Your guide to property investment

How much can I afford
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Whether you’re stepping into the world of property investment for the first time or expanding your portfolio, buying to let can be a smart way to build long-term wealth, if you do it right from the start.

At Jigsaw, we help our clients make clear, confident buy-to-let decisions. With over 30 years of landlord experience in-house, we understand what works, what to avoid, and how to structure your property investment to give you the best chance of success, financially and practically.

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What is a buy-to-let mortgage?

Letting the property to the tenant

A buy-to-let mortgage is designed for individuals or limited companies purchasing a property to rent out, rather than live in. Unlike residential mortgages, affordability is based mainly on the property’s rental income potential, not your personal salary.

You can apply as:

  • An individual (private landlord) – taxed via your personal income
  • A limited company (SPV) – more tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers

We usually recommend using a limited company structure, particularly if you plan to build a portfolio or are already in a higher tax bracket, but we’ll explore what suits your goals and finances best.

Who is it for?

Buy-to-let is a good fit for:

Buy-to-let is a good fit for:

  • First time investors looking to generate income
  • Homeowners releasing equity to invest in a rental property
  • Self employed professionals or directors building future income streams
  • Parents buying a student accommodation for their children
  • Anyone planning for a retirement with a steady asset

To be eligible, you'll usually need:

  • A minimum 25% deposit (or equity if remortgaging)
  • Proof of income and affordability
  • A clean credit record
  • A property that meets rental yield criteria (we’ll help you calculate this)

The step-by-step process

We guide you through every step:

Step 1

Initial consultation

We’ll talk through your goals, explain the risks and rewards, and confirm whether buy-to-let suits your situation.

Step 1
Step 2

Fact-find & planning

We assess affordability, tax position, and decide whether to buy as an individual or through a limited company.

Step 2
Step 3

Sourcing finance

We match you with a lender that supports your structure and rental goals, including those that accept one-year accounts or complex income.

Step 3
Step 4

Application & valuation

We submit your mortgage application and arrange a rental valuation. We also support you if any issues arise.

Step 4
Step 5

Offer, legal, and completion

Once your mortgage offer is issued, we coordinate with solicitors and ensure a smooth path to completion.

Step 5

What costs should you expect?

Many first-time landlords underestimate the true costs of buy-to-let. We help you plan for:

Upfront costs:

  • Deposit (usually 25%)
  • Legal and mortgage fees
  • Stamp duty (including the additional 3% property surcharge)
  • Survey and valuation costs

Ongoing costs:

  • Mortgage repayments
  • Letting agent fees (if applicable)
  • Property maintenance and compliance
  • Landlord insurance and tax liabilities
  • Income tax or corporation tax, depending on the structure

Our advice includes tax and income planning so you understand not just what you’ll pay, but what you’ll keep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate rental income vs mortgage affordability?

We use rental stress tests required by lenders; typically, your rent must cover 125%–145% of the mortgage payment, depending on your tax bracket.

Can I become a landlord as a first-time buyer?

Yes, though it’s more complex. We’ll help you navigate the additional checks.

What’s the difference between managing the property myself vs using a letting agent?

A letting agent can handle everything from tenant vetting to repairs, but charges fees. We’ll help you assess what’s most cost-effective.

What are my legal responsibilities as a landlord?

You must meet housing standards, fire safety, deposit protection and tenant rights. We’ll help ensure you're fully compliant.

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Ready to start your journey?

Whether you’re still researching or ready to act, now is the time to speak to a specialist. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you secure finance without confusion or pressure.

Contact us today to book your free appointment and explore your buy-to-let opportunities with confidence.

How can we help you?

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Know your budget

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Secure a lender-backed agreement to strengthen your offer on a property.

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See what your monthly payments could look like with our easy mortgage calculator.

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Find out what you can afford in minutes

Understanding what you can realistically afford is the first step toward a stress-free homebuying journey. Our affordability tool gives you a quick and accurate estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on your income, expenses, and deposit.

It’s completely free to use, doesn’t affect your credit score, and takes just a couple of minutes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up the ladder, or simply exploring your options, our tool can help you plan with confidence and avoid unwanted surprises later.

How much can I afford
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