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Landbay is a specialist buy-to-let lender rated 4 out of 5 for its technology-led service, direct underwriter access and support for limited company landlords with up to 15 properties.
Landbay is a specialist buy-to-let mortgage lender that we rate 4 out of 5. It's particularly strong for portfolio landlords using limited company structures, offering direct underwriter access and fast decision-in-principle turnaround through a broker-only application process.
Landbay is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, though most standard buy-to-let mortgages themselves aren't regulated products, which is standard across the industry rather than specific to Landbay. You can only apply for a Landbay mortgage through a mortgage broker.
Landbay is one of the UK's most established specialist buy-to-let lenders, having won Best BTL Lender at the Mortgage Introducer Awards four years running. This review of Landbay mortgages covers rates, fees, eligibility criteria and what landlords say about working with them, so you know exactly what to expect.
Bottom line: Landbay offers a different experience from traditional lenders. Its broker portal and direct underwriter access make complex cases more manageable, and its rates are competitive across the range. However, its funding model means product transfers sometimes require a full remortgage process, which has frustrated some customers.
Landbay launched in 2014 as a peer-to-peer lending platform, connecting investors directly with UK buy-to-let mortgages. The company evolved significantly since then, moving to institutional funding only in 2019 and positioning itself as a mortgage-as-a-service platform for major financial institutions.
Landbay is headquartered at 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, and is led by co-founder and chief executive John Goodall. The company has completed over £1 billion in mortgage lending and continues to grow its position in the UK buy-to-let market.
Landbay has established itself among the leading specialist buy-to-let lenders in the UK. It focuses exclusively on investment properties, unlike high-street banks that treat buy-to-let as an add-on to their residential offering. This specialism means Landbay understands the nuances of landlord lending that generalist lenders can miss.
The lender has won multiple industry awards, including Best BTL Lender at the Mortgage Introducer Awards four consecutive years. It was also listed in the Financial Times' FT1000 as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies in 2021 and featured in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 for three consecutive years.
In July 2025, Landbay announced a partnership with NatWest Group. Under this arrangement, NatWest funds buy-to-let mortgage products for professional landlords, delivered under the Landbay brand, bringing additional funding capacity to support landlord lending.
Landbay Partners Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It received full authorisation in December 2016 and has maintained compliance since.
It's worth noting that while Landbay itself is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, standard buy-to-let mortgages (where you're not renting to a family member) aren't typically regulated products. This is standard across the industry, not specific to Landbay.
The company became carbon neutral certified in January 2022, measuring its emissions and offsetting them through certified carbon reduction projects. It has also introduced green mortgage products offering rate reductions for energy-efficient properties.
Don't be caught out by the regulation point. Because most buy-to-let lending falls outside Financial Conduct Authority regulation, you get less standard consumer protection than you would with a residential mortgage. That's exactly why using a broker who understands landlord lending matters.
Before looking at Landbay's products in detail, it helps to understand what buy-to-let mortgages are and how they differ from standard residential loans.
A buy-to-let mortgage is designed for properties you're purchasing to rent out rather than live in. You can't use a residential mortgage for an investment property, and vice versa. Lenders have strict rules about this because the risk profiles are completely different.
Buy-to-let mortgages assess affordability differently from residential mortgages. Rather than focusing primarily on your salary, lenders look at the rental income the property will generate. This is measured through the interest cover ratio (ICR), which calculates whether the rent will comfortably cover the mortgage payments.
Most buy-to-let mortgages are interest-only, meaning you only pay the interest each month. The original loan amount remains unchanged until you sell the property or the mortgage term ends, which keeps monthly payments lower and maximises cash flow for landlords.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. This applies to any mortgage, including buy-to-let borrowing, so it's worth building some flexibility into your rental income calculations.
Deposits are typically higher than for residential mortgages. While you might get a residential mortgage with a 5-10% deposit, buy-to-let lenders usually want at least 20-25%, with many requiring 30-40% for limited company purchases or specialist properties.
Many landlords now purchase through limited company special purpose vehicles (SPVs). This structure can offer tax advantages, particularly for higher-rate taxpayers, though the specifics depend on individual circumstances. Landbay is particularly strong in this area, with its Premier range designed specifically for limited company landlords.
Landbay organises its products into three main ranges, each targeting a different landlord profile. Understanding which range suits you helps narrow down the options.
Product ranges
Landbay offers products for both small HMOs and large HMOs of up to 12 bedrooms, including options for first-time landlords buying an HMO.
