Shawbrook and Keystone eases criteria for property investors and first-time landlords
Specialist lenders Shawbrook and Keystone Property Finance have announced enhancements to their lending criteria, aimed at expanding access and flexibility for property investors across the UK.
Shawbrook’s updated offerings target professional investors seeking to diversify with commercial assets. The lender has raised loan-to-value (LTV) limits on several asset classes, including retail units, which now qualify for up to 70% LTV on interest-only loans and 75% on loans with capital repayment options.
Healthcare and education properties, such as GP surgeries and nurseries, can now also secure up to 75% LTV. Additionally, industrial units continue to benefit from a 75% LTV cap on interest-only loans, following a change earlier this year.
To further support investors managing mixed-use portfolios, Shawbrook now offers blended LTVs based on individual asset values within a portfolio.
In a move aimed at first-time landlords, Shawbrook has eased its experience requirements for those interested in semi-commercial properties. New entrants can access loans of up to £750,000 for assets with up to two commercial and six residential units, marking an effort to accommodate smaller, cash-flowing investments.
“We’ve seen a notable rise in investor interest in commercial assets this year, which reflects renewed confidence among landlords in the commercial market, as they look to actively expand and diversify their portfolios,” said Daryl Norkett (pictured left), director of real estate proposition at Shawbrook.
“Our latest enhancements underscore our commitment to supporting professional property investors in the commercial and semi-commercial markets, helping them seize growth opportunities and strengthen their portfolios.”
Meanwhile, Keystone Property Finance has increased its maximum loan size per property from £2 million to £2.5 million across its buy-to-let range, including 70% LTV products, which were previously capped at £1.5 million.
Keystone will now also consider applications from first-time landlords investing in properties above commercial premises, offering loans up to 75% LTV, as well as self-employed expatriates with existing buy-to-let portfolios.
Spark up your cases with our latest criteria update! ✨
— Keystone Property Finance (@KeystonePF) November 5, 2024
We’ve enhanced our lending criteria to help you and your clients light up the way on your new applications! 🎇
Visit our website now to see what’s popping! 🔗 https://t.co/tuU08hNqZo#LendingCriteria #SpecialistLending pic.twitter.com/0CvEZpnuBT
The lender has also adjusted its criteria for properties requiring licensing. Only properties needing a mandatory licence must now choose from Keystone’s specialist product range, while those requiring additional or selective licences can access its standard range, subject to local authority planning requirements.
“These changes address areas of the market that are currently underserved by lenders, so we are pleased to be able to meet that unmet demand,” said Elise Coole (pictured right), managing director of Keystone Property Finance.
“We are constantly seeking new ways to ensure that our range remains both relevant and responsive to evolving market conditions, providing useful and tailored solutions for even the most complex cases.”
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