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Tailored Advice, Exceptional Service from your Trusted Provider of Mortgage Advice in Oxfordshire

Assisting You Through Every Stage of Your Mortgage Journey.

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 Buy to Let Mortgages

Build Your Property Portfolio with Confidence

📈 Thinking About Investing in Property?

Whether you’re an accidental landlord, purchasing your first investment property, or already managing a portfolio of rentals, one thing is certain:

Buy to let isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.

With rising regulation, complex tax implications, and stricter lender criteria, it’s never been more important to get expert, tailored advice—and that’s exactly what we provide at Drummonds Finance Group.

We’ve helped countless landlords across Oxford, Bicester, and the rest of the Uk secure the right mortgage and build long-term financial security through smart property investment.

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The Changing Landscape of Buy-to-Let Finance

In recent years, buy-to-let has evolved. Lenders have tightened their criteria and regulatory requirements have increased. These changes mean that a one-size-fits-all approach to buy-to-let finance no longer works.

  • Stricter Lending Criteria: Lenders now assess your personal financial situation as well as the potential rental income from your property.

  • Regulatory Changes: With evolving government policies, staying informed is essential to avoid costly pitfalls and ensure compliance.

At Drummonds Finance Group, we have extensive experience and deep market knowledge. Our independent approach means we’re not tied to any single lender—we can compare a wide range of products to find the one that suits your unique circumstances.

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Professional Guidance: One Less Thing to Worry About

Navigating the buy-to-let mortgage market can be challenging. Many investors find themselves overwhelmed by the paperwork, the lender requirements, and the evolving market conditions. Here’s how our expert team can help:

  • Personalized Advice: We start by understanding your individual circumstances. Whether you’re a first-time investor or managing a portfolio, we’ll assess your income, current liabilities, and future plans to tailor our advice.

  • Market Knowledge: Our team is up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes and lender criteria. We know what to look for and can guide you through each step of the process.

  • Wide Lender Access: Thanks to our strong relationships across the market, we can access competitive rates and terms from a wide range of lenders. This means you’re more likely to find a mortgage product that fits your needs perfectly.

By working with us, you’re not just getting a broker; you’re gaining a trusted partner who understands the nuances of buy-to-let finance. This allows you to focus on building your property portfolio while we handle the complexities of mortgage finance.

📊 Individual or Limited Company Buy to Let?

Should you invest personally or through a limited company? That’s one of the most common questions landlords ask—and the answer depends on your goals.

We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, including:

  • Tax efficiency

  • Ease of borrowing

  • Future flexibility

  • Long-term strategy

We'll work alongside your accountant or financial adviser if needed, making sure your mortgage structure fits your full financial plan.

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⚖️ Increased Regulation = The Need for Expert Advice

The buy to let market has become more regulated in recent years:

  • Stricter affordability assessments (based on rental income and stress testing)

  • Changes to mortgage interest tax relief

  • Stamp duty surcharges on second properties

  • Licensing requirements in many local councils

These changes mean that simply picking the cheapest rate is no longer enough.

You need a broker who understands:

  • Your long-term strategy

  • How rental income is assessed

  • What lenders are looking for

  • How to structure your borrowing efficiently

At Drummonds Finance Group, we stay up to date with all regulations and lender criteria, so you don’t have to.

Secure Your Financial Future with Expert Advice in Oxford Today!

Our Services

Complete Financial Solutions for Every Step of Your Journey

First-Time Buyers

Entering the financial planning world for the first time can feel daunting.

Our team is committed to simplifying this experience by dividing it into manageable steps.

We offer personalised guidance, ensuring you understand each aspect of the financial process and make well-informed decisions.

Moving Home

Relocating can be complicated, but with our thorough support, you can focus on settling in while we manage the financial details.

We help assess your financial capacity, secure favourable terms, efficiently handle the paperwork, and ensure a seamless transition throughout the process.

Remortgaging

Whether you aim to lower your monthly expenses, switch to a more favourable interest rate, or release equity for other investments, our financial expertise is here to assist you.

We strive to make the process simple and hassle-free, providing peace of mind with every decision.

Buy To Let

For landlords and property investors, navigating the financial landscape involves understanding constantly changing regulations and financial products.

We provide expert advice tailored to these requirements, ensuring your investment remains profitable and compliant with current laws.

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The Drummonds Advantage

Mortgages Made Simple

With Clear, Professional Guidance From Start To Finish

Choosing Drummonds Financial Group means more than just securing mortgage advice; it's about partnering with a team dedicated to transparency, efficiency, and bespoke service.

As a leading provider of financial advice in Oxfordshire, we offer unparalleled expertise, ensuring your experience is smooth from the initial consultation to completion.

Ready to streamline your financial journey? Get in touch with us today to enjoy the Drummonds advantage, featuring expert, personalised advice at every stage.