MUFB products cover blocks of up to 12 units. A holiday let small MUFB product was added in December 2025.
Landbay's holiday let range covers loan sizes from £100,000 to £1 million, with two and five-year fixed rate options. This covers traditional holiday letting rather than short-term letting through platforms like Airbnb, which falls under standard buy-to-let criteria instead.
Landbay offers a green range with rate reductions for properties with an EPC rating of A to C. This rewards landlords investing in energy-efficient properties and aligns with the wider push for better rental property standards.
Specialist BTL lending
Our advisors compare Landbay against other specialist buy-to-let lenders to find options that match your properties and structure.
Landbay uses a variable fee structure across most products, which gives you flexibility in how you pay. Lower fees typically mean a higher rate, while higher fees reduce the ongoing rate. Rates and fees change frequently, so speak to a mortgage advisor for current pricing across each range.
The variable fee structure lets you choose between paying more upfront (a higher fee, lower rate) or less upfront (a lower fee, higher rate). Which option works best depends on:
Broadly speaking, paying a higher upfront fee tends to work out cheaper if you hold the mortgage for the full fixed term, while a lower fee and higher rate can suit you better if you expect to remortgage or sell within a shorter period. An advisor can model both options against your specific loan amount and timeframe.
Landbay's rates compare favourably with other specialist buy-to-let lenders, and its periodic rate reviews across the Premier range reflect ongoing competitiveness. The variable fee structure means there's genuine choice for different landlord preferences, from a low-fee, higher-rate option through to a higher-fee, lower-rate option.
Don't just compare headline rates. Because Landbay's fee structure ranges from 0% to 5%, the cheapest-looking rate isn't always the cheapest overall cost. Ask your advisor for a total cost comparison over the length of your fixed term, not just the pay rate.
Understanding the full cost of a Landbay mortgage means looking beyond the interest rate.
Landbay's arrangement fees (also called product fees) range from 0% to 5% of the loan amount, depending on which rate you choose. These fees can typically be paid upfront at completion or added to the loan.
Adding fees to the loan increases your total borrowing and the interest you'll pay over the term, so paying upfront is usually more cost-effective if you have the funds available. For example, a 5% arrangement fee on a £200,000 loan works out at £10,000 upfront, against £0 on a zero-fee product. It's worth asking your advisor to model both scenarios against your loan size and how long you plan to hold the mortgage.
Valuation fees depend on property value and type. Standard physical valuations cost more than automated valuations, though AVMs aren't available for every property. Some products include a free valuation, particularly on remortgage deals.
You'll need a solicitor for your buy-to-let mortgage. Landbay works with a panel of conveyancing solicitors, and product transfers or like-for-like remortgages may have reduced or no legal costs depending on the product.
Landbay has clear criteria for who can borrow and what properties it will lend on.
Minimum property values are £65,000 for standard properties, £75,000 for HMOs in qualifying areas, and £120,000 for MUFBs.
Accepted property types include standard houses and flats (including new builds and conversions), ex-local authority properties where flats have 50%+ private ownership, properties above or adjacent to commercial premises, HMOs up to 12 bedrooms, MUFBs up to 12 units, holiday lets, and Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete (PRC) dwellings repaired under a licensed scheme.
Landbay won't lend on owner-occupied properties, consumer buy-to-lets (where you're renting to a family member), shared ownership or Help to Buy properties, properties with rental guarantee incentives, non-traditional construction without an approved repair, properties with severe defects such as rising damp or Japanese knotweed, properties adjacent to petrol stations, pubs or takeaways, or properties purchased significantly below market value.
Landbay lends in England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland aren't covered.
Landbay uses interest cover ratio (ICR) calculations to assess affordability. The standard requirement is that rental income covers 125% of the mortgage payment at the pay rate on five-year fixed products, rising to a stress-tested 145% at a higher notional rate for other products. The exact percentage depends on your tax status, whether you're borrowing as an individual or through a limited company, and the product type.
For limited company landlords, the rental calculations are typically more favourable because corporation tax rates are lower than personal income tax on rental income.
If you're worried about affordability or dealing with financial difficulty more broadly, MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk, 0800 138 7777) offers free, independent guidance.
If you're new to being a landlord, the £25,000 minimum income requirement disappears once you've held a rental property for 24 months. Until then, make sure your income evidence is solid, as first-time landlords face closer scrutiny.
