Keystone bolsters lending criteria

Keystone Property Finance has announced the upgrade of its criteria for portfolio and non-portfolio landlords.

The buy-to-let lending brand has increased the maximum individual loan from £750,000 to £1 million on borrowing up to 65% loan-to-value.

Landlords who wish to secure larger loans on more expensive property will benefit from the change, with the increase available to landlords borrowing both personally and via a limited company.

When assessing a landlord’s suitability, Keystone will now accept applications from borrowers aged 21 years, down from the previous limit of 25 years old. It will also consider non-homeowners who own at least one buy-to-let property in the UK.

Along with this, Keystone has scrapped the minimum length of employment or self-employment in a particular role. Applicants were expected to have a minimum of one year’s track record.

Tier 1 & 2 visa applicants will now be accepted, as well as flats in high rise blocks.

Commenting on the enhancements, David Whittaker, chief executive of Keystone Property Finance, said: “We wanted to show both portfolio and non-portfolio landlords that we are open for business, and the new PRA guidelines will not alter our lending appetite.”