Here is the latest edition of the Property Options’ monthly update on the UK Buy To Let (BTL) market.
This update is by economist Chris Worthington, who is one of our regular PIM speakers.
Interest Rates and the Mortgage Market
Amidst a lot of speculation about an early increase in interest rates in September, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England maintained the bank rate at a record low of 0.25%.
However the Committee hinted that the cost of borrowing could increase in the coming months and market sentiment is that there is an 80% chance of an early rate rise.
In September, the tightening of underwriting standards by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) came into effect.
This is likely to decrease the supply of credit available to landlords. Borrowers now have to disclose more comprehensive financial plans and show the ability to repay their mortgage at a 5.5% interest rate.
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) expects BTL lending of £35 billion in 2017 and £33 billion in 2018 compared with the previous CML forecast of £38 billion in each year.
This is a decrease of around 8% in 2017 and 13% in 2018. CML director Paul Smee commented
“BTL had a weak start in 2017 and the sector’s contribution to overall net mortgage lending has fallen considerably over the last year. While falling mortgage interest rates helped to support borrowing, tax and prudential measures are exerting pressure on the BTL Market.”
In the past year BTL activity was largely driven by re-mortgage lending which accounted for over two thirds of total lending.
The number of loans for BTL house purchase remained low compared to the activity seen before the change in stamp duty on second properties introduced in April last year.
The National Landlords Association reports that landlords are already finding it harder to arrange mortgages with 43% saying that the process of obtaining finance has become more difficult since the beginning of the year.
Borrowers are quite rightly opting for five year fixed rates as a hedge against future increases in interest rates in the short to medium term.
The availability of BTL mortgages has been one of the main enablers of the BTL market and it is clear that the rules of the game are changing.
How should BTL investors respond?
The first step is to consider re-mortgaging before the anticipated increase in interest rates comes into effect.
Sound business planning and prudent management of an existing portfolio will help to secure new finance, but if that is not available from the mainstream lenders, consider applying to the specialist BTL mortgage companies.
Find Out More
We will all be discussing the latest position on the property market, both in Bristol and across the UK, at our next PIM on Thursday 26 October 2017 at Holiday Inn, Bristol City Centre, 6-9 pm.
We hope you will join us then.
For more info and to reserve your place Click Below
Property Options Bristol
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