Best Second Charge Brokers for Buy-to-Let (How to Choose)
This article explores how to choose the right second charge broker for buy-to-let, taking into account factors such as fees and lender access.
16/10/2026By Sunil Chander · Co-Founder
This article explores how to choose the right second charge broker for buy-to-let, taking into account factors such as fees and lender access.
For a landlord with an existing mortgage, raising capital against a rental property may involve a further advance, a remortgage or a second charge loan that sits behind the first mortgage. A second charge can leave a favourable first mortgage untouched and may avoid an early repayment charge, although it creates another secured debt with separate rates, fees and terms.
The buy-to-let second-charge market is specialist and lender criteria vary. Some providers deal directly with landlords, while others distribute only through advisers. Choosing the best second charge broker for a particular case therefore depends on lender access, relevant experience, service, fees and the regulatory status of the transaction. This article provides insight into how to choose the best second charge broker for your circumstances.
Why broker choice matters for buy-to-let landlords
A specialist landlord broker should understand how lenders assess rental income, property type, portfolio exposure, ownership structure and the purpose of the funds. This can be particularly important for HMOs, limited companies, portfolio landlords and applicants with adverse credit. The recommendation should account for interest, broker and lender fees, early repayment provisions, legal costs and the total amount repayable. It should also compare the second charge with realistic alternatives, including a further advance or remortgage.
What whole-of-market second charge access actually means
Importantly, a whole of market second charge service does not necessarily include every available product on the market. For regulated mortgage advice, the Financial Conduct Authority requires firms to disclose limitations in the range they consider, including whether direct-only deals are excluded. A panel may still represent a broad market if it is sufficiently wide, regularly reviewed and does not materially disadvantage the customer. Furthermore, buy-to-let borrowing often sits outside of standard regulated mortgage rules. Nonetheless, landlords should still ask how many relevant lenders the broker can access, whether direct deals are considered and whether the panel changes for limited company or specialist property cases.
Second charge broker fees and what they should include
Second charge broker fees may be fixed, percentage-based, or split between booking and completion. There is no reliable universal fee benchmark for buy-to-let cases, so landlords should request a written breakdown covering the broker, lender, valuation and legal fees, including any charges added to the loan. A 2026 FCA review of regulated second charge firms found intermediary fees ranging from 2.5% to 15% of the loan amount, with most firms in its sample charging between 10% and 12.5%, in addition to lender fees.
What to look for in a specialist broker
A specialist broker should ask about the existing mortgage, rental income, property value, ownership structure, portfolio size, credit history and proposed use of the funds before discussing options. They should also establish whether first-lender consent or notification is required, based on the mortgage conditions, title restrictions and proposed lender's requirements. Importantly, experience with residential second charges does not automatically establish expertise in unregulated buy-to-let borrowing, SPV companies, HMOs or portfolio underwriting.
Comparing secured loan brokers before you commit
To compare secured loan brokers thoroughly, landlords should request the following:
Details of the broker's lender access
The likely fees involved and when they are payable
The regulatory status of the borrowing
The alternatives the broker would consider
Confirmation whether anything remains due if the application does not complete
Whether the broker receives lender commission
It is also reasonable to ask how many buy-to-let second charge cases the broker has handled recently and who will manage the application. The lowest broker fee does not necessarily produce the lowest overall cost, but a higher fee should offer clear value.
The market for second charge brokers for buy-to-let
The following firms are active in specialist property finance. Services, fees and panels can change, so details should be checked before applying.
1. Commercial Trust
Commercial Trust accepts direct landlord enquiries and arranges buy-to-let second charges. Its published criteria allow total borrowing up to 75% loan to value, subject to the case. It currently publishes a non-refundable £599 booking fee, followed by a completion fee of up to £1,999 below £500,000, or 1% on larger loans. It is an intermediary, not a lender, and states that its buy-to-let advice and products are not FCA-regulated.
