Octane Capital relaunches specialist buy-to-let range

Octane Capital has relaunched its specialist buy-to-let product, offering loans up to £15m and 80% gross LTV, including fees, alongside flexible underwriting for portfolio landlords, foreign nationals and specialist properties including semi-commercial assets, large HMOs and MUBs.

The launch is Octane's first since its acquisition by Aldermore Bank in March and follows a series of enhancements to its bridging proposition, including fixed rates, automated valuation models (AVMs), dual representation and the expanded use of title insurance to help speed up completions.

Residential portfolio loans are available up to £15m, with HMO loans available up to £3m and MUB loans up to £10m. There is no maximum number of HMO bedrooms or MUB units, subject to lending criteria.

The relaunched proposition also sees the return of Octane's interest deferral option, allowing borrowers to defer 1% per annum of interest. This reduces the pay rate and can potentially increase the LTV achievable within affordability limits.

Octane's top-slicing approach also allows eligible borrowers to use personal income to supplement rental income when meeting interest coverage ratio (ICR) requirements, with rent required to cover only 90% of interest at the pay rate. This will particularly help high-net-worth borrowers investing in lower-yielding properties in London and the South East.

Further flexibility is available for borrowers undertaking light refurbishment, with self-funded works costing up to 10% of the property's market value permitted. Up to six months' interest retention is also available for untenanted properties, providing borrowers with additional time to complete works and secure tenants.

Jonathan Samuels (pictured), CEO of Octane Capital, commented: “Our buy-to-let product is back by popular demand. Brokers want somewhere to take the cases that require a closer look, whether that is a large HMO, a portfolio landlord or a borrower whose income needs to form part of the affordability assessment.

"The option to defer 1% a year in interest was hugely popular last time. Lowering the pay rate can help borrowers achieve a higher LTV on lower-yielding properties in London and the South East. Combined with top slicing for high-net-worth borrowers, it allows us to look at affordability beyond the rent alone.

"Since joining Aldermore, we have moved quickly to give brokers more options and make transactions easier. Bringing back specialist buy-to-let is the next step, combining Octane's approach to complex lending with the backing of Aldermore Bank.”