  • What is Shared Ownership?
    Shared Ownership is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a share of a property (usually 10%–75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. You can gradually buy more shares over time, a process known as staircasing.
  • What are the pros and cons?
    Pros: Lower deposit & mortgage Ideal for first-time buyers Option to staircase over time Access to new build or modern homes Cons: You’ll pay rent + mortgage Leasehold fees may apply Limited choice of locations Selling process can be slower
  • Who is eligible for Shared Ownership?
    To qualify, you typically need to: Your annual household income must not exceed £80,000 (£90,000 per annum within Greater London) You must not currently own a property in the UK or overseas. You are a British or EU Citizen, or you have the right to remain in the UK. You must be over 18 if you are applying for a mortgage.
  • How much deposit do I need?
    Deposits are usually much lower than for full market value homes — often around 5–10% of the share you're buying, not the full property price. ✅ Example: If you're buying a 25% share of a £300,000 property (£75,000), a 5% deposit would be just £3,750.
  • Who owns the rest of the property?
    The remaining share is usually owned by a housing association or housing provider. You pay rent on that share — often at a reduced rate compared to market rents.
  • Can I buy more of my shared ownership property later?
    Yes! Through a process called staircasing, you can buy additional shares — all the way up to 100% in most cases. Each time you staircase, your rent reduces accordingly.
  • Can I sell a Shared Ownership property?
    Yes. You can sell your share at any time. The housing provider usually has “first refusal” to find a buyer for a set period. If they can't, you can sell it on the open market.
  • Do I still need a mortgage for Shared ownership?
    Yes — but only for the share you're buying. So if you're purchasing 40% of a home, your mortgage is only for that portion, making borrowing more accessible for many.
  • Are Shared Ownership homes leasehold?
    Yes, Shared Ownership properties are leasehold. This means you’ll likely pay service charges and ground rent, so it's important to factor that into your monthly costs.
  • Can Drummonds Finance Group help with Shared Ownership mortgages?
    Definitely. We’re experienced in helping first-time buyers: Understand Shared Ownership in plain English Secure great mortgage deals with low deposits Work out affordability with combined rent/mortgage payments Plan ahead for staircasing
  • What is a Buy-to-Let mortgage?
    A Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgage is a type of loan for purchasing a property that you intend to rent out to tenants, rather than live in yourself. It differs from a residential mortgage and typically requires a larger deposit and has different eligibility criteria.
  • How much deposit do I need for a Buy-to-Let property?
    Most lenders require a deposit of at least 20–25%, though some may ask for up to 40% depending on the property and your circumstances. The more you put down, the better your mortgage rate is likely to be.
  • Can I live in my Buy-to-Let property?
    No — Buy-to-Let mortgages are specifically for rental properties. If you want to live in the property, you’ll need to switch to a residential mortgage or get the lender’s permission, which could involve a "consent to let" arrangement.
  • How is affordability assessed for a Buy-to-Let mortgage?
    Lenders base affordability on the expected rental income, not your personal income. However, they often require that the rent covers 125–145% of the mortgage payments (based on a notional interest rate), and you may need a minimum personal income (e.g. £25,000).
  • What’s the difference between interest-only and repayment Buy-to-Let mortgages?
    Most Buy-to-Let investors opt for interest-only mortgages, where you only pay the interest each month, keeping monthly payments lower. The loan capital is repaid at the end of the term, usually via sale of the property. Repayment mortgages cover both capital and interest, reducing your debt over time.
  • Do I pay more stamp duty on Buy-to-Let properties?
    Yes. In England, you pay an additional 3% stamp duty surcharge on top of the standard rates for second homes and Buy-to-Lets.
  • What taxes do I pay on rental income?
    Rental income is subject to Income Tax. You can deduct certain allowable expenses, such as letting agent fees, insurance, and maintenance costs. Mortgage interest relief is limited to a basic rate tax credit (20%).
  • Can I buy a Buy-to-Let through a limited company?
    Yes, many landlords now buy through a limited company to potentially save on tax, especially higher-rate taxpayers. However, mortgage rates are often higher and there are additional admin and costs (e.g. accountancy, legal).
  • Is now a good time to invest in Buy-to-Let?
    It depends on your goals. Despite market fluctuations, demand for rental properties remains strong in many areas. With interest rates stabilising and rents rising, Buy-to-Let can still offer solid long-term returns — especially in commuter towns, student hubs, and regeneration areas.
  • Can Drummonds Finance Group help with Buy-to-Let mortgages?
    Absolutely. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or expanding your portfolio, our expert brokers can: Find the best Buy-to-Let deals from across the market Advise on company vs personal ownership Mortgages Help structure your application for rental affordability Guide you through limited company lending
  • First Time buyers
    One of the things many first time buyers worry most about is applying for a mortgage. With so many factors to consider it can be difficult to know where to begin when looking for your first mortgage. ​ Drummonds Finance Group makes it easy for first-time buyers to choose the right mortgage. We are specialists in providing mortgage advice to first time buyers. We have access to first-time buyer mortgages from a wide range of lenders so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