2. ABC Finance
ABC Finance provides a dedicated buy-to-let second charge service for direct enquiries. Its published fee is currently 5.5% of the loan, capped at £2,195. The firm states that many lenders cap total borrowing around 75% of the property's value, although the actual maximum depends on the case.
3. John Charcol
John Charcol provides second charge advice through its own specialist service and lists a range of lenders with which it works. Their guidance notes that combined LTV limits vary and that the existing lender's permission will often be required. Landlords should confirm the buy-to-let panel used and applicable fees.
4. Aria Finance
Aria Finance distributes specialist property finance through a broad panel of lenders, describing buy-to-let second charges as unregulated products and identifying declined further advances, early repayment charges and protecting an existing rate as possible reasons to consider this route.
Conclusion
A second charge can provide access to equity without replacing an existing buy-to-let mortgage, but the additional debt must remain affordable during rental voids, repairs and changes in interest costs. The property may be at risk if repayments are not maintained. The right broker should offer relevant experience, transparent fees, an appropriately broad panel, and a clear comparison with further advances and remortgaging. There is no single best second charge broker for every landlord. Seeking advice for your circumstances is always essential.
FAQs
Q. What does a second charge broker actually do?
A. A second charge broker assesses the landlord, property, existing mortgage, rental income and borrowing purpose before identifying suitable lenders. The broker should compare rates, fees, terms, total costs and alternatives.
Q. Is a whole-of-market second charge broker always better than a tied one?
A. A broader panel can improve the chances of finding suitable terms, but access alone does not guarantee the best recommendation. Relevant experience, transparent fees and the quality of the advice also matter.
Q. How much do second charge broker fees typically cost?
A. Fees vary and may be fixed, percentage-based, or split between application and completion. There is no dependable universal average for buy-to-let cases, so compare costs carefully.
Q. Are second charge broker fees negotiable?
A. Some brokers may negotiate or cap fees, particularly on larger loans. Ask whether a fixed-fee alternative is available and whether any part is refundable if the transaction does not complete.
Q. What is the difference between a second charge broker and a standard mortgage broker?
A. A standard mortgage broker may focus mainly on purchases and remortgages. A specialist second charge broker works with loans ranking behind an existing mortgage. Buy-to-let second charge experience should be checked separately.
Q. Do I need my existing lender's permission for a second charge loan?
A. Permission is required in many cases, but the position depends on the first mortgage conditions, title restrictions and second lender's requirements. Some arrangements require notification rather than express consent.
Q. Can a second charge broker help landlords with poor credit?
A. A specialist broker may have access to lenders that consider historic credit problems. Approval is not guaranteed, and adverse credit may reduce the available LTV or increase rates and fees.
Q. How much can I borrow through a second charge on a buy-to-let property?
A. Many current products limit total borrowing across the first and second charges to around 75% of the property's value. The actual amount also depends on rental income, the existing balance, property type, credit profile and lender criteria.
Q. How long does it take to arrange a second charge loan through a broker?
A. A second charge can sometimes complete more quickly than a remortgage, but there is no guaranteed timetable. Valuation, legal work, company documents, first-lender requirements and incomplete information can cause delays.
Q. Are second charge brokers regulated?
A. Regulatory status depends on the borrower, property, loan amount and purpose. Many business buy-to-let second charges are unregulated. Certain consumer buy-to-let arrangements have a separate regime, while a second charge secured on a borrower's home may be regulated. The FCA explains that buy-to-let mortgages are not generally regulated in the same way as residential mortgages, so landlords should check which protections apply.
About the author
Sunil Chander
Co-Founder
Sunil oversees operations and compliance at Pauzible, drawing on his extensive experience as the founder and CEO of Dawnbud Limited, a financial services consulting firm. His prior career included senior roles in investment banking at Smith New Court and NatWest. He holds an MBA from LBS, M Litt from Oxford and a PhD from Cambridge.
Second Charge LoansMortgage BrokersFeesBuy-to-Let MortgagesLending Criteria
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