Looking for a buy-to-let mortgage in Lewes? We help landlords in Lewes, Ringmer and the surrounding villages with purchases, remortgages and portfolio lending, from Georgian townhouses to flint cottages and modern flats.
Lewes is the county town of East Sussex, set inside the South Downs National Park, with a strong demand for rented homes from people working locally, families who want good schools and London commuters. The fastest trains to London Victoria take around an hour and ten minutes, and Brighton and the Falmer university campuses are a short trip away, which brings in staff and postgraduate tenants.
Housing in the town is mostly older and characterful: Georgian and Victorian townhouses on the High Street and in Southover, flint cottages down the twittens, terraces in the Cliffe and around Western Road, and 20th-century estates such as the Nevill and Malling. Supply is limited, and new building has been slow. The large Phoenix development planned for the North Street area, with around 685 homes, had still not started by late 2025.
Two local issues come up with lenders. Some parts of Lewes near the River Ouse are at flood risk, so insurance and lender appetite need checking. Many properties are listed or in the conservation area, which can slow valuations. Our Lewes and Ringmer mortgage guide covers the local picture.
Lewes's location also suits landlords letting to academics and hospital staff in Brighton.
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.
The key number is the rent. A lender's surveyor gives an opinion of the achievable monthly rent, and the lender works out how big a loan that rent will support at its stress rate. Higher-rate taxpayers usually face a tougher test than basic-rate taxpayers, and longer fixed rates can sometimes be assessed more generously.
Expect to need a deposit of around 25% for most mainstream buy-to-let products, a clean or explainable credit history and, with many lenders, some evidence of personal income. Leasehold flats bring extra checks on lease length, service charges and the building itself.
Local rules. Lewes District Council applies the national HMO licensing rules, and the South Downs National Park Authority is the planning authority for the town, so check planning before converting or extending. Ask the council about any licensing changes before you buy.
Budget for the 5% stamp duty surcharge on additional properties, legal fees, a valuation and any works. The Renters' Rights Act reforms took effect on 1 May 2026: no more section 21, periodic tenancies, one rent increase a year and no more than a month's rent in advance.
The minimum energy rating for lets is EPC E, rising to C or equivalent by 1 October 2030, so older homes may need upgrades. The tax treatment of mortgage interest is a question for your accountant.
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.
We are a small, local brokerage, and you deal with the same adviser from start to finish. 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 Lewes 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.
Often, yes, provided buildings insurance is available on normal terms. Some lenders are more cautious than others. We check the flood risk and insurance position before you commit.
Lewes is in the South Downs National Park, so the National Park Authority deals with planning. That matters if you want to convert, extend or change the use of a property.
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.
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.
