. Introduced as part of the Renters' Rights Act reforms, the database will create a centralised record of rental properties and landlords across England.
The rollout begins on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands and will then be introduced region by region over a 12-month period. Once your region opens, landlords will have a three-month window to complete registration. All landlords must be registered by 14 November 2027.
Registration will cost £65 per property. While the fee itself is relatively modest, the real concern for landlords is the potential penalty for non-compliance. Fines can reach up to £40,000, and providing false or misleading information could also result in enforcement action. Importantly, properties cannot legally be let once registration becomes mandatory if they have not been registered.
What Information Will Landlords Need to Provide?
The new landlord register is expected to require information on a property-by-property basis, including:
- Property address and type
- Ownership structure, whether personal or limited company
- Number of bedrooms and occupants
- Rental income and payment frequency
- Furnished status
- HMO, selective or additional licensing details
- Gas Safety Certificates
- Electrical Safety Certificates
- EPC ratings and relevant exemptions
For portfolio landlords, gathering and maintaining this information across multiple properties could become a significant administrative exercise.
One particularly important point is that information must be kept up to date. As tenants change or compliance documentation expires, landlords will need to ensure records remain current within the database.
Compliance Could Become Easier in the Long Run
While many landlords will understandably view the new database as another layer of regulation, there may be some practical benefits.
Keeping property compliance documents, tenancy information and safety certificates in one central location could make life easier when dealing with lenders, local authorities, solicitors and other third parties. Having accurate records readily available often proves invaluable whenever disputes or legal issues arise.
The key message is preparation. Landlords who begin organising documentation now are likely to find the registration process far less burdensome when their region opens.
The Mortgage Works Expands Buy-to-Let Lending Criteria
Alongside regulatory changes, there has been positive news from The Mortgage Works, which has announced several enhancements to its buy-to-let lending criteria.
Two changes stand out in particular.
Firstly, experienced landlords borrowing up to 70% loan-to-value can now benefit from no maximum age limit. In addition, first-time landlords can apply up to age 75 on applications at the same loan-to-value threshold.
This reflects a broader trend across the mortgage market, with lenders increasingly recognising that many landlords remain active investors well into retirement.
Secondly, The Mortgage Works is now prepared to consider inter-family property sales. These transactions occur when a property is sold between family members, often as part of estate planning or portfolio succession arrangements.
For many families, this could create additional flexibility when transferring property wealth from one generation to another.
Understanding Buy-to-Let Mortgage Age Limits
One of the most common questions we receive as mortgage brokers relates to age restrictions.
Most buy-to-let lenders set a minimum age of 21, although some will consider applicants from age 18. This largely reflects the commercial nature of buy-to-let lending, where lenders are looking for evidence of financial maturity and the ability to manage landlord responsibilities.
At the opposite end of the scale, many lenders have historically imposed maximum age restrictions at either application or mortgage maturity. However, the market has become increasingly flexible.
Today, a number of specialist and mainstream lenders are willing to lend into borrowers' seventies, eighties and beyond, provided there is a credible strategy for ongoing property management and eventual loan repayment.
The important point is that older landlords should not assume mortgage options are unavailable. The right lender selection can make a significant difference.
Rental Yields Remain Strong Across the UK
The latest rental income analysis from The Mortgage Works contains some encouraging news for landlords.
According to the report:
- Average rental yields reached 6.4%
- 86% of landlords reported making a profit
- Only 5% reported making a loss
- East Midlands and East of England recorded the highest yields at 7.3%
- Central London recorded average yields of 5.3%
These figures suggest that, despite increased regulation and higher borrowing costs, the majority of landlords remain profitable.
The report also found that rental growth is cooling rather than reversing. While fewer landlords increased rents compared with previous peak periods, only a very small minority were reducing rents. Combined with evidence of continued tenant demand, this indicates that the rental market remains fundamentally resilient.
Why Are Mortgage Rates Rising Again?
Unfortunately, the mortgage rate environment has become more challenging once again.
Five-year SWAP rates are currently sitting around 4.6%, significantly above levels seen earlier in the year. Because swap rates heavily influence fixed-rate mortgage pricing, lenders have been increasing mortgage rates in response.
Several factors appear to be contributing to market volatility:
- Expectations of future Bank of England base rate increases
- Rising inflation concerns
- Higher oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions
- Increased government borrowing concerns ahead of the Autumn Budget
- Rising gilt yields and ongoing uncertainty in financial markets
Together, these issues have pushed funding costs higher, making it more expensive for lenders to offer fixed-rate mortgages.
What Should Landlords Do Next?
For landlords, the remainder of 2026 is likely to be defined by two priorities: compliance and funding.
The introduction of the National Landlord Register means now is the time to review property records, safety certificates and tenancy documentation. Meanwhile, increasing mortgage rates highlight the importance of keeping financing arrangements under regular review.
With rental yields remaining healthy and lender criteria continuing to evolve, there are still opportunities available for landlords who stay informed and act proactively.
As always, if you're reviewing your buy-to-let mortgage, considering a portfolio expansion, or planning ahead for the upcoming regulatory changes, professional advice can help ensure you're well positioned for whatever comes next.
All rates are subject to individual circumstances and may change.
Speak to an expert
Whether you're approaching the end of your fixed rate, looking to raise capital for EPC improvements, or want to review your portfolio strategy, our experts can help.
We’ll offer you tailored advice to ensure we find you the best rates to suit your needs and help you make fully informed property investment decisions. Call us on 0345 345 6788 or submit an enquiry here.