  • Purchasing or Moving Home
    We can guide you through the process and offer expert mortgage advice specific to your circumstances. Drummonds Finance Group makes it easy for people moving house. From working out how much you could borrow, completing all the paperwork, to picking up the keys to your new home, we’ll be there every step of the way. ​ We will discuss your personal circumstances with you, including such areas as, your income, outgoings, future plans and savings. From this, we can determine the most appropriate new mortgage for you, give you an indication of how much you can borrow and the level of purchase price you can afford
  • Remortgage
    Protection Against Rate Rises ​ Many people want to take advantage of the current low interest rates and secure a deal at a good time. ​ Releasing Equity ​ For those that have built up equity in their home, remortgaging can be an attractive option. It can release funds to extend your home, or undertake other home improvements, or it may offer a method to pay off other debts, such as loans and credit cards, that have higher rates of interest. ​ Your current deal is about to end soon ​ It could be beneficial to review your mortgage at this point to avoid paying your current lenders high standard variable rates.
  • Buy To Let
    Whether you’re an accidental landlord, buying your first investment property or you already have a portfolio of properties, we’re here to help you build your future nest egg. ​ Increased buy to let regulation, and subsequent complex lender criteria has made it vital that you get professional advice. At Drummonds Finance Group we have extensive experience and knowledge in this area as well as access to mortgages from a wide range of lenders so it’s one less thing for you to worry about. If you need advice in this area, and you want to move fast, then get in touch now, either fill in our enquiry form or give us a call.
  • Right To Buy
    Your home could be a valuable asset for you and your family and an investment for the future. Home ownership could give you more freedom to make the changes you want to your home. ​ Drummonds Finance Group are on hand to provide expert advice on the right mortgage product to assist with your purchase. We can help you by confirming your eligibility for a mortgage and talking you through the process of buying your home. ​ Are you worried because you have no deposit ? No problem, we have lenders who will lend up to 100% of the discounted purchase price. Are you worried you wont be be able to get a mortgage due to your credit history ? No problem, we have lenders who may consider your individual circumstances.
  • Shared Ownership
    Are you finding it difficult to get on the property ladder? It could be that your earnings are not high enough to enable you to obtain a mortgage which is sufficient to buy a property or the high cost of renting means that you just don’t have any spare money to put away for the huge deposit needed. The answer could be a shared ownership mortgage. ​ The shared ownership mortgage scheme works by property buyers ‘sharing’ the ownership of the property. On the initial purchase you will typically buy 25/50/75% of the total property value. The remaining 75/50/25% of the property is owned jointly, usually with a housing association. They charge you a ‘rent’ for the section you do not own.
  • Commercial
    A commercial mortgage can be used to buy property (or land) that will be used for business purposes.
  • Adverse / Poor credit
    Maybe you have applied for a mortgage with your bank and failed the credit score. ​ The good news is that there are mortgages available for people with a bad credit rating if you know where to look. At Drummonds Finance Group we have access to over 90 lenders, some of which are not available on the high street. Some of our lenders specialise in considering your personal circumstances where other other lenders will not lend. ​ Contact us today for a no obligation chat about your circumstances, we are here to help you get your dream home.
  • 🕒 How long does the first-time buyer process take?
    From viewing a home to moving in, it typically takes 8–17 weeks. The mortgage application part alone usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the lender and documentation.
  • 📈 How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?
    It depends on your income, outgoings, and credit score. Typically, lenders will offer 4.5 to 6 times your annual salary, but this varies based on your circumstances.
  • 💰 How much deposit do I need as a first-time buyer?
    Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 5% of the property’s purchase price. However, putting down 10–15% can give you access to better mortgage deals with lower interest rates.
  • 📋 What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
    Most lenders will ask for: Proof of ID (passport or driving licence) Payslips (last 3 months) Bank statements Proof of deposit For self-employed applicants: 2–3 years of tax year overviews and SA302s.
  • 💬 What is a mortgage in principle?
    A Mortgage in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or AIP) is a statement from a lender saying how much they might lend you, based on a quick financial check. It helps show estate agents and sellers that you're serious.
  • 📉 What are the extra costs first-time buyers should budget for?
    Besides your deposit, you should budget for: Legal fees Valuation/survey fees Mortgage arrangement fees Stamp Duty (if the home is over £425,000) Moving costs Furniture and setup costs ➡️ Ask your broker for a full breakdown of costs.
  • 🏦 Can I get a mortgage as a first-time buyer with bad credit?
    Yes, it’s possible. Some lenders specialise in helping buyers with poor credit history, missed payments, or even defaults. A mortgage broker can help you find the right lender for your situation.
  • 🏘️ Are there government schemes to help first-time buyers?
