In this episode, Nick delves into the critical differences between buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages and residential mortgages. Drawing from personal experiences, including a story about his sister's accidental landlord situation, Nick highlights the potential pitfalls of using the wrong mortgage type, such as severe penalties and financial repercussions. He explains the distinct criteria, costs, and regulatory frameworks associated with each mortgage type, emphasising the importance of understanding these differences for prospective borrowers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages are specifically designed for properties intended to be rented out, while residential mortgages are for properties that will serve as the borrower's primary residence. Using a residential mortgage for a property that is rented out without the lender's consent can lead to severe penalties, including demands for full repayment of the loan, increased interest rates, and potential accusations of mortgage fraud. Lenders assess affordability differently for residential and buy-to-let mortgages. Residential mortgages primarily consider the borrower's personal income, while buy-to-let mortgages focus on the expected rental income from the property. Buy-to-let mortgages generally have higher interest rates and fees compared to residential mortgages due to the increased risk associated with rental income and potential void periods. The tax treatment differs significantly between the two mortgage types. For instance, interest on residential mortgages is not tax-deductible, while buy-to-let landlords face restrictions on deducting finance costs, impacting their overall tax liability. BEST MOMENTS "Living in a property with a residential mortgage that you intend to rent out without the lender's permission is a breach of contract and it can lead to severe penalties." "Buy-to-let mortgages attract a higher interest rate because there's an increased risk to the lender." "With a residential mortgage, lenders assess affordability primarily based on the borrower's personal income, whereas buy-to-let mortgages are predominantly based on the expected rental income from the property." "Since April 2020, landlords can no longer deduct all finance costs, including mortgage interest on their rental income to reduce their income tax." "While both mortgage types allow you to purchase property, buy-to-let mortgages are fundamentally investment products tailored to the risks and income streams associated with rental properties." The UK’s #1 Property Investing Event – MSOPI Training https://bit.ly/3FqcL4l The UK’s #1 Property Investing Event – MSOPI Training London https://bit.ly/4isD2xs HOST BIO Nick is an award winning property investor, voted Fastest Newcomer 2022 by Premier Property, and is an accredited Retrofit EPC Assessor. He sources and renovates properties for himself as well as other investors. While doing this he has developed his own systems for efficient investment, such as developing his own methods to save time when viewing properties and estimating market values and potential returns, costing out renovations. He spends three months of the year abroad and while there continues his business with use of modern technology and his proven systems. Location freedom has always been his "Why" for being a Property Investment and has now reached his ideal of the colder months spent in Thailand and the rest of the time in the UK, all while continuing to run his business This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/