Unregulated vs Consumer Buy to Let: What’s the Difference?

We know it can sometimes be tricky to figure out whether we can help with a case – especially when it involves consumer or unregulated buy-to-let.

Here are a few quick questions to run through:

Has the customer ever lived in the property?

  • If they own other properties, we can help.
  • If that’s their only property, we can still help if the application is through a limited company or the loan is for buying a second buy-to-let
  • If that’s their only property and the application is personal, it’s classed as consumer buy-to-let, which we can’t offer.

Did the customer inherit the property?

  • If they own other properties, we can help.
  • If that’s their only property, we can still help if the application is through a limited company or the loan is for buying a second buy-to-let.
  • If that’s their only property and the application is personal, it’s classed as consumer buy-to-let, which we can’t offer.

Has a close family member lived there before?*

  • If they own other properties, we can help.
  • If that’s their only property, we can still help if the application is through a limited company or the loan is for buying a second buy-to-let.
  • If that’s their only property and the application is personal, it’s classed as consumer buy-to-let, which we can’t offer.

⚠️ Important: If the current tenant is a close family member, we can’t proceed.

Close family includes: spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, and grandchildren.

If you’re not sure about a case, just give us a shout. We know not every situation is straightforward and we’re always happy to talk it through.

[Download the full guide here]

If you have a case you’d like to discuss, please feel free to contact us.

If you’d like to book a meeting—online or face-to-face—just drop me an email. I’d be more than happy to meet with you again!

Nina.Kainth@mercantiletrust.co.uk

01923 280297 | 07562 209858

Vicky O’Sullivan (Office based) 

Vicky.Osullivan@mercantiletrust.co.uk

01923 280116