Specialist lender West One has introduced a number of changes to its buy-to-let lending criteria, aiming to make its products more accessible to a wider range of landlords and property investors across the UK. The updates are particularly targeted at applicants who may have minor credit issues on their records.
One of the most notable changes is the lender’s relaxed stance on minor adverse credit. For applicants using West One’s W1 product range, they can now have one County Court Judgment (CCJ) or default recorded in the last six years—provided it is for an amount under £250.
This is a welcome update for many landlords who may have experienced small financial setbacks but are otherwise financially responsible. It reflects a growing recognition among lenders that occasional credit blips shouldn’t automatically exclude someone from accessing competitive mortgage rates.
The lender has also made similar adjustments to its W2 product range. In this case, applicants can have a CCJ or default under £250 as long as it occurred within the last three years. This shorter timeframe is designed to reflect a slightly more cautious approach but still maintains flexibility.
In a further positive move, West One has announced that for its W3 product range, it will not consider any defaults or CCJs under £250 at all. These minor records will be completely ignored during the application assessment.
This change makes the W3 range particularly attractive for landlords who might have minor marks on their credit files but are otherwise strong candidates. It’s also likely to open up more options for experienced landlords looking to expand their portfolios.
The lender’s goal with these enhancements is to make its most competitive mortgage rates available to more people, including those with a less-than-perfect credit history. By relaxing its credit criteria slightly, West One is helping to support landlords in a changing and often challenging property market.
Another key update is West One’s approach to Day 1 remortgages. The lender will now consider remortgages from the first day of ownership, based on the property’s open market value—so long as the landlord can demonstrate that they’ve added value through refurbishment or upgrades.
This is especially beneficial for landlords who specialise in renovating properties to increase their market worth. It means they can release equity or secure improved terms straight away, rather than having to wait a set period.
In terms of eligibility for self-employed borrowers, there’s good news too. West One will now consider first-time buyers and first-time landlords by referral for loans of up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV). This offers greater access to finance for those just starting out in the property investment world.
To qualify, these self-employed applicants must have been trading for at least two years, earn a minimum of £25,000 per year, and be at least 25 years of age when they submit their application. These conditions help ensure a responsible balance between flexibility and lending risk.
Marie Grundy, Managing Director of Mortgages at West One, explained that the aim of these changes is to broaden access to their most competitive products. She noted that these criteria enhancements are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to meet the evolving needs of today’s landlords.
She emphasised that working closely with broker partners has played a crucial role in shaping these updates, particularly the changes to Day 1 remortgage valuations, which were influenced by industry feedback.
Grundy added that this announcement marks just the beginning of a broader series of product updates planned by the lender. West One intends to roll out more changes in the coming months, further strengthening its position in the buy-to-let mortgage market.
These developments underline West One’s commitment to supporting landlords—whether new to the sector or experienced investors—by offering more practical lending solutions that reflect real-world circumstances.
With a more flexible approach to credit history and a willingness to accommodate those investing in property improvements, West One is positioning itself as a forward-thinking lender ready to meet the challenges of the modern rental market.
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