Category: guides

Below is our review of the top HMO mortgage lenders in the UK marketplace.

1. Vida Homeloans

Vida Homeloans offer an outstanding service for HMO clients, for which they have earned a strong reputation. Thanks to the highly cooperative relationship we enjoy with them, Commercial Trust is part of Vida’s exclusive Premier Hub, meaning we are a key partner of theirs. Clients enquiring through Commercial Trust can therefore expect VIP service from Vida.

Core strengths:

  • First-time buyers and first-time landlords accepted
  • No assessment fees charged for clients referred via Commercial Trust
  • Specialist HMO products designed for both small and large HMOs
  • No personal income affordability assessments for limited company applications
  • Dedicated underwriting for complex cases
  • Potentially higher loan to value (LTV) options, depending on borrower profile
  • Interest-only options available for yield-focused investors

Best for: Landlords with complex income or portfolio structures, including first-time HMO investors needing flexibility.

2. Paragon Bank

Paragon is a market leader in specialist property finance, particularly for portfolio landlords and HMO investments. They have some of the most flexible criteria for especially large HMOs and MUFBs, and can make exceptions if an enquiry falls outside their usual criteria.

Core strengths:

  • Market-leading HMO expertise
  • In-house valuation team
  • Advanced underwriting for larger portfolios
  • Flexible property criteria and up to 20 bedrooms accepted
  • Tailored product range for enquiries outside of usual criteria

Best for:Seasoned landlords scaling their portfolios or investing in larger HMOs.

3. Aldermore Bank 

Aldermore is one of the most established names in specialist HMO lending, with especially lenient criteria for landlords with large portfolios. 

Core strengths:

  • Dedicated HMO mortgage range
  • Tailored products for experienced landlords and portfolio investors
  • Wide property acceptance, including for HMOs with more complex set-ups
  • Fixed and variable rate options
  • Competitive and flexible pricing structures
  • Portfolio loans for up to 20 properties
  • Able to lend to trading companies, reducing SIC code restrictions

Best for: Professional landlords with established portfolios looking for a reliable, well-known lender.

4. Fleet Mortgages

Fleet Mortgages is a specialist buy to let lender known for serving experienced HMO landlords.

Core strengths:

  • Solid range of HMO-specific products
  • Focus on professional landlords, with minimum experience often required
  • Limited company options
  • Portfolio lending expertise

Best for: Established landlords looking for competitive long-term HMO mortgage deals.

5. The Mortgage Lender (TML)

The Mortgage Lender combines competitive rates with accessible HMO lending criteria. 

Core strengths:

  • Products covering small to medium-sized HMOs
  • Simplified underwriting for a faster, more straightforward application process
  • Flexible borrower criteria
  • Accepts a range of personal income types
  • Competitive pricing 
  • Limited company lending 

Best for: Landlords seeking a balance of competitive pricing and ease of application.

Defining which lender is best very much depends on a borrower’s individual needs, and which has the most competitive available rate to meet those requirements. At Commercial Trust, our expert advisors can assess which lender is the best fit for your HMO mortgage enquiry. Call us or complete our online form to find out more.