FAQ's

Find quick answers to all your GB Bank queries! Explore our FAQ section for guidance on accounts and More

First time landlords

Can my client get a Buy-to-Let mortgage if they’ve never owned a property before?

Yes. We’re happy to support first-time landlords, even those without previous property ownership. We take a pragmatic view of each case and assess suitability based on the client’s wider financial profile and investment plans so long as the landlord is not renting a property they, or their family, have previously resided in.

What’s the minimum deposit requirement for first-time landlord clients?

We lend up to 75% LTV, so your client would typically need a minimum 25% deposit. For clients able to contribute more, we may be able to offer enhanced pricing and flexibility.

What property types will GB Bank consider for new landlords?

We will consider all types of BTLs. GB Bank will consider standard residential properties, HMOs, Multi-Unit Blocks, and mixed-use developments giving you flexibility to place clients into their preferred investment strategy, even at the start of their journey.

Is there a minimum income requirement for first-time landlords?

No. We do not apply a minimum personal income threshold, which is ideal for clients whose primary income may come from sources like family wealth, passive investments, or international earnings.

Can my first-time landlord client purchase in a Limited Company or SPV structure?

Absolutely. We’re fully set up to lend to Limited Companies and SPVs, even if newly formed. We can work with you to ensure the structure is appropriate and that the client’s long-term goals are supported from day one.

HMOs & MUFBs Explained

What types of HMO and MUFB properties do you lend on?

We consider a wide range of HMO and MUFB properties, including student lets, professional house shares, and freehold blocks with multiple self-contained units. We’re also open to complex and mixed-use scenarios.

Do you lend to first-time HMO or MUFB landlords?

Yes, we welcome both experienced and first-time landlords. We assess each case individually and consider the overall strength of the applicant and the quality of the asset. We consider a wide range of HMO and MUFB properties, including student lets, professional house shares, and freehold blocks with multiple self-contained units. We’re also open to complex and mixed-use scenarios.

What is the maximum loan amount and LTV for HMOs and MUFBs?

We offer loans of up to £20 million, with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 75%. Our lending is flexible and relationship-led, and we take a pragmatic view on more complex structures.

What is the maximum loan amount and LTV for HMOs and MUFBs?

Absolutely. We lend to individuals, limited companies, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – including those with complex ownership structures or offshore elements.

Do you accept applications from Foreign Nationals or Expats?

Yes, we consider applications from Foreign Nationals and Expats, and UK residency is not required. We understand the unique needs of international investors and structure our solutions accordingly. UK bank account required.

High-Net-Worth Investors

Do you offer bespoke lending solutions for High-Net-Worth clients?

GB Bank specialises in structuring tailoredBuy-to-Let finance for HNW investors with complex income, asset portfolios, orownership structures. We take a pragmatic, relationship-driven approach andassess each case on its individual merits.

Is there a maximum loan size for HNW clients?

We offer Buy-to-Let loans up to £20 million, with flexible terms to suit the unique requirements of HNW borrowers, whether they are investing personally, through a family trust, or via corporate structures.

Can you consider global income or assets as part of affordability?

We work with intermediaries whose clients have global income streams, offshore assets, or wealth held in trusts. We understand the financial profiles of HNW individuals and offer flexible underwriting to accommodate them.

Do you support portfolio investors looking to scale quickly?

We regularly work with clients building or restructuring large portfolios. Our process is designed to offer speed, certainty, and confidence, making us a strong partner for those looking to scale efficiently.

What property types are available to HNW investors?

HNW clients can access lending on residential Buy-to-Let, HMOs, MUFBs,  Mixed Use Developments, and developer exit loans. We’re also happy to consider prime properties, high-value units, and more complex investment scenarios.

Limited Companies & SPV Landlords

What is an SPV and why do clients use them?

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a type of Limited Company created specifically for property investment. Many landlords use SPVs for tax efficiency, simplified accounting, and separation of personal and business assets. GB Bank understands this structure and supports SPVs as standard.

Do you accept layered or complex ownership structures?

We regularly lend to companies with layered ownership, multiple directors/shareholders, or offshore elements, provided the structure is transparent and meets our due diligence requirements.

