Specialist mortgage lender, Foundation Home Loans, has reformed its buy-to-let range with new first-time landlord products.

New five-year fixed rate options will now be made available to first-time landlords, starting at 3.59%, giving them the opportunity for longer term security on their initial investment. Existing early repayment charges for two-year fixed rate deals have been reduced to 3% and 2%, aligning the rates with the offerings available from the two-year standard and specialist range.

Jeff Knight, Marketing Director at FHL, said: “Deciding to become a landlord for the first time can be daunting, so in an industry increasingly focused on portfolio landlords it’s important not to forget those just starting out.”

Over the past two decades, the number of privately rented homes has doubled from two million to more than 5.3 million. In the risk of tax changes, many buy-to-let landlords are adjusting their portfolios to avoid higher taxes on their rental income. Some have increased rents while others have transferred properties to family members.

Foundation Home Loans is a specialist lender, available only through intermediaries and designed for clients with complex needs, such as clients setting up as a limited company. It has also now launched its residential product range in addition to its established buy-to-let scheme.

Knight added: “Our approach aims to cater to all borrowers, whatever their portfolio size, but we are pleased to be able to offer first time landlords more options.”

New First Time Landlord Rates will be as follows: