The maximum age at the point of application for new borrowing, remains unchanged and the eldest customer must submit any application before their 75th birthday.

Maximum mortgage term will remain at 40 years at application.

New maximum age policy applies to both BM Solutions mortgages held in personal names and those held by Limited Companies.

For Product Transfer applications the existing mortgage term can be amended up until the eldest applicant’s 99th birthday

For Further Advance applications the new borrowing mortgage term can be selected up until the eldest applicant’s 99th birthday

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Accepting your NatWest mortgage product switch

We often find NatWest Clients get stuck when trying to accept a mortgage switch offer, either when trying to get access to the NatWest App or Website, or during the Acceptance process – we hope the information below will be of assistance to you.

When you request a new mortgage rate, NatWest will email an offer copy to each account holder.

You have 14 days to accept your NatWest mortgage offer. If you do not accept your Offer within that time, the Offer is cancelled.

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BM Solutions launch Limited Company Buy To Let offering

BM Solutions has introduced a new Limited Company Buy to Let mortgage range, available from 28th July 2025. Offering competitive rates from 3.99% and generous affordability calculations, this launch creates new opportunities for borrowers to purchase, remortgage, or transfer existing properties into a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Limited Company. In this article, we explain the key features, eligibility rules, accepted company types, and important requirements, so you can decide whether BM Solutions’ latest offering is the right move for your property plans.

Important Director & Shareholder Requirements

• Each director/shareholder must act as guarantor for full amount
• Obtain independent legal advice on that guarantee
• Directors/shareholder to be prepared to undergo a soft credit search
• Directors/shareholder must each own UK property in own name
• No more than 4 directors/shareholders per application
• 100% of total shareholding must be held between the parties involved
• All directors and shareholders must reside in Great Britain
• Companies registered outside of Great Britain

The launch of the BM Solutions Limited Company Buy to Let range is a welcome addition for borrowers looking to invest through an SPV structure. With competitive rates, generous affordability calculations, and clear criteria for accepted company types, it opens the door to new opportunities for both purchasing and remortgaging.

However, Limited Company Buy to Let mortgages come with specific requirements, especially around director guarantees, company structure, and eligibility. So, getting the right advice from the outset is essential.

If you’re considering transferring property into a Limited Company, starting a new SPV, or expanding your portfolio, we can help you explore whether BM Solutions’ offering is the right fit for your plans and guide you through the application process from start to finish.

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Dreaming of your first home? Discover how a £5,000 mortgage deposit could open the door to homeownership

Read on to discover an exciting opportunity for first-time buyers.

What to expect from the mortgage application process

Navigating the mortgage application process for a £5k deposit mortgage is easier than you might think. First, you’ll begin by discussing your financial situation with us, where we’ll review your income, credit history, and any existing debts.

Once we’ve determined your eligibility, we’ll help you gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of income, bank statements, and identification. The next step involves completing a straightforward £5k deposit mortgage application, after which the lender will assess your credit profile and arrange a free valuation of your chosen property.

Throughout the process, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that the journey towards securing your first home is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ready to take the next step with a £5k deposit mortgage?

If you’re a first-time buyer dreaming of owning your own home but have been held back by high deposit requirements, now is your chance to make that dream a reality. This new £5k deposit mortgage is designed to help you get on the property ladder with ease. With competitive rates, minimal upfront costs, and clear eligibility guidelines, you could be one step closer to securing your first home.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and find out how you can take advantage of this breakthrough mortgage product. Let’s work together to help you start your journey towards home ownership.

The post £5K Deposit Mortgage for First Time Buyers appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Many borrowers wait for Bank of England policy announcements before making a decision on their mortgage rate. Does this have any practical value?

The Bank of England reviews the base rate throughout the year at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting. Adjusting the BOE rate helps to manage inflation and the balance between spending and saving in the market.

These BOE base rate announcements have falsely become a touchstone for mortgage borrowers to make decisions on securing rates.

The post Watching the Bank of England Base Rate appeared first on A Mortgage Now.

Understanding the Key Changes to Stamp Duty

The UK government has announced amendments to the SDLT structure to address housing market imbalances and generate additional revenue. For buyers of second homes and landlords, these changes primarily affect the surcharge on additional properties, which, prior to the 2024 Autumn Budget was 3% of the purchase price.