Landbay's technology-focused approach aims to make the application process faster and more transparent than many traditional lenders.
How it works
Decision in Principle (DIP)
The process starts with a DIP through your mortgage broker. Landbay provides real-time decisions, often in seconds, using a soft credit check that won't affect your credit score. You'll need to provide property details, the purchase price or remortgage amount, and your income details.
Full Mortgage Application
Once you have an approved DIP, your broker converts it into a Full Mortgage Application. You'll need to provide supporting documents, including identity and address evidence, income evidence, self-employed accounts if applicable, tenancy agreements, and a schedule of existing properties for portfolio landlords.
Fee payment and underwriting
After submitting the full application, you'll pay the administration fee. The underwriting team then reviews your application, with direct access to underwriters by phone for complex cases, a feature brokers consistently highlight.
Valuation
Once underwriting approves in principle, the valuation is instructed, either as a physical RICS survey or, where eligible, a faster automated valuation model (AVM). The valuation fee is payable at this stage or upfront alongside the admin fee.
Mortgage offer
After a satisfactory valuation and completed underwriting, Landbay issues a formal mortgage offer outlining all terms, conditions and requirements.
Legal completion
Landbay's panel solicitors handle the conveyancing, including title searches, contract exchange and completion. This typically takes 2-4 weeks for straightforward cases, but can take longer for more complex situations.
Landbay positions itself as a broker-friendly lender with strong technology and accessible people.
Landbay offers direct lines to Business Development Managers (BDMs) and underwriters, dedicated case managers by email, and a broker portal for online application tracking and document upload. It has no branch network and operates entirely through intermediaries.
Trustpilot reviews consistently highlight several positive themes. Brokers frequently mention being able to speak directly to underwriters rather than call centres, which speeds up complex cases and provides clearer communication. Named Business Development Managers get regular praise for staying involved from enquiry through to completion, and several reviews mention same-day approvals on straightforward cases. Multiple reviews also praise Landbay's willingness to consider unusual situations that other lenders decline.
Landbay are commercially minded BTL lenders with a strong team. They have also built one of the most slick tech portals out there within the specialist space.
The direct access to underwriters is a standout feature, enabling sensible conversations and positive outcomes.
The reviews aren't universally positive. Recurring concerns include product transfers requiring a full remortgage process, including new valuations and legal fees, when Landbay's funding partner changes, and some reviews mentioning repetitive document requests, though Landbay appears to be actively improving this. One detailed complaint described poor handling of a deceased borrower's mortgage, though Landbay responded acknowledging the issues and committing to improvements.
Here's a balanced look at where Landbay excels and where it falls short.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Buy-to-let only
If you also need a residential mortgage, you'll have to use a different lender. Landbay can't help with owner-occupied properties.
Product transfer complications
The funding model means some product transfers require a full remortgage process, adding cost and time compared with lenders offering simple rate switches.
Non-refundable admin fee
The administration fee is non-refundable even if your application is declined. If the valuation reveals issues, you could lose both the admin fee and the valuation cost.
Intermediary only
You can't apply directly to Landbay. You'll need to work through a mortgage broker, which adds another party to the process.
England and Wales only
Scottish and Northern Irish landlords can't use Landbay, limiting options for UK-wide portfolio holders.
Landbay is often compared against other specialist buy-to-let lenders. Here's how it stacks up against three well-known alternatives.
Paragon is another specialist buy-to-let lender that's often compared with Landbay.
Choose Landbay if: you want direct underwriter access and technology-driven service for portfolios up to 15 properties.
Choose Paragon if: you have a larger portfolio or want to apply for multiple properties simultaneously.
Shawbrook offers both buy-to-let and other specialist lending products.
Choose Landbay if: you want buy-to-let specialism and potentially higher LTVs on some products.
Choose Shawbrook if: you want longer fixed terms or need other specialist lending products.
The Mortgage Works is Nationwide's buy-to-let arm, offering a more mainstream approach.
Choose Landbay if: you have a non-standard case or want direct underwriter communication.
Choose The Mortgage Works if: you have a straightforward case and want mainstream lender security.
Landbay has strong customer feedback across review platforms.
Landbay holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 447+ reviews on Trustpilot. The majority of positive reviews praise service, communication and flexibility, while negative reviews focus mainly on process complications and fee disputes. Landbay responds to most reviews, including negative ones.
Fantastic service from all teams, from underwriting to completions. What should have been a simple product transfer encountered some blips on the way. Landbay went above and beyond to make it work.
