Using the new calculations, a basic rate taxpayer receiving a rental income of £900 and opting for a five-year fixed rate, could borrow £181,895 – previously £157,091 – subject to the 75% loan to value limit.

The new reference rates are as follows:

4.75% (previously 5.5%.) for five-year fixed rates, for purchase and remortgage applications – OR product pay rate (whichever is higher)

5% (previously 5.5%) for two-year fixed rates, for remortgages with no additional borrowing –  OR product pay rate (whichever is higher)

6.5% (previously 7%) for two-year fixed rates, for purchases and remortgages with additional borrowing –  OR product pay rate +2% (whichever is higher)

The minimum rental income required is 125% or 145%* of the mortgage payments, based on the above applicable reference rate.

Coventry head of intermediary relationships Jonathan Stinton commented: “Our affordability changes should help make it easier for new and existing landlords to finance their rental properties and help keep up with tenant demand.”

He added: “We try to make it as easy as possible for brokers to help their landlord clients, which is why we don’t ask for a minimum income – we simply look at rental income. Our Buy to Let calculator helps brokers easily see how much their landlord clients can borrow, and these new changes to our reference rate will likely mean many of those clients can borrow more if they need to.”