GUEST COLUMN:
Roger Morris
Group Distribution Director
Chetwood Bank
After more than 35 years in the mortgage industry – and as a landlord myself – I can confidently say that I’ve never seen so many opportunities in the buy-to-let market as I do today.
Yes, we’re in a transitional period. Yes, there’s legislation on the horizon, from EPC standards to the Renters' Rights Bill. But even with that change, or perhaps because of it, the fundamentals of buy-to-let remain strong – and in many areas, are improving.
Rental demand is at an all-time high. The last property I put on the market in Birmingham had 39 families apply. The UK average is said to be around 12 applications per property, but from what I’ve seen, that feels conservative. Meanwhile, my personal rents have gone up 42% in the past three years. At the same time, the cost of borrowing is gradually coming down – albeit with some volatility. In short, the conditions for investment are strong.
At Chetwood Bank, our focus is on building the right tools to support both landlords and mortgage advisors. We’re proud to be based in Wrexham – the newest bank launched in Wales – and even prouder to be supporting the UK’s evolving buy-to-let market through two specialist lenders: CHL Mortgages for Intermediaries, which deals with more complex cases, and Moda Mortgages, aimed at first-time landlords and those still growing their portfolios.
That split reflects the changing nature of the sector. More people are entering the market for the first time, while others are expanding and becoming more professional in their approach. But whichever stage a landlord is at, it’s essential that their broker understands the full picture. That means not just the product range, but the implications of ownership structure, the direction of policy, and the broader economic context.
What I often say to mortgage advisors is: value your own knowledge. You’re not just sourcing rates. You’re helping landlords make long-term decisions that affect their financial future. That might mean explaining the difference between personal and limited company ownership, or helping a client think ahead about succession planning. In some cases, it might simply be keeping them up to date with what’s happening in Parliament or in the market.
At Chetwood, one of the ways we try to support advisors is through practical solutions – like offering free valuations via CHL and Moda. It’s a small thing, but for landlords with multiple properties, those costs can quickly add up. Free valuations can be the difference that makes a deal stack up.
Ultimately, a buoyant buy-to-let environment means the opportunity for advisors right now is bigger than any one product. It’s about stepping into the role of trusted guide. The market may be changing, but demand is growing, and that growth needs to be matched by understanding, education and service. If you’re prepared to invest in your knowledge, build the right relationships, and keep close to your clients, then buy-to-let remains a space full of potential.
Roger talks about this and more in the Cornerstone Finance Group podcast episodes Understanding the Buy-to-Let Landscape and Navigating Tax and Structuring for Buy-to-Let. Listen to the podcasts here.
