Company buy-to-let in Hove
Hove is a popular choice for landlords who want long-term tenants and steady demand, but purchase prices are high compared with rents. That puts the lender's rent test at the centre of most deals, and it is one reason higher-rate taxpayers often buy in Hove through a limited company, where the rent test is commonly less demanding.
The building stock shapes what a company can do. Large Regency and Victorian houses in central Hove were mostly split into flats long ago, and are now usually leasehold. Freehold blocks of flats do come up, and these can sometimes be financed on a single multi-unit freehold block mortgage. In Portslade and Aldrington, terraced houses suit single lets and small HMOs, subject to planning permission under the city-wide Article 4 direction.
Licensing is in flux. A selective licensing scheme for Central Hove and Regency wards was approved in July 2026 but is paused pending a legal challenge. Company landlords face the same rules and costs as individuals, so build them into your numbers.
Personal name or limited company?
Many landlords now buy through a company because company profits are taxed differently from personal rental income, and mortgage interest can usually be treated as a cost. That does not suit everyone: drawing money out of the company is taxed, company products are a narrower market, and you still pay the 5% stamp duty surcharge on additional properties.
If you already own properties personally, moving them into a company usually counts as a sale. Take tax advice first, then let us find the right limited company buy-to-let lender for the structure you choose.
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How limited company buy-to-let lending works
Most lenders want a special purpose vehicle (SPV): a limited company set up only to hold property, usually with SIC codes such as 68100, 68209 or 68320. Some lenders also accept trading companies or more complex group structures. Directors and main shareholders are usually asked to give personal guarantees.
The rent test for company borrowers is often around 125%, which can allow a larger loan than the higher-rate personal test. Most lenders want a 25% deposit. Newly formed companies are fine with many lenders, because they look at the directors' experience and credit. Our guide to SPV, HMO and company buy-to-let lending goes into more detail.
Example: buying a freehold block of flats
This is an illustrative example, not a real case. An SPV owned by two directors buys a freehold Victorian building in Hove that contains four self-contained flats, each already let. One lender provides a multi-unit freehold block mortgage across the building, assessed on the combined rent, instead of four separate loans. The directors give personal guarantees and the company takes a five-year fixed rate.
Limited company buy-to-let advice in Hove
We work with company landlords from their first SPV purchase to large multi-property portfolios. 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 Hove clients work with us by phone or video, with documents uploaded securely; you are also welcome at our Hastings office.
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. Contact us or call 01424 444597 to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
Can my company buy a leasehold flat in Hove?
Yes. Lenders lending to companies apply the same checks on lease length, ground rent, service charges and building safety as they would for an individual.
Can I buy an existing Hove HMO through a company?
Yes, as long as it has the right planning use, licence and condition. Lenders will want to see the licence and tenancy details, and will value it on its HMO use.
Can a brand-new company get a mortgage?
Yes. Many lenders are happy to lend to a newly formed SPV with no accounts, because they assess the directors' income, credit and experience instead.
Do I need to set up a new company?
Not always, but most lenders prefer a special purpose vehicle that only holds property. If you already have a trading company, a smaller group of lenders may still help. Speak to your accountant before setting one up so the shareholdings suit your plans.
Important: Limited company buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Directors are usually asked for personal guarantees, which can put personal assets at risk. The FCA does not regulate tax advice, so please take advice from an accountant before buying through a company.
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.