I had to complete a product switch for an existing Landbay customer which was extremely difficult. Landbay had changed their funder, which meant the customer had to go through the whole remortgage process, including valuation and legals.
They charged me for a survey and an application fee, said they wouldn't lend on the house due to rising damp, then refused to return the application fee.
The overwhelming majority of Landbay reviews are positive, with specific staff members frequently mentioned by name, which suggests genuine relationship-building rather than transactional service.
The negative reviews cluster around specific issues, such as product transfer complications and non-refundable fees on declined applications, rather than systemic problems. Landbay's responses to complaints show a willingness to acknowledge issues, though not always the ability to resolve them to the customer's satisfaction.
Landbay could be a good fit if:
Consider alternatives if:
Landbay has earned its reputation as one of the UK's leading specialist buy-to-let lenders. For the right borrower, it offers genuine advantages over both high-street banks and other specialists.
What Landbay does exceptionally well:
Where Landbay could improve:
We'd suggest Landbay for portfolio landlords operating through limited companies with up to 15 properties who want a technology-enabled lender with direct underwriter access. If your case has any complexity, Landbay's flexible underwriting approach is a genuine advantage.
Look elsewhere if you need a residential mortgage, invest in Scotland or Northern Ireland, have more than 15 properties, or strongly prefer simple product transfers without a full remortgage process.
We're a broker, not a lender. We connect you with specialist mortgage brokers who can access Landbay and compare it against other lenders on your behalf.
We compare a wide range of lenders, so you're not limited to whichever bank you happen to walk into. A broker can help you understand which lender suits your situation and support you through the application process.
Checking your eligibility with us doesn't affect your credit score.
Common questions
Yes. Landbay Partners Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It has been regulated since December 2016 and has completed over £1 billion in mortgage lending. The company has also won Best BTL Lender at the Mortgage Introducer Awards four consecutive years.
Landbay launched in 2014 as a peer-to-peer lending platform. It moved to institutional funding only in 2019 and now operates as a mortgage-as-a-service platform. Its headquarters are at 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London.
Yes. Landbay Partners Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Note that standard buy-to-let mortgages, where you're not renting to a family member, aren't typically regulated products, which is standard across the industry rather than specific to Landbay.
You can only apply through a mortgage broker or intermediary, as Landbay doesn't accept direct applications. Your broker submits the application through Landbay's intermediary portal, and you'll typically receive a Decision in Principle within seconds.
The Decision in Principle is usually instant. Full application to mortgage offer typically takes 3-6 weeks for straightforward cases, though complex applications can take longer. Direct underwriter access often speeds up cases that would stall with other lenders.
Yes. The initial Decision in Principle uses a soft credit check that won't affect your credit score. If you proceed to a full application, a hard credit check is carried out, which will appear on your credit file.
Standard requirements include identity documents (passport or driving licence), proof of address, income evidence (payslips, P60, SA302 for self-employed applicants), bank statements, and tenancy agreements for existing rental properties. Portfolio landlords also need a schedule of existing properties.
Landbay doesn't publish a minimum credit score requirement. It assesses applications individually, considering the whole picture rather than just a number. That said, as a mainstream specialist lender, serious adverse credit may limit your options.
Yes, subject to meeting other criteria. First-time landlords without 24 months' experience need a minimum income of £25,000 a year. Landbay doesn't accept first-time buyers, so you must have owned property before.
Yes, limited company lending is a core strength. The Premier range is designed for landlords with up to 15 properties in limited company SPVs, with criteria and fee structures built around this.
Yes. The Specialist range includes products for small HMOs and large HMOs of up to 12 bedrooms, including options for first-time landlords purchasing an HMO.
Landbay's rates compare well with other specialist buy-to-let lenders. The variable fee structure, ranging from 0% to 5%, provides genuine flexibility between a lower rate with a higher fee and a higher rate with no fee. Speak to an advisor for current pricing.
Main fees include a non-refundable administration fee (higher for AVM products), arrangement fees ranging from 0% to 5% depending on your chosen rate, and valuation fees that vary by property. Some products include a free valuation and no application fee.
Arrangement fees can typically be added to the loan rather than paid upfront. This increases your total borrowing and the interest you'll pay over the term but reduces your immediate cash requirement.
Most products offer up to 75% LTV, with some products available up to 80% LTV. The maximum depends on the property type, borrower profile and product chosen.
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