Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has commenced a soft launch of a new buy-to-let proposition, which is being tested through a small number of brokers ahead of a wider launch in 2022.

The lender says it is building on its 15 years’ experience as a specialist lender working with property investors and brokers to now apply its approach to the buy-to-let mortgage space.

MFS’s buy-to-let mortgages are suitable for clients in complex situations, as well as corporate or overseas structures, including offshore companies, trusts and foreign nationals. MFS will also lend for a wide variety of strong yielding property types, such as very large HMOs or multi-unit blocks through to holiday lets.

The London-based lender is offering a “super” flexible interest cover ratio (ICR) from 80%, which can then be combined with rolled up and deferred monthly payments, deferred interest of up to 1%, and top slicing.

With two and three-year terms and a bespoke approach, the loans provide optionality between bridge exits or initial purchases and future long-term financing. Fixed rates start from 4.99%, with product fees from 1.75%, and paying 1% broker commission.

17 broker firms are taking part in the initial pilot in Q4 2021. MFS will be adding more broker firms as the pilot progresses, before fully launching its buy-to-let mortgage range in 2022.

The new buy-to-let business is headed up by Mike Cook, who recently joined the company and has over 20 years’ experience in mortgage lending. Most recently, Cook helped create and launch Vida Homeloans, having previously held senior positions at Bank of Ireland, ING Direct, Lehman, and Kensington.

Paresh Raja (pictured), CEO of MFS, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for MFS. Building on our 15-year experience as a specialist lender, primarily in the bridging space, we’re now bringing the speed and flexibility that we’re so well known for into the buy-to-let space. We are looking forward to working closely with several brokers during this initial pilot, before bringing the buy-to-let mortgage offering to the market next year.”

Mike Cook, chief mortgage officer at MFS, added: “The transition into the buy-to-let mortgage space is a natural fit for MFS – it understands the buy-to-let market inside out, and will apply its experience in underwriting bespoke loans to help brokers deliver for their more complex clients. I am looking forward to driving this pilot forward and have every confidence that it will prove hugely successful in the months to come.”