The Horsham rental market
Horsham is a busy market town with good links to London and Gatwick: the fastest trains to London Victoria take under an hour, and Gatwick Airport is a short journey away. That supports rental demand from commuters, airport and aviation workers, and families moving out of London or Crawley for more space and well-regarded schools.
The town's housing ranges from period cottages and Victorian terraces near the town centre and the Causeway, to 20th-century homes in Roffey, Holbrook and Highwood, and new estates around Broadbridge Heath, Southwater and the north of the town. The former Novartis site, now Horsham Enterprise Park, is being redeveloped with new homes alongside business space, with phases approved during 2026 and completion targeted for 2029.
For landlords, new-build flats and houses usually need checks on the lease or estate charges and, for some lenders, limits on new-build lending. Period properties in the conservation area may be listed. Most suburban family homes are straightforward for lenders. Our portfolio landlord mortgages page covers lending for growing portfolios.
Who we help in Horsham
- First-time landlords, including people who do not yet own a home.
- Personal-name landlords with one or a few properties.
- Portfolio landlords with four or more mortgaged properties. See portfolio buy-to-let mortgages.
- Remortgages and product transfers, including remortgaging to release equity.
Horsham also suits landlords letting to Gatwick and aviation workers, who may want flexible tenancies.
Speak to a friendly, expert Mortgage Adviser about your unique mortgage needs.
We'll search 1000s of products for the best mortgage and present our advice to you.
Your Adviser will complete your application, liaise with the lender and you, keep you informed until completion.
How buy-to-let lenders assess you
Buy-to-let lenders start with the rent, not your salary. They check that the expected monthly rent covers the mortgage payment by a set margin, often around 125% for basic-rate taxpayers and 145% for higher-rate taxpayers, calculated at a test interest rate that is usually higher than the rate you will pay. If the rent falls short, some lenders let you top up from your personal income.
Most lenders want a deposit of at least 25%. A smaller deposit is sometimes possible, but the rent test becomes harder to pass. Lenders also look at your credit file, your experience as a landlord and, for some, a minimum personal income.
Costs, tax and rules for Horsham landlords
Local rules. Horsham District Council applies the national mandatory HMO licensing rules. Check the council's website for any additional schemes, and check planning before converting a property into flats or an HMO.
Buying an additional property in England means a 5% stamp duty surcharge on top of the normal rates. Individual landlords now get only a basic-rate tax credit for mortgage interest, so ask your accountant whether personal or company ownership suits you.
Since 1 May 2026, under the Renters' Rights Act, section 21 evictions have ended, tenancies are periodic, rent can rise only once a year and rent in advance is capped at one month. Rented homes must meet EPC E now, and the government has confirmed a move to EPC C or equivalent by 1 October 2030.
Our broker fee is £599. For a purchase it is payable when your mortgage offer is issued; for a remortgage to a new lender it is charged on completion. Where there is adverse credit the fee is £999, or up to 1% of the loan. We do not charge a fee for product transfers with your existing lender, and we confirm any fee in writing before we start.
Why Horsham landlords use TMS
Transparent Mortgage Services is an independent broker run by Russell Braiden CeMAP. We are directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926) and rated 5.0 stars from 109 Google reviews. We are based in Hastings and most Horsham clients work with us by phone or video, with documents uploaded securely; you are also welcome at our Hastings office.
Tell us about the property and your plans and we will tell you honestly what is possible. Get in touch or call 01424 444597.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage on a new-build home in Horsham?
Yes. Some lenders limit the loan-to-value on new-build flats or ask for extra checks. We find lenders whose criteria suit the property.
Is Horsham popular with Gatwick workers?
Gatwick is a short journey from Horsham, so some tenants work at or around the airport. Lenders mainly look at the property and rent, but strong local demand helps.
Are buy-to-let mortgages regulated?
Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA. Consumer buy-to-let, such as letting a former home or letting to a close relative, is regulated. We will tell you which applies to you.
What changed for landlords on 1 May 2026?
The Renters' Rights Act reforms took effect. Section 21 evictions ended, tenancies became periodic, rent increases are limited to once a year through a formal notice, and rent in advance is capped at one month. Lenders still lend to landlords, but you should factor the changes into your plans.
Important: Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some are, for example consumer buy-to-let, where you let a former home or let to a close family member. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The FCA does not regulate tax advice, so please speak to an accountant about tax.
Transparent Mortgage Services is a trading style of Transparent Financial Associates Limited, which is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926). 17 Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1BP. Telephone 01424 444597.
