Yes, first time buyer buy to let is possible, but you're working with a smaller pool of lenders. Most buy to let lenders want you to own your own home already, so the ones that accept first time buyers tend to have stricter criteria, higher rates and lower maximum loans.
The good news is that the right lender will look at it seriously if the numbers stack up: a healthy deposit, steady income and a property that will let easily. Our job is to know which lenders those are and present your application properly, so you don't burn through credit searches with lenders who were never going to say yes.
Lenders see a first time buyer with no landlord experience as higher risk, so the bar is higher than for an existing homeowner. These are the things that usually decide it.
Few lenders go above 75% loan to value for first time buyers. A bigger deposit widens your choice and makes the rent test easier.
Most want a minimum income, often around £25,000, so you could cover the mortgage between tenants.
The rent needs to cover the interest by 125% to 145% at a stressed rate. Top slicing from your salary is rarely allowed for first time buyers.
A standard house or flat that's easy to let. HMOs, holiday lets and flats above shops are usually off the table.
A good credit history matters more when there's no track record as a landlord. Check your file before you apply.
Some lenders set a minimum age, often 21 or 25, and ask where you'll be living while the property is let.
It can be. I've seen it work well for people who aren't ready to settle in one place but don't want to miss out on owning property. It also has real downsides that people don't always spot until later.
You get onto the property ladder while renting or living with family in a more expensive area. The rent pays the mortgage, the property may grow in value over the long term, and you can still buy your own home later.
You lose first time buyer stamp duty relief and Lifetime ISA bonuses, and you'll pay the 5% surcharge when you buy your own home. Rates are higher, the rent is taxed, and you take on a landlord's legal duties from day one.
Here's how a typical first time buyer buy to let might look on a one bedroom flat. It shows why the rent and your tax band matter as much as the deposit.
If the flat lets for £850 a month, a basic rate taxpayer passes and a higher rate taxpayer doesn't. Many first time buyer lenders won't allow top slicing, so a bigger deposit or a five year fix would be the likely fix. Figures are illustrative, England rates, October 2026.
Buying a rental first isn't the only way to become a landlord. Depending on your plans, one of these might suit you better.
You keep first time buyer stamp duty relief and lower deposits, then let it out later. See our first time buyer mortgagespage.
Live in your first home for a few years, then keep it as a rental when you move. Read our let to buy mortgage guide.
Possible with a few lenders and can suit higher earners, but adds costs. See our limited company buy to let guide.
Yes, but only with a smaller group of lenders. Expect to need at least a 25% deposit, a decent personal income and a property that lets easily. Some lenders also want you to be at least 21 or 25.
Not if it's the only property you'll own. You pay normal stamp duty rates, but you can't claim first time buyer relief because you won't live there. The surcharge would apply later when you buy a home to live in.
Many lenders that accept first time buyers ask for a minimum personal income, often somewhere around £25,000 a year, on top of the rent passing the stress test.
Usually, yes. Some lenders ask where you live and may want a letter from the person you live with. It's common and rarely a problem on its own.
Yes. Once you've owned a property you're no longer a first time buyer, so you lose first time buyer stamp duty relief and access to things like a Lifetime ISA bonus for buying.
Some limited company lenders will consider directors who don't own a home, though the choice is narrow. The company pays the stamp duty surcharge on every purchase, even its first.
Not sure if buy to let or your own home should come first? Let's talk it through.
Call 03300 432 428Jamie founded Alexander Southwell Mortgage Services in 2019 and has 15 years' experience in mortgages, including first time buyer and buy to let lending. He advises clients across the UK from our office in Romsey, Hampshire. Alexander Southwell Mortgage Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 1011890. Page last reviewed October 2026.
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. We do not give tax advice.
