The Mortgage Lender has reduced selected buy-to-let rates as landlords and brokers prepare for what is expected to be a pivotal year for refinancing activity.

From Thursday, the lender has applied a five basis point cut to a number of its five-year fixed rate standard buy-to-let products.

The move comes as the mortgage market braces for a sharp increase in refinancing volumes. UK Finance forecasts that around 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgage deals are due to mature by the end of 2026, with a significant proportion sitting within the buy-to-let sector.

For many landlords, this is prompting a broader reassessment of portfolio structure rather than a simple like-for-like refinance.

As a result, brokers are increasingly seeing landlords focus on the balance and long-term sustainability of their holdings. Product structure, fees and flexibility are taking on greater importance, alongside affordability, as investors consider whether to consolidate, rebalance or expand in a more complex operating environment.

Alongside the latest rate reductions, The Mortgage Lender’s buy-to-let range includes limited-edition products with rates starting from 3.29%, with both fee and fee-free options available. Free valuations are also offered across all buy-to-let applications.

Chris Kirby, head of field sales for retail mortgages at Shawbrook, said: “With UK Finance forecasting up to 1.8 million fixed rate mortgages are maturing by the end of 2026, this underlines just how significant the year ahead will be for many landlords and brokers alike.

“Many landlords are using this point as an opportunity to look beyond a single refinance and review their wider portfolios, with affordability, balance and long-term sustainability firmly in focus.

“While rates will always matter, flexibility, product structure and choice are becoming just as important, and our latest repricing is designed to support brokers as they help clients navigate these decisions.”