This has now been written to 5%, making the acquisition of additional properties more expensive upfront. The base rates of SDLT, which are calculated on the purchase price thresholds, will remain in place but will also be subject to broader reforms aimed at lower-value properties.

Notable Stamp Duty Changes:

• Increased Surcharge on Additional Properties: As previously mentioned, the surcharge on second homes and buy-to-let properties will rise, increasing the costs of property purchases for investors.
• Streamlined Reliefs: For landlords purchasing properties under a limited company structure, SDLT reliefs are being re-evaluated, potentially tightening eligibility criteria.
• Changes for properties up to £250,000: The current sub £250,000 zero rate band is reducing on 1^st April 2025 to £125,000 with purchase prices from £125,001 to £250,000 taxed at 2%. This is an effective increase in standard rate stamp duty land tax of up to £2,500.
• Doubling – overall impact of budget changes – example: A £250,000 buy-to-let purchase in September 2024 would have incurred a £7,500 stamp duty land tax bill. From April 2025 the bill will be £15,000.

Impact of Stamp Duty Changes on Second Home Buyers and Landlords

Second Home Buyers

For those looking to acquire a holiday home or a secondary residence, the increased surcharge will require more careful budgeting. For instance, on a property priced at £500,000, the surcharge would increase from £15,000 to £25,000 under the new rules. This change underscores the importance of planning transactions strategically, potentially prioritising completions before the changes take effect.

Landlords

The increased surcharge also affects buy-to-let landlords. Combined with changes to mortgage interest relief and the potential for higher base rates on SDLT, landlords must assess whether their rental income can sustainably offset the higher upfront costs. Many are also looking into property portfolio diversification to balance risk and maximise returns.

Strategic Approaches to Stamp Duty Changes for Buyers

Exploring Product Transfers

If you already own a property and are considering refinancing to fund the purchase of an additional property, a further advance with a mortgage product transfer could provide a practical solution. Further advances can produce additional funds swiftly in the right circumstances. Product transfers allow you to switch to a new mortgage deal with your existing lender, often with reduced fees and faster processing. This can free up equity or lower your current mortgage payments, providing additional capital for your second home.

Limited Company Purchases

For landlords, purchasing properties through a limited company can be a tax-efficient strategy. While SDLT reliefs are changing, limited company structures can still offer advantages in terms of tax-deductible expenses and streamlined inheritance and succession planning.

Consider Offset Mortgages

Offset mortgages allow you to use savings to reduce the interest on your mortgage balance. This is particularly useful for landlords looking to maximise returns on their rental properties while keeping liquidity high.

Navigating Investment Opportunities in a Changing Market

Despite these changes, opportunities remain for savvy investors. Property markets often see adjustments before major policy shifts, with sellers potentially becoming more flexible on pricing. Timing your purchase strategically could help offset the increased SDLT costs.

Furthermore, areas with strong rental demand and growth potential may still provide profitable investment opportunities. Working with experienced mortgage brokers like A Mortgage Now ensures you receive tailored advice to navigate these changes effectively.

How A Mortgage Now Can Help

Whether you’re purchasing a second home or expanding your buy-to-let portfolio, securing the right mortgage product is essential. At A Mortgage Now, we specialise in:

• Buy-to-Let Mortgages: Tailored solutions for landlords, including fixed-rate and variable-rate options.
• Product Transfers: Helping you switch to more favourable terms with your existing lender.
• Mortgage Pre-Approvals: Streamline your buying process with expert assistance in securing pre-approval, giving you a competitive edge in the market

Call us today on 020 8979 9684 for personalised advice and tailored solutions to meet your property goals.

Final Thoughts on Stamp Duty Changes for Landlords and Second Home Buyers

The stamp duty changes coming in 2025 might feel like a challenge, but they’re also a chance to reassess and refine your property plans. With the right strategy and advice, you can turn these updates into opportunities, keeping your investment goals firmly on track.

At A Mortgage Now, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Whether you’re buying a second home or expanding your portfolio as a landlord, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

The post Navigating Stamp Duty Changes in 2025: Opportunities for Second Home Buyers and Landlords appeared first on A Mortgage Now.