Vida, the specialist lender, has announced a series of enhancements across its Buy-to-Let and Residential product ranges, reinforcing its commitment to being the specialist in specialist and helping more people find a place to call home.
Buy-to-Let Product and Policy Enhancements
- Rate Reductions of up to 0.51% across new business products:
Vida has repriced much of its Buy-to-Let range, delivering rate cuts of up to 0.51% to support landlords in a competitive market.
- Lower Minimum Loan Size on Limited Editions
The minimum loan size for selected Limited Edition BTL products has been reduced from £200,000 to £150,000, broadening access to more clients.
ICR Policy Update
Vida has refined its Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR) criteria to better reflect borrower tax status:
- New Blended ICR of 135% introduced for applications involving both Basic and Higher Rate taxpayers, a reduction of 5% from Vida’s current approach.
- Higher Rate Taxpayer ICR increased from 140% to 145%
- Basic Rate and SPV ICRs remain unchanged at 125%
HMO & MUB Criteria Summer Special
Vida has temporarily increased the maximum allowable size for:
- HMOs: From 6 to 8 bedrooms
- MUBs: From 6 to 8 units
These changes apply to properties held on a single freehold title, with valuation thresholds remaining unchanged.
Residential Product and Affordability Enhancements
- Vida has also repriced its Residential range, with reductions of up to 0.54% across new business products.
- Improved Affordability: The lender has updated its Residential Affordability Calculator, including a further reduction in the 2-year stress rate, helping more customers qualify for the borrowing they need.
Ross Williams, Head of Product Management at Vida, commented:
“These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to evolving with the market and supporting brokers with products that meet the real-world needs of their clients. Whether it’s sharper pricing, broader criteria, or improved affordability, we’re focused on helping intermediaries deliver better outcomes.”