Seasonal Shifts: What summer tells us about buy-to-let trends and finance

As the property market heats up for summer, it’s not just the weather that landlords should be paying attention to. The summer season consistently brings shifts in tenant demand, mortgage market movements, and opportunities to review or grow your property portfolio —especially for those investing through a limited company.

Here’s what to keep in mind this summer if you’re a buy-to-let investor: 

Stronger rental demand in summer 

The rental market often sees a surge in activity between June and September.  Families prefer to move during the school holidays, and students are securing accommodation ahead of the new academic year.

This can mean:
•    Shorter void periods
•    Stronger competition among tenants
•    Potential for higher or more consistent rental income

If you have a property coming available, summer is an excellent time to relist or refresh the marketing.

Time to review your buy-to-let mortgage? 

With mortgage rates having fluctuated over the past year, now is a smart time to review your current borrowing. If you’re on a variable rate or approaching the end of a fixed deal, consider locking in a competitive rate for stability.

Many landlords are also using summer as a chance to:
•    Remortgage to release equity for future purchases
•    Move from personal name lending to a limited company structure
•    Refinance to reduce monthly costs or improve cash flow

Spotlight on Limited Company buy-to-let

More landlords are choosing to invest via limited companies to benefit from potential tax advantages, such as:
•    Corporation tax on profits (rather than income tax)
•    Full mortgage interest tax relief
•    Greater flexibility in passing property to family via shares

However, limited company mortgages come with their own criteria and often slightly higher rates or fees—so tailored advice is crucial.

Whether you’re switching existing properties into a company structure or purchasing new ones, lender requirements, property types, and projected rental income all come into play.

Is it the right time to expand?

Summer's strong rental demand can make now an attractive time to consider adding to your portfolio. But as with any investment, it’s vital to factor in:
•    Stamp Duty implications
•    Upfront costs and fees
•    Future interest rate trends
•    Regulatory changes (e.g. EPC requirements or local licensing)

Having a clear view of your finance options and long-term goals is essential before making any move.  

Whether you're looking to refinance, switch to a limited company, or explore your next investment opportunity, summer is a smart time to review your strategy.  We are here to help you navigate the market and find the best-fit solutions for your property goals.

This article does not constitute advice, and you should always seek mortgage advice from a regulated mortgage adviser before making mortgage decisions.