Mortgage advice from someone who invests in property themselves.
I am not just a mortgage adviser — I am an active property investor with my own portfolio. I understand the numbers, the strategy, and the importance of getting the financing right. Whether you are buying your first investment property or expanding an existing portfolio, I provide advice that goes beyond the mortgage and into the thinking behind it.
Advice grounded in experience
There is a difference between an adviser who understands buy to let mortgages in theory and one who has sat where you are sitting — evaluating deals, running yield calculations, and making financing decisions with their own money on the line.
As the founder of Century Oak Properties, I have direct experience of building and managing a property portfolio. That means when we talk about your investment strategy, your stress test calculations, or the most suitable mortgage structure for your circumstances, I am speaking from experience as well as professional knowledge.
I do not just find you a mortgage. I take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve and make sure the financing fits the strategy.
What I do for property investors
I understand your strategy, not just your transaction.
Before I search the market, I want to understand what you are trying to achieve — your target yield, your growth strategy, your existing portfolio, and your longer-term goals. The right mortgage for a hands-off landlord with one property looks very different to the right mortgage for someone actively building a portfolio.
I search over 120 lenders.
Including specialist buy to let lenders and exclusive products not available directly. The buy to let market has its own set of specialist lenders who do not appear on comparison sites, and accessing them matters — particularly for more complex cases.
I liaise with all parties throughout.
From application through to completion, I liaise with your lender, solicitor, and any other parties involved. If you need a solicitor, I can recommend professionals I work with and trust. For portfolio landlords managing multiple transactions, having one point of contact who understands the full picture is particularly valuable.
I speak your language.
Gross yield, net yield, stress testing, interest coverage ratio, SPV structures, Article 4 directions — these are not concepts I need to explain from scratch. If you are an experienced investor, we can have a proper conversation about your portfolio and your plans without wasting time on basics.
Buy to Let Mortgages
Whether you are purchasing your first rental property or adding to an existing portfolio, I search over 120 lenders to find the most suitable buy to let mortgage for your circumstances. I have access to exclusive products through HL Partnership — the UK's largest mortgage network — that are not available directly or on the high street.
Portfolio Landlord Mortgages
If you own four or more mortgaged properties, lenders will assess you as a portfolio landlord — which involves a more detailed underwriting process. This is an area I understand well, and I will guide you through what lenders look for and how to present your portfolio in the strongest light.
Bridging Finance
Short-term finance for investors who need to move quickly — auction purchases, uninhabitable properties, refurbishment projects, or breaking a chain. Bridging can be a powerful tool when used correctly, and I can advise on whether it is the right solution for your situation and help you structure the exit strategy.
HMO Mortgages
Houses in Multiple Occupation require specialist mortgage products and lenders. I have experience in this space and access to lenders who understand the HMO market and the higher yields it can generate.
Remortgage & Portfolio Refinancing
Refinancing an existing investment property — whether to secure a better rate, release equity for reinvestment, or restructure your portfolio — is something I work on regularly. I understand how to look at the wider picture, not just the individual property.
Limited Company Buy to Let
Many investors are now purchasing through a Special Purpose Vehicle for tax efficiency reasons. I can advise on limited company buy to let mortgage options and work alongside your accountant or tax adviser to make sure the financing structure fits your overall approach.
(Note: tax advice should be sought from a qualified accountant — I provide mortgage advice only in this area)
Common questions from property investors
How is a buy to let mortgage assessed differently to a residential one?
Rather than being based primarily on your personal income, buy to let mortgages are typically assessed on the rental income the property is expected to generate. Lenders apply a stress test — usually requiring the rent to cover a percentage of the mortgage payment at a notional interest rate. The exact calculation varies between lenders, which is one reason why accessing a wide panel matters.
Can I get a buy to let mortgage through a limited company?
Yes — and for many investors it is worth considering, particularly for higher and additional rate taxpayers following changes to mortgage interest relief. The mortgage market for limited company buy to let has grown significantly and there are now many lenders operating in this space. Your accountant should advise on whether the structure is right for your tax position; I advise on the mortgage.
What deposit do I typically need?
Most buy to let lenders require a minimum deposit of 25%, though this varies depending on the lender, the property type, and your circumstances. Some specialist products may require more, particularly for HMOs or multi-unit blocks.
I already own several properties — can you still help?
Yes. Portfolio landlord cases are more complex but very much something I work with. The key is presenting your portfolio clearly and finding the lenders whose criteria suit your position. This is an area where experience matters, and it is one I am well placed to help with.
What is bridging finance and when does it make sense?
Bridging is a short-term loan — typically up to 12 or 18 months — designed to bridge a gap in financing. It is commonly used for auction purchases where completion is required quickly, properties that are uninhabitable and therefore unmortgageable in their current state, or situations where you need to move before a sale completes. It is a powerful tool but carries higher costs than a standard mortgage, so the exit strategy needs to be clear before proceeding.
A note on tax and legal advice
Mortgage structuring for property investment increasingly intersects with tax planning — particularly around limited company ownership, stamp duty land tax on additional properties, and capital gains planning. I provide mortgage advice only and am not a tax adviser. I would always recommend working with a qualified accountant alongside your mortgage adviser when making investment decisions, and I am happy to refer you to professionals I work with if needed.
Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Bridging finance is a short-term lending solution and should be carefully considered alongside a clear exit strategy. Think carefully before securing other debts against your property.
Century Oak Financial Solutions Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Cox & Flight Financial Solutions Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Cox & Flight Financial Solutions Limited is a member of HL Partnership Limited.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.
The guidance and information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Let's talk about your investment plans.
Whether you are buying your first investment property or looking to refinance and grow an existing portfolio, book a free consultation and let's have a proper conversation about your strategy and your options.