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The Mortgage Works Updates Criteria for Landlords

The Mortgage Works has updated its lending criteria for landlords, raising age limits and total borrowing capacity.

By David Sampson
7 September 2026
2 min read
UK buy to let mortgage article image for The Mortgage Works Updates Criteria for Landlords

TL;DR

  • First-time landlords can now apply up to age 75, and experienced landlords face no maximum age limit.
  • total borrowing capacity rises to £10 million.

Written by David Sampson for Mortgage118. Last updated 7 September 2026. Reviewed against our editorial standards. Editorial standards. Mortgage118 is a directory — not FCA-authorised and not a mortgage adviser.

The Mortgage Works has announced significant changes to its lending criteria for landlords, aiming to enhance support for both new and experienced property investors. These modifications include raising the maximum age for first-time landlords and increasing the total borrowing limit across the Nationwide Group.

How Have the Age Criteria Changed for Landlords?

The Mortgage Works has increased the maximum application age for first-time landlords, allowing older investors to enter the buy-to-let market. For experienced landlords, the previous maximum age limit has been removed, enabling them to apply for mortgages without age restrictions as long as they maintain a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.

What is the New Maximum Total Borrowing Limit?

The lender has also raised the maximum total borrowing limit for landlords across all mortgages with the Nationwide Group. This change is particularly beneficial for portfolio landlords, providing them with greater financial flexibility to expand their property holdings and manage existing investments more effectively.

What This Means for Landlords

These changes are designed to accommodate the evolving circumstances of landlords, allowing them to pursue their investment goals more easily. The removal of age limits for experienced landlords and the increased borrowing capacity signifies a more inclusive approach to lending. This could lead to a surge in applications from older landlords and those looking to expand their portfolios, ultimately impacting the buy-to-let market positively.

Frequently asked questions

What should landlords consider with these new criteria?

Landlords should evaluate their financial situations and investment strategies, particularly if they are approaching the new age limits or contemplating expanding their portfolios.

How can landlords apply for these new mortgage options?

Landlords interested in these updated criteria can contact The Mortgage Works directly or consult with mortgage brokers to explore their options and submit applications.

Mentioned in this article

About David Sampson

David Sampson writes about the UK mortgage market for Mortgage118, covering specialist lending, market trends, and practical advice for borrowers. All content is reviewed for accuracy against FCA guidelines and current market data.