Are the lending terms different for Limited Companies compared to individual borrowers?

Our Limited Company Buy-to-Let products offer competitive rates, up to 75% LTV, and access to the same wide range of property types, including HMOs, MUFBs, and Mixed Use Developments, with no pricing penalty for borrowing via a company structure.

Do you lend to Limited Companies and SPVs for Buy-to-Let purposes?

HNW clients can access lending on residential Buy-to-Let, HMOs, MUFBs,  Mixed Use Developments, and developer exit loans. We’re also happy to consider prime properties, high-value units, and more complex investment scenarios.

Can you work with newly incorporated SPVs with no trading history?

We’re happy to support newly incorporated SPVs, as long as the directors and shareholders are clearly identifiable and meet our experience or financial strength criteria. No prior trading history is required.

Professional Landlords

What defines a 'professional landlord'?

At GB Bank, we typically consider a professional landlord to be someone who owns multiple investment properties or derives a significant portion of their income from property.  However, we take a case-by-case approach and are happy to review complex portfolios and ownership structures.

Do you support portfolio landlords with large or complex holdings?

Yes. We’re well equipped to work with portfolio landlords, including those with 10+ properties, mixed-use assets, or properties held across various structures (personal, limited company, offshore SPVs, trusts, etc.). We provide bespoke support for refinancing or expanding large portfolios.

Can clients finance more complex property types such as HMOs or Multi-Unit Blocks?

We lend against HMOs, Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFBs), and Mixed Use Developments, all at competitive terms. Our criteria is designed with experienced investors in mind, offering the flexibility your clients need.

Are there restrictions on how many properties a client can own or finance with GB Bank?

We do not impose a cap on the number of properties a client owns. We assess each transaction on its own merits and are happy to work with clients looking to scale efficiently and strategically.  Maximum lending amounts apply.

Can clients borrow through a Limited Company or SPV?

Yes - We regularly work with professional landlords operating via Limited Companies or SPVs, including layered, offshore structures, including trusts. We understand the tax and planning advantages this route offers and ensure smooth processing from application through to completion.

Foreign Nationals & UK Expats

Do you lend to foreign nationals who don’t reside in the UK?

Yes, GB Bank offers Buy-to-Let loans to foreign nationals and non-UK residents*, including those who have never lived or worked in the UK. We consider a wide range of international borrowers and all borrowers will be subject to due diligence requirements.

‍(* Excludes FATF blacklisted and sanctioned jurisdictions)

Is UK property ownership a requirement for foreign national clients?

No. We will consider first-time UK property investors, including those without existing property holdings in the UK. We assess the client's global financial position and take a pragmatic view on experience and intent.

What types of property can foreign national clients invest in?

Foreign nationals can invest in standard residential units, as well as HMOs, Multi-Unit Blocks, and semi-commercial properties. We understand that international investors are often looking for higher-yielding or more diverse assets and we can find a solution for all eventualities.

Can foreign nationals purchase through a Limited Company or offshore SPV?

GB Bank will consider offshore SPVs, trusts, and company structures, provided the ownership and control can be clearly verified. Our team is experienced in navigating complex offshore arrangements.

Are there specific countries or nationalities you won’t consider?

We’re open to working with clients from most jurisdictions, subject to due diligence and compliance checks. There are a few countries which are subject to sanctions programmes or are high-risk where we may be restricted or prohibited, but we’ll assess each case individually.

Bridging Finance

Do you lend on properties purchased at auction?

Yes – we’re well-versed in auction purchases and can provide terms quickly to meet tight completion deadlines.

Are foreign nationals or expats eligible for bridging loans?

Absolutely. We consider applications from both expats and foreign nationals, all borrowers will be subject to due diligence requirements. A UK bank account is required

Do you fund semi-commercial or commercial properties?

Yes – we lend against a range of property types including residential, semi-commercial, fully commercial and mixed-use developments.

Can first-time investors apply?

We’ll consider first-time investors where the exit is clear, and the asset makes sense. Each deal is reviewed on its own merits.

Do you work with layered company or trust structures?

Yes – we will consider a variety of company structures, including SPVs, LLPs, and trust arrangements, provided the ownership and control can be clearly verified.