The Financial Intermediary & Broker Association (FIBA) has launched a four-part webinar series to help brokers navigate the changing landlord and specialist property finance market.
The Buy-to-Let Webinar Box Set will take place at 10am every Friday throughout August and will form the first stage of FIBA’s wider education programme.
The programme was developed in response to feedback from members, who called for a combination of larger face-to-face events and accessible online learning. FIBA said members valued concise, practical sessions that could be accessed from across the UK.
The webinars will be jointly hosted by FIBA and Roger Morris, group distribution director at CHL Mortgages. Morris has experience as both a lender and a landlord.
Specialist guest speakers will include John McCaffrey, tax partner at Manchester-based Alexander & Co.
Across four sessions, the programme will cover the current buy-to-let market, landlord ownership structures, houses in multiple occupation and multi-unit freehold blocks. It will also examine the Renters’ Rights Act, bridging finance, equity acceleration, refurbishment opportunities, cross charging, holiday lets, let-to-buy arrangements and landlord retention.
Continuing professional development will be available for each session. Brokers can register through the FIBA website.
Christine Newell (pictured), head of FIBA, said: “The feedback from our members was clear. They want practical assessable education that will help them write more business.
“This Buy-to-Let Box Set is the first step in delivering a broader educational programme supporting our members wherever they are located, helping them to stay ahead of an increasingly complex property finance market.
“This series is the first stage of a wider education programme that reflects exactly what our members told us they need.”
Morris said: “Buy-to-let continues to evolve at pace. Changes in regulation, taxation and landlord behaviour are creating new opportunities and challenges for brokers.
“This is perfect timing for the release of this educational partnership with FIBA as we see continued professionalisation of landlords post the introduction of Renters Rights, a growing demand for specialist property finance advice, plus the increased complexity around ownership structures and taxation.
“These sessions are designed to provide practical guidance and real-world insight that advisers can apply immediately with their landlord clients.”
FIBA said further specialist lending educational content and events would be announced later this year.
