Considering a buy-to-let mortgage in Rye, Camber or Winchelsea? We help landlords in and around Rye with long-term lets, holiday lets and remortgages, and we can meet you at home in the area or talk by phone or video.
Rye is a small, historic town where demand for homes is shaped by tourism. Cobbled streets such as Mermaid Street, period cottages in the Citadel, and a busy summer season bring many visitors, while Camber Sands and Rye Harbour add more holiday accommodation. Rother District Council has reported more than 300 second homes and over 160 business-rated holiday lets across Camber, Rye and Winchelsea.
For landlords, that means a choice between a long-term let and a holiday let, and it affects the lending. Standard buy-to-let mortgages are for assured tenancies. If you plan to let to holidaymakers you need a holiday let mortgage, which is assessed on expected seasonal income.
The town's property also needs care with lenders. Many Rye homes are listed or in the conservation area, some are of timber-framed or other non-standard construction, and properties near Rye Harbour and Camber may be in flood risk areas. Our Rye, Camber and Winchelsea mortgage guide covers these points in more detail. Rye station has direct trains to Hastings and to Ashford International for high-speed services to London.
If you would rather let to local workers or families on a long-term basis, that is standard buy-to-let lending.
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.
Lenders decide how much to lend on a buy-to-let mainly from the rent the property can earn. The rent has to cover the mortgage payment by a margin set by each lender, tested at an interest rate above the one you will actually pay. Where the figures are tight, a longer fix, a larger deposit or a lender that takes account of your other income can make the difference.
Most lenders ask for at least a 25% deposit. They will also look at your credit record, whether you already own a home, any other properties you let, and, for flats, the lease and the building.
Local costs. Since 1 April 2025, Rother District Council charges a 100% council tax premium on second homes, which applies to furnished homes that are not anyone's main residence. Holiday lets that qualify for business rates are treated differently. The government has also announced plans for a national register of short-term lets. Speak to an accountant about which applies to you.
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.
Russell Braiden CeMAP set up Transparent Mortgage Services to give clear, straight answers. We are directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926) and rated 5.0 stars from 109 Google reviews. We are based at 17 Havelock Road in Hastings and can visit you at home around Hastings and Bexhill, or talk by phone or video.
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, but some lenders are cautious with listed and older non-standard properties. The valuation may take longer and your surveyor may need to comment on the construction. We go to lenders that are comfortable with period homes.
That is your decision, and it affects tax, council tax and your mortgage. Holiday lets need a holiday let mortgage, and the second homes council tax premium may apply in some cases. We can show you how lenders assess each option.
Most lenders ask for at least 25% of the purchase price. Some products allow a smaller deposit, but the rent has to cover a higher mortgage payment, so the numbers are harder to make work. We will show you what your deposit and the expected rent can support.
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.
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.
