Data from Moneyfacts.co.uk showed, having plunged to a total of 1,455 products in May, the buy-to-let mortgage market has received a boost of 283 more products as lenders increase their ranges.
The two-year fixed rate market now has 134 more products and there are an additional 164 options in the five-year fixed rate sector than compared to the start of May.
However, things are still not as buoyant as they were before the Covid-19 crisis began in March, when there were 2,897 buy-to-let mortgages available.
Eleanor Williams, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said its latest research revealed the buy-to-let sector had adapted well to conditions caused by the pandemic and there were indications landlords may have cause for positivity.
“The latest Rental Index research from lettings platform Goodlord indicates that in June, new tenancy applications remained at 90% above 2019 levels,” Williams added.
“Subsequently, they have recorded increases in rental costs and also void periods reducing, as tenant demand for new properties remains strong now that the market has reopened.
“This news should be a boost to landlords, who after a difficult few months can see that choice is beginning to return to their sector.”
Vote of confidence
Kevin Roberts, director, Legal & General Mortgage Club said the news more choice was returning to the market was a vote of confidence in the buy-to-let sector and a sure sign that it remained open for business.
He added: “At Legal & General Mortgage Club, our data even shows that despite the pandemic landlords still have a positive view of the buy-to-let sector.
“Nearly three in every five landlords (57%) told us that the crisis has had no impact on their plans to stay in the market and more than one in ten (16%) even have plans to buy more property over the coming months.”
Competitive rates
Moneyfacts data also showed rates were currently competitive, especially when compared to January.
The average rate for two-year fixed rate mortgages on 1 July was 0.21% less than at the start of the year, while the five-year fixed rate has fallen by 0.22% over the same time period.
| Buy-to-let mortgage market analysis | |||||
| Product numbers | Jan-20 | Mar-20 | Apr-20 | May-20 | Jul-20 |
| BTL product count – fixed and variable rates | 2,583 | 2,897 | 1,887 | 1,455 | 1,738 |
| Two-year fixed rates BTL – all LTVs | 823 | 914 | 610 | 491 | 625 |
| Two-year fixed rates BTL – 80% LTV | 119 | 141 | 57 | 9 | 31 |
| Two-year fixed rates BTL – 60% LTV | 126 | 124 | 129 | 148 | 144 |
| Five-year fixed rates BTL – all LTVs | 879 | 1,000 | 695 | 480 | 644 |
| Five-year fixed rates BTL – 80% LTV | 110 | 150 | 69 | 6 | 19 |
| Five-year fixed rates BTL – 60% LTV | 128 | 133 | 140 | 155 | 146 |
| Average Rates | Jan-20 | Mar-20 | Apr-20 | May-20 | Jul-20 |
| BTL two-year fixed – all LTVs | 2.82% | 2.77% | 2.71% | 2.51% | 2.61% |
| BTL two-year fixed – 80% LTV | 3.64% | 3.56% | 3.80% | 3.61% | 3.18% |
| BTL two-year fixed – 60% LTV | 1.92% | 1.89% | 2.24% | 2.39% | 2.28% |
| BTL five-year fixed – all LTVs | 3.19% | 3.24% | 3.16% | 2.94% | 2.97% |
| BTL five-year fixed – 80% LTV | 4.03% | 3.98% | 4.18% | 4.32% | 3.82% |
| BTL five-year fixed – 60% LTV | 2.32% | 2.31% | 2.62% | 2.76% | 2.65% |
| Data shown is as at first working day of month, unless otherwise stated. Source: Moneyfacts.co.uk | |||||
