Buy to let for diversification ?

[shortbread12]

Me and my partner have invested in S&S Isa and good amount in pension. We have some cash left that we can save for a BTL deposit or invest in GIA or max out our pension. Since we already have a good amount in equities, wondering if it will be good to invest in BTL for diversification.

Got the following questions on BTL

1. I hear a lot of negative views about BTL, so wondering if it’s really a good option ? (considering we have invested heavily in stock market already)
2. We are on 40% tax bracket, so BTL via limited company may be more beneficial for tax reasons. But the mortgage for limited company has eyewatering amount of product fees like 5% , 7% as far as I have seen. How will anyone be able to pay such huge amount in product fees alone ? I am not sure if I am missing something. If anyone doing BTL via limited company, if you share your insights that will be super helpful.

Thanks :)

You would be better asking this on a landlord forum like propertytribes or landlordzone.

For a lot of people the view is that it's not a great time for BTL. You are right that as higher earners the tax payable will be eye watering if you don't form a company as if sole traders you are taxed on gross income, before you start to deduct costs like mortgage. Ltd co mortgages are more expensive - but a broker might be able to find you one that isn't a bad deal. It's a tough mortgage market at present with a number of BTL lenders having reduced the products they offer. That might change again.

Thanks @buidhe I will check those forums as well :)