Limited company buy to let mortgages
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Limited company buy to let mortgages
There are a lot of ways to approach property investment but, for many keen investors, owning buy-to-let properties through a limited company is the most tax-efficient, safe and streamlined way of doing things. For property investors looking to maximise tax efficiency, protect personal assets and manage multiple investment properties, buying buy-to-let properties through a limited company – which, in this scenario, is called a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – can be a worthwhile consideration.
If you want to do this, you’ll need a limited company (SPV) buy-to-let mortgage, which we can help you with. At Everest Mortgages, we specialise in helping investors to finance properties through SPV mortgages, making the process clear and straightforward, from beginning to end.
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What is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)?
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a limited company set up specifically to own and manage investment or buy-to-let properties. Rather than buying property as an individual and owning it personally, you can create an SPV, which is a separate legal entity. There’s a number of benefits of doing this, such as:
- Tax efficiency – When you buy property through an SPV, profits are subject to corporation tax, rather than higher personal income tax rates. This means you pay a lower rate of tax, saving money.
- Limited liability – The limited company or SPV structure protects your personal assets, such as savings and property, from business debts by giving you limited liability.
- Portfolio management – Owning multiple properties through an SPV allows for streamlined accounting and financing, which makes it easier to manage your property portfolio.
As an investor, you can use an SPV to own single properties or to manage an entire property portfolio, depending on your investment goals. The first step in this process is securing a limited company buy-to-let mortgage, otherwise known as an SPV buy-to-let mortgage.
What is a limited company (SPV) buy-to-let mortgage?
In order to buy a property through an SPV, you need a limited company buy-to-let mortgage.
Designed specifically for properties owned by a company rather than an individual, these mortgages are structured in a similar way to standard buy-to-let mortgages, but with a few key differences:
- The borrower is the limited company, not you as an individual.
- Lenders assess the limited company’s accounts, rental coverage ratios and director experience, rather than your personal income.
- Deposit requirements are usually higher, compared to other buy-to-let mortgages.
- Interest rates can differ from standard buy-to-let mortgages, which is why it’s important to shop around. This is something Everest Mortgages can help you with.
Who are SPV buy-to-let mortgages for?
- Experienced investors expanding or managing multiple properties.
- Buy-to-let landlords who want to separate their personal finances from their property business.
- Investors looking for tax efficiency and limited liability.
- First time corporate landlords who are planning to hold long-term investment properties.
SPV and limited company buy-to-let mortgage considerations
Though there are a number of benefits that come with buying a property via a limited company buy-to-let mortgage, there are a few drawbacks. For example, not all high street lenders provide SPV mortgages, which can leave you with only a handful of lenders to choose from. Plus, operating a limited company requires annual reporting and accounts filing with HMRC and Companies House, which puts more responsibilities on your plate. You might also find that mortgage terms are stricter than personal buy-to-let loans. Of course, with Everest Mortgages helping, these hurdles are easy to overcome.
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How to get an SPV buy-to-let mortgage
Set up your SPV
Unsurprisingly, before you can get an SPV mortgage or limited company buy-to-let mortgage, you need to set up your SPV. This involves registering your limited company with Companies House and ensuring the SPV is set up purely for property investment. This can be done yourself, but working with an accountant or solicitor can simplify things.
Speak to a specialist mortgage broker
SPV mortgages are offered by a smaller selection of lenders, so you’ll have fewer options compared to standard buy-to-let loans. This is why it’s a good idea to work with a mortgage broker that understands SPVs, like Everest Mortgages. We can identify lenders, guide you through the process, and help you to secure the best deal.
Prepare your SPV mortgage application
SPV mortgage applications require additional documentation, and the process can be daunting compared to standard buy-to-let mortgages. Lenders will want to look at company accounts, your experience in property investment, deposits and funding sources, and the projected rental income, ensuring it can cover the mortgage payments.
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Limited company (SPV) buy-to-let mortgage eligibility
There’s a lot that goes into a lender’s decision to approve you for a limited company (SPV) buy-to-let mortgage, and you have to tick a fair few boxes to be eligible.
- SPV status – Lenders want to see that you have a properly registered limited company with an appropriate SIC code.
- Deposit – You will usually need a deposit of between 25% and 30% of the property value, though this does vary from one lender to the next.
- Portfolio size – Some lenders only offer SPV mortgages to investors with a property portfolio, meaning you need mortgages for multiple properties.
- Directors – Some lenders will only accept SPVs with a maximum of four directors, and they prefer directors to have experience in property investment.
- Rental coverage – It’s important that the mortgage payments are easily covered by the projected rental income.
- Accountant involvement – It’s not uncommon for lenders to require the professional preparation of limited company accounts before approving you.
If you’re a serious property investor, limited company (SPV) buy-to-let mortgages could be exactly what you need to drive your business forward. At Everest Mortgages, we can guide you through the process, securing the best possible SPV mortgage deal for your investment property portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an SPV mortgage as a first time investor?
Yes, many lenders accept first time landlords and investors, though having some property investment experience can improve your chances of being approved.
Can I hold multiple properties in one SPV?
Yes, once you’ve set up an SPV, you can hold multiple properties within that company. SPV mortgages allow multiple properties to be financed under a single company, with the finer details depending on the lender.
How long does it take to get an SPV mortgage approved?
This can vary, as no two applications are the same. Having your SPV set up correctly, company accounts prepared and all rental projections ready can speed up the process, as can working with a mortgage broker.
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