Specialist buy-to-let mortgages:
HMO & MUFB decision tree
What’s the difference between a standard BTL, an HMO, a large HMO and a multi-unit freehold block?
Does each unit have its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance?
Do at least three tenants from two or more households occupy the property as their main or only home and share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet?
NO
YES
Are the units held under one freehold title, without individual long leases?
NO
YES
Standard BTL
One dwelling occupied by a single household.
YES
NO
Separate titles
A conventional block of flats or row of houses.
Likely an HMO
Rooms or facilities are shared.
Likely an MUFB
Separate units under one freehold.
How many tenants will occupy it?
Check local licensing requirements.
Are all units fully self-contained?
No shared essential facilities.
HMO
One dwelling shared by tenants from two or more households.
MUFB
Several self-contained homes held under a single title.
Large HMO
A larger shared property, commonly with seven or more bedrooms.
Hybrid property
A mixture of shared accommodation and self-contained units.
3 or 4
6 OR MORE
YES
NO
Some properties do not fit neatly into one category
Converted buildings, including those containing partially self-contained units, may require the title structure, planning position, building regulations, licensing requirements and floorplan to be considered together.
A hybrid property may combine elements of an HMO and an MUFB—for example, three separate flats held under one freehold, with one flat occupied as an HMO. Different lenders may reach different conclusions, so these properties are likely to require a bespoke solution from a specialist lender.
Multi-unit leasehold blocks also require individual assessment, as lender appetite can depend on the title structure, lease arrangements and whether the whole building is being offered as security.
Frequently asked questions.
Every client and every mortgage is different, but there are some questions we are asked regularly.
From affordability and deposits to complex income, expat mortgages and specialist property finance, our FAQs explain how different lenders may approach different circumstances.
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