NatWest Group has announced a strategic move into the buy-to-let mortgage market through a new origination and funding partnership with fintech lender Landbay.
The agreement marks the first time NatWest will fund buy-to-let mortgages specifically targeting professional landlords.
Products will be delivered under the Landbay brand, with the bank providing capital while Landbay originates and manages the loans via its established broker network and digital platform.
Nigel Davey, head of buy-to-let, home buying and ownership at NatWest Group, said the deal represented a significant expansion of the bank’s mortgage strategy. “Today’s announcement is an important partnership for our Home Buying and Ownership business,” he said. “Landbay’s industry expertise and market agility enables fast access to the dynamic professional landlord sector.”
Davey added that the bank sees professional landlords as playing a key role in sustaining the availability of high-quality rental housing. The move forms part of a broader growth strategy designed to simplify the home buying process for both customers and brokers.
The partnership is focused on the limited company segment of the buy-to-let market – an area that has seen increased activity in recent years as tax and regulatory changes have reshaped landlord behaviour. Professional landlords, who typically operate via limited companies and manage larger portfolios, have become a core focus for many lenders.
John Goodall, chief executive at Landbay, said the partnership would enhance choice for brokers and their clients. “This partnership deal is great news for intermediaries and their clients: it will help us broaden our offering to brokers and professional landlords – an important and growing segment of the buy-to-let market – providing them even greater choice,” he said.
He also highlighted the alignment between the two organisations, noting that “it’s been great working with Nigel and his team to get the deal off the ground and help them access this market”. Goodall said the partnership reinforced Landbay’s growing reputation for originating and managing buy-to-let mortgages on behalf of institutional funders.
Landbay, which has previously partnered with the likes of Allica Bank and Atom Bank, offers a technology-led lending platform and distribution reach across the mortgage intermediary market. It has positioned itself as a specialist in serving the needs of professional landlords with tailored underwriting and product options.
Neither party disclosed the size of the initial funding line or expected lending targets, but both indicated that the partnership would be a key driver of growth in the coming years.
