West One Loans’ buy-to-let (BTL) division has announced major criteria changes which will see maximum borrower exposure limits raised by more than three times current levels.

The lender has increased borrower limits from £1.5 million to £5 million and will also be opening up to larger houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in a move to grow its BTL business significantly this year.

The development of West One’s BTL proposition will provide greater choice in the market and will enable West One Loans to consider larger HMOs of up to 10 bedrooms – an increase from the previous limit of six bedrooms.

Key criteria changes include:

• Maximum exposure limits per borrower increased to £5,000,000 for borrowers who meet W1 credit criteria requirements.

• Current limits of £1,500,000 will remain where an applicant’s credit profile requires the W2 where some minor credit blips are permitted.

• West One will now consider licensed HMO properties with up to 10 bedrooms.

• West One’s current policy of accepting multi-unit freehold blocks (MUFBs) up to 10 units remains in place.

Andrew Ferguson, managing director of West One Loans’ BTL, comments: “These criteria enhancements are really great news at the moment, with so much focus on the buy-to-let market and the potential opportunities out there.”

“The exposure increase, in particular, allows us to support larger-scale portfolio landlords with their financing needs across a range of products and we will be working closely with our intermediary partners to develop this market.”