Buy-to-let landlords place the highest value on brokers’ expertise in tax and regulatory matters, emphasising the need for brokers to provide knowledgeable and informed guidance, according to a new survey from Butterfield Mortgages Limited (BML).
The London-based mortgage provider commissioned an independent survey of 501 UK landlords with buy-to-let mortgages. Those who used a broker to source their latest buy-to-let mortgage were asked to choose up to three qualities they value most in a broker.
QUALITIES
The results showed that 38% of respondents chose tax and regulatory expertise’ as an important quality they look for in a mortgage broker, making it the most commonly selected choice. This was followed closely by ‘access to a wide range of flexible, bespoke, or specialist financial solutions’ (36%) and ‘access to exclusive products not available directly to borrowers’ (34%).
Conversely, the likes of ‘experience with clients of similar demographics’ (29%), ‘a broad range of lender partnerships’ (28%), and ‘expertise in the local property market’ (26%) were the least commonly selected qualities.
| Most valued broker qualities | |
| Their expertise around tax and regulation concerning my purchases | 38% |
| Access to a wide range of flexible, bespoke or specialist financial solutions | 36% |
| The ability to access products that are not available directly to the borrower | 34% |
| The overall quality of the customer service they offer | 32% |
| The speed and thoroughness of their communication | 30% |
| Their experience in working with clients of a similar demographic to myself | 29% |
| The range of lenders they work with | 28% |
| Their expertise of the local property market (local to the property I am buying) | 26% |
“brokers and lenders must focus on providing access to up-to-date, expert guidance to help landlords navigate these challenges effectively”
Alpa Bhakta, CEO of Butterfield Mortgages Limited, said: “This research comes at a pivotal time, with Rachel Reeves’s Budget still fresh in people’s minds. Indeed, it is noteworthy that expertise in tax and regulation ranked higher than product range, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty among landlords about the potential impact of government policies on the buy-to-let market.
“Evidently, brokers and lenders must focus on providing access to up-to-date, expert guidance to help landlords navigate these challenges effectively.
“Our research also reveals that, despite recent rate cuts, borrowers still rely on brokers to offer a diverse range of financial options that enable them to adapt confidently to the evolving buy-to-let market. What’s more, landlords expect brokers to deliver a personal, tailored service that caters to their specific needs. The survey underscores the value landlords place on quality, human-centred service.
“Lenders must also consider these findings carefully – and they need to recognise their role in supporting both brokers and their clients as well. It’s crucial for the entire sector to collaborate, ensuring that buy-to-let landlords can make better-informed, confident decisions that foster long-term success.”
