Buy to Let Mortgages in Westminster
Rental cover is the binding constraint here, not deposit. Whole-of-market buy to let advice for Westminster landlords — personal name, limited company, portfolio and HMO lending.
3.0%
Average gross yield
£1.8m
Typical entry price
90+
Lenders compared
What type of mortgage do you need?
Select the option that best describes your property financing requirement. Our brokers specialise in complex London and international structures.
"Our goal is to understand your unique situation. Select a category and we'll match you with the right product and lender."
— Roger Cooper, Senior Mortgage Adviser
What actually decides a Westminster buy to let application
At these yields the rent often will not satisfy a lender’s interest cover ratio on a standard 75% loan, even when the client comfortably affords the property. This is the single most common reason a buy to let application fails in prime London — and it is a lending structure problem, not an affordability one.
How we approach it
- →Top-slicing lenders, who will consider your earned income where rental cover falls short
- →Lower loan-to-value to bring the required rental cover within reach
- →Five-year fixed products, which are stress-tested at the pay rate rather than a notional higher rate
- →Limited company structures, where the 145% cover test can work out more favourably than a higher-rate taxpayer’s 145%
Westminster's housing market in 2026
The average property in Westminster sold for £1,310,523 over the past year, down 24% on the year before and 39% below the borough's 2023 peak of £2,131,197, one of the sharpest corrections recorded in central London. Flats made up the bulk of sales at £1,063,388 on average, with terraced houses near Marylebone and Pimlico averaging £2,553,205 and semi-detached homes reaching £5,889,286.
A fall of this size doesn't reduce the importance of life cover, if anything, buyers taking advantage of softer Westminster prices to secure a larger mortgage than they might have a year ago should size their life insurance to the new loan, not an old market assumption.
Source: Source: HM Land Registry price-paid data, via Rightmove House Prices, period to 31 March 2026 (last updated 15 May 2026).
Landlord areas we cover in Westminster
What our clients say
Outstanding service, always looking for the best product for you, always there to guide you through the process. Would thoroughly recommend Mortgage International, and Roger's diligence ensures a smooth transaction.
I would highly recommend Roger from Mortgage International to help you with your financial needs. He helped me get the best interest rate from a leading bank.
I have used Mortgage International a few times and they have always been very helpful, professional and reasonable. I would highly recommend and will always use them and recommend everyone does too.
Buy to let in Westminster: common questions
What rental yield can I expect in Westminster?
Average gross yield across Westminster is around 3.0%, with entry prices from about £1.8m. Yields vary meaningfully within the borough — Mayfair and Marylebone will not price the same way. Gross yield ignores voids, management, maintenance and finance costs, so treat it as a starting comparison rather than a return.
How much deposit do I need for a buy to let in Westminster?
Most buy to let lenders want at least 25%. On Westminster's £1.8m entry price that is roughly £450,000, plus stamp duty at the higher additional-property rates and purchase costs. Some lenders go to 80% loan-to-value, though rates are higher and the rental cover test becomes harder to satisfy.
Should I buy through a limited company in Westminster?
It depends on your tax position rather than the borough. Higher-rate taxpayers often find a limited company more efficient, because mortgage interest is a deductible business expense rather than attracting the restricted relief that applies to personally-held property. Company products usually carry higher rates and fees, so the comparison has to be run on your actual numbers. We are not tax advisers — we will model the mortgage side and recommend you take accountancy advice on the rest.
Will the rent cover the mortgage in Westminster?
At these yields the rent often will not satisfy a lender’s interest cover ratio on a standard 75% loan, even when the client comfortably affords the property. This is the single most common reason a buy to let application fails in prime London — and it is a lending structure problem, not an affordability one.
Buy to let advice for Westminster landlords
Whole of market, FCA regulated, no upfront fees. We will tell you honestly whether the numbers work before you commit to anything.
Get a free initial consultation →Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Most buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The figures on this page are local averages shown for comparison and are not a quotation, projection or recommendation.