Buy to Let Club reports significant shift towards 5-year fixed products

Buy to Let Club reports significant shift towards 5-year fixed products

An increasing number of landlords are selecting 5-year fixed rates in favour of short-term alternatives, the Buy to Let Club has found.

Buy to Let Club has confirmed that the percentage of its buy to let business resulting from 5-year fixed products has risen to 42%. During the same period two years ago, 5-year fixes accounted for just 15% of its business.

This increase is in line with recent industry trends and points towards landlords seeking greater security during a time of economic uncertainty as Brexit negotiations continue.

Ying Tan, managing director of Buy to Let Club, said: “We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of clients opting for 5-year fixed rates over the last few years.

“With extremely competitive rates and the added security that they present, it is not surprising that they are a popular option for investors. Of course they also have the added benefit of less stringent affordability tests that make them appealing for raising finance against low-yielding properties.

“We have a number of fantastic 5-year rates at present including a brand new exclusive with Santander at 2.54% with a £1,999 fee up to 75% LTV that is available for both purchases and remortgages.

“Principality’s 2.55% rate and Virgin Money’s 2.64% rates at the same LTV are also proving popular.”

The market will also be capitalising on the fact that 5-year fixed rates are at an historic low.

Between 2008 and 2013, the average 5-year fixed buy-to-let rate at 75% LTV fluctuated between 5% and 7%, yet today many lenders are offering products at rates less than 2.7%.

These latest statistics also highlight that brokers are not just providing a product which they can look to remortgage in two years’ time to earn another fee.