Max Age For Buy to Let Mortgages?
Is there a maximum age limit for getting a buy to let mortgage? Below, we discuss your options and how easily you can find the right rate as an older landlord.
Buy to let mortgages for older landlords
According to the English Private Landlord Survey (Published December 5th, 2024), the average age of a UK landlord is 59. Perhaps more pertinently, almost 2/3rds are 55 or older, and the survey shows landlords with larger portfolios tend to fall into the older age brackets.
Given this, there's no doubt that the buy to let sector could better support the primary age group that makes up the landlord community. However, there are a few common misconceptions surrounding maximum age limits.
When referring to 'older landlords', we mean 65+, when most people are approaching retirement age. There are 3 main reasons you may be looking to secure a buy to let mortgage:
Remortgaging: If you're an existing buy to let landlord, you'll likely remortgage your properties regularly to ensure you're on the most cost-effective rate (among other reasons). You may find a new rate to help you maximise your profits.
Additional income during retirement: Many landlords use rental income as a top-up income stream alongside their pension. While some may invest in a buy to let property before retiring, plenty decide to invest during retirement!
Inheritance: We're living longer, which means you might come into inheritance later in life. We have many clients who still decide to use inheritance money to invest in buy to let property in their late 60s and 70s.
Can I get a mortgage after retiring?
In short, yes! Any potential issues with securing a mortgage are typically challenges with lender assessments, rather than general criteria issues with retirees.
For example, it's not that you're retired, but more likely that your lower income (due to retiring) may mean you no longer meet affordability checks. If the lender is concerned that your pension income won't cover void periods, then this is where you'll run into issues.
Of course, many buy to let lenders don't have a minimum income requirement. Instead, they rely on their rental coverage stress tests rather than a minimum 'backup income'. So, the slightly longer answer is still yes, subject to meeting the lender's eligibility requirements.
How much deposit do I need?
Generally speaking, as long as you meet the criteria for a buy to let mortgage, your required deposit is the same as any other borrower's. While a 60% LTV mortgage gives you access to the most competitive rates, a 75% LTV is the most common and gives you plenty of choices.
However, some lenders do slightly restrict maximum LTV based on age. So, as you approach 70, you may wish to reduce the overall borrowing across your portfolio to ensure you can access the best rates on the market.
Even if you're on interest-only mortgages (like many landlords), rising property values can still work in your favour. So long as you're not regularly remortgaging to pull out equity, your mortgage debt stays the same while your property values increase. That means your overall borrowing becomes less risky over time.
In the early stages of property investment, it can make sense to borrow more to grow your portfolio. But as you get older, especially as you approach retirement age, it's smart to start reducing risk so your portfolio can keep working well into your 70s, ideally with better mortgage rates.
What is the maximum age limit?
Most buy to let lenders now set their maximum borrower ages between 79 and 85 at the time of application, with 14 lenders allowing you to go to 85 at the end of the term.
Moreover, there are several lenders with no upper age limit at the point of application for personal and Limited Company applicants. Currently, these rates start from 4.5%, compared to standard rates starting from 3.7%.*
Can I get a Limited Company mortgage as an older landlord?
Lenders tend to be more lenient with age if applying through a Limited Company, as succession planning with an SPV structure is much easier. If there are certain people you'd like to inherit your portfolio in the future, you can make them shareholders or even directors of the Company.
In the unfortunate event that you pass away before the mortgage is paid off or sold, the ownership and mortgage are already in place. This is a lot easier to manage and a much more risk-averse approach for lenders to consider.
In conclusion:
- No Hard Age Cut-Off: Most buy to let lenders allow applications up to age 79–85, and some have no upper age limit at all, especially for Limited Company applications.
- Retirement Isn't a Barrier: Being retired doesn't disqualify you from getting a mortgage. The key factor is whether your income (e.g. pension) meets the lender's affordability criteria or rental stress tests.
- Limited Company Mortgages Offer Flexibility: Applying through a Limited Company can be advantageous for older landlords, especially for succession planning, as lenders are often more flexible with age.
- Loan-to-Value (LTV) Considerations: While 75% LTV is standard, older borrowers may face tighter LTV limits. Reducing borrowing as you age can help secure better rates and reduce risk.
- Older Landlords Are the Norm: With the average UK landlord aged 59 and 64% aged 55+, the market is increasingly geared toward supporting older investors, especially those remortgaging, investing inheritance, or supplementing retirement income.
Find your next buy to let mortgage rate
Learn more about Limited Company mortgages
*All rates subject to change and correct as of August 2025
Mortgage Finance Brokers (MFB) is a mortgage broker specialising in buy to let finance, homebuyer and commercial mortgages, and short-term finance. Registered office 17 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4UA. Company registered in England and Wales No. 2502713. Mortgage Finance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (313537) to transact regulated mortgages.