{"id":68423,"date":"2026-02-17T11:44:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T11:44:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citylets.co.uk\/blog\/?p=68423"},"modified":"2026-02-17T11:44:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T11:44:34","slug":"innovative-investors-are-still-finding-opportunities-in-a-challenging-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citylets.co.uk\/blog\/innovative-investors-are-still-finding-opportunities-in-a-challenging-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovative Investors are Still Finding Opportunities in a Challenging Market"},"content":{"rendered":"

In every market cycle, the most successful property investors are those who adapt. Where some see barriers, others spot opportunities. The sector has navigated everything from the global financial crisis to Covid, and now, particularly for Scottish landlords, a wave of legislative and fiscal pressures.<\/p>\n

Rent controls, rent freezes, and the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) have all altered the landscape. Yet one truth remains unchanged: property, when approached strategically, continues to be one of the most robust long\u2011term investment vehicles available. The resilience of Scottish landlords is evidenced time and again.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s often overlooked, however, is that lenders are adapting too. Banks and specialist funders have been evolving their offerings to help investors continue to grow, add value, and remain competitive. Below are two standout product categories that have gained real traction.<\/p>\n

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  1. Below market value (BMV) loans \u2013 stronger than ever<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Below Market Value lending is not new, but it has shifted significantly in a way that benefits modern investors.<\/p>\n

    Traditionally, lenders offering BMV loans, mainly via bridging finance, would consider 75% loan\u2011to\u2011value against the property\u2019s open market value (OMV), provided this didn\u2019t exceed 90% of the purchase price. Investors typically still had to put in 10% to demonstrate \u201cskin in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

    But competition amongst lenders has changed the landscape.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    In recent years, some lenders began offering 100% of the purchase price, especially on portfolio acquisitions of six or more units. These were treated as commercial transactions, meaning no 8% ADS liability. Motivated sellers, bulk discounts, and quick purchase times made these deals attractive, and lenders quickly realised there was demand for a more flexible offering.<\/p>\n

    The result \u2026 BMV lending is now more accessible, more competitive, and more investor\u2011friendly than at any point in the past decade.<\/p>\n

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    1. Buy\u2011to\u2011let refurbishment loans \u2013 a new product for 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      At the end of January 2026, a forward\u2011thinking lender launched a Refurbishment Buy\u2011to\u2011Let (Refurb BTL) product that is already attracting considerable attention from experienced landlords.<\/p>\n

      This loan is designed for investors who want to add value immediately through a light refurbishment before letting the property. Key features include:<\/p>\n