700 more buy-to-let deals available as product choice recovers: Moneyfacts
Average fixed rates rose over the same period, both over a two-year or five-year fixed term.
"The buy-to-let sector has faced notable market turmoil, so it’s positive to see product choice gradually returning since the start of last month."
Product choice within the buy-to-let sector is starting to recover, according to the latest analysis by Moneyfacts.
Overall buy-to-let product availability (fixed and variable) has risen by over 700 options since the start of October 2022 to 1,769 products. There are however, around 300 less deals than at the start of September 2022 (2,075).
Average fixed rates rose over the same period, both over a two-year or five-year fixed term. Between the 1st October and 25th November, two-year fixed rates at all LTVs have risen by 0.93% to an average og 6.50%. The largest increase is to two-year fixed rates at 60% LTV, which have risen from an average of 4.52% in October to 6.27%.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said: “The buy-to-let sector has faced notable market turmoil, so it’s positive to see product choice gradually returning since the start of last month. A rise in choice could indicate an encouraging sentiment across lenders that appear to be adjusting their ranges to cater to landlords searching for a new deal.
“The cost for locking into a new fixed deal has risen since the start of October, and the overall average buy-to-let fixed rates across both two- and five-year terms sit above 6%. So, despite product choice starting to return, landlords will be paying higher interest rates than if they secured a deal just eight weeks ago. There are high expectations that interest rates will come down in the weeks ahead, so it would not be too surprising if landlords wait a little longer before they refinance, particularly as we approach the end of the year.
“Prospective landlords assessing the potential returns by investing in buy-to-let may be concerned about their profit margins due to rising interest rates and the cost of living. Any investor will need to carefully balance their rental expectations amid rising costs as it is difficult to tell how investors could be impacted moving into 2023. However, since January 2020, rents have risen 19% across Great Britain, equating to an extra £2,351 a year for tenants, according to a study by Hamptons. It’s essential any potential borrower seeks independent financial advice before entering any arrangement to ensure it’s the right choice for them.”