    Yes! Popular schemes include: Shared Ownership First Homes Scheme (discounted new builds) Lifetime ISA (savings with a 25% government bonus)
  • 💼 Should I use a mortgage broker as a first-time buyer?
    Absolutely. A mortgage broker: Gives you access to more lenders and deals Helps you prepare your documents Supports you through the entire process It’s especially helpful if you’re not sure where to start or have unique circumstances.
  • 🔍 What is a first-time buyer?
    A first-time buyer is someone who has never owned a property before, either in the UK or abroad. If you’re buying with someone else, both of you must be first-time buyers to qualify for certain schemes and exemptions.
  • How can Drummonds Finance Group help me?
    We work with over 90 lenders, including specialists in bad credit mortgages. We’ll assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and match you with the most suitable lenders—giving you the best chance of success.
  • Will checking my credit damage my chances?
    No. In fact, checking your credit report is a smart first step. It allows you to spot and correct errors and understand what lenders will see. We recommend getting a copy of your credit report from agencies like Experian, Equifax, or Checkmyfile.
  • Can I apply with someone else to improve my chances?
    Yes. Applying jointly with a partner or family member with good credit can sometimes improve your application. However, the lender will still assess both applicants’ credit histories
  • Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed with bad credit?
    Yes. There are lenders who specialise in self-employed applicants, even with credit issues. You’ll need to show consistent income—typically through SA302s, tax returns, or business accounts—and may need a larger deposit.
  • What documents will I need to apply?
    You’ll typically need to provide: Proof of ID (passport or driving licence) Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement) Credit report Payslips or proof of income (last 3 months) Bank statements Details of your credit issues We’ll help guide you through exactly what you need during your consultation.
  • Can I get a mortgage if I’ve been bankrupt?
    Yes, some lenders will consider applicants with a history of bankruptcy, but it depends on how long ago it occurred and whether it has been discharged. Most lenders will expect the bankruptcy to be discharged for at least 12 months, with some requiring longer.
  • Will I have to pay higher interest rates?
    In most cases, yes—at least initially. Lenders charge higher rates to reflect the increased risk. However, once you’ve built a good payment history and improved your credit, you may be able to remortgage at a lower rate later on.
  • What is considered bad credit?
    Bad credit can include missed payments, defaults, CCJs (County Court Judgments), IVAs, debt management plans, or bankruptcy. Even having little or no credit history can make some lenders cautious. The severity and age of the issue will affect your mortgage options.
  • Can I get a mortgage if I have bad credit?
    Yes, you can. While high street banks may be more cautious, there are many specialist lenders who consider applicants with poor credit histories. These lenders look beyond your credit score and assess your full financial situation.
  • What is a product transfer?
    A product transfer is when you switch your current mortgage deal to a new one with the same lender. It usually happens when your fixed, tracker or discounted rate period ends, and you want to avoid moving onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR).
  • When should I start looking at product transfer options?
    Ideally, 3 to 6 months before your current deal ends. This gives you time to compare options and avoid falling onto the Standard Variable Rate.
  • How long does a product transfer take?
    It’s usually very quick — often just a few days. Some lenders even allow you to complete it online or over the phone with minimal paperwork.
  • Is a product transfer better than remortgaging?
    It depends. A product transfer is simpler and quicker, but you’re limited to your current lender’s deals. A remortgage might get you a better interest rate or more flexible terms, but it can take longer and require more checks.
  • Can I borrow more money during a product transfer?
    Yes, some lenders allow you to borrow more (known as a “further advance”) as part of the product transfer process. However, this could trigger additional checks and may come with a different interest rate.
  • Will I need a credit check or affordability assessment?
    Not usually. Most lenders won’t carry out a credit check or full affordability assessment for a straightforward product transfer, unless you're making changes to your loan amount or term.
  • Do I need a solicitor for a product transfer?
    No. Since you’re staying with the same lender and not changing ownership or borrowing more money, solicitors are not typically needed.
  • Can a mortgage broker help with a product transfer?
    Yes! At Drummonds Finance Group, we can help you: Review your lender's current offers Check if a remortgage is better value Handle all the paperwork for you
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DRUMMONDS FINANCE GROUP IS AN APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF STONEBRIDGE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS LTD, WHICH IS AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY.

Proprietor: Liam Drummond

FCA number: 945428

"You may need to pay an Early Repayment Charge to your current lender if you remortgage." "Not all Buy to Let mortgages are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority." "Think carefully securing other debts against your home." "As with all insurance policies, Conditions & Exclusions will apply."  We don't always charge a fee, however if we do, depending on your circumstances, it will be a maximum of £1000, all fees will be discussed before hand with the client. 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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