Specialist lender Shawbrook has unveiled a series of criteria changes to support new and seasoned professional landlords.
The lender has broadened its scope for MUFBs, now welcoming first-time landlords seeking MUFBs of up to six units.
In addition, Shawbrook has upped the maximum LTV for industrial properties to 75% LTV, offering loans available on interest-only, part-capital or full capital repayment, with rates starting from 7.39%.
The firm has also enhanced its lending criteria for social housing to support SME landlords looking to expand in this area.
Shawbrook’s complex BTL products are now available on single let or HMO properties let to social housing or supported living operators.
The bank has also released new criteria that supports landlords choosing to acquire the shares of a property-owning company, as opposed to the individual properties themselves with no minimum loan size.
This strategic change aims to provide landlords with a variety of lending solutions, delivering specialist finance to their diverse customer base.
Daryl Norkett, head of proposition at Shawbrook (pictured above), commented: “These enhancements not only demonstrate our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of professional landlords but also acknowledge the market's adaptation to a higher interest rate environment.
“We've observed a significant rise in HMO demand, from 27% of our BTL originations in 2022 and 2023, to 34% in 2024.
“Additionally, our research last year revealed that 37% of landlords seeking portfolio expansion were interested in commercial properties for diversification.
"By expanding our criteria, we are creating more opportunities for landlords to diversify and grow their portfolios, whether through higher-yielding residential assets, commercial properties, or social housing.
“Our goal is to offer innovative and flexible solutions that support our clients at every stage of their investment journey.”
