Last month, HTB celebrated a significant milestone with the successful completion of our inaugural securitisation, Winchester No. 1.
This £300m transaction isn’t just a financial achievement; it’s a signal of intent – a reflection of who we are as a lender and the value we deliver to brokers and borrowers. Backed by a portfolio of high quality buy-to-let (BTL) loans, this transaction demonstrated the strength of our underwriting, the resilience of our portfolio and the confidence the market has in HTB.
For us, it’s much more than just a number and a place to visit for the Christmas markets. Winchester No. 1 lays the groundwork for growth, giving us more firepower to say ‘yes’ to even more cases.
We want to support as many brokers as possible to help their clients achieve their goals. This is just the beginning.
A reflection of market resilience
HTB isn’t alone in celebrating securitisation success. Several specialist lenders have also completed transactions recently, highlighting the growing confidence in the market.
These achievements show how far the sector has come. Rigorous due diligence ensures investors have complete confidence in the assets backing these securities, which has been pivotal in driving demand.
The enthusiastic response to Winchester No. 1 wasn’t just good news for HTB – it was a clear indication of the enduring strength of the UK housing market, the private rental sector and the buy to let mortgage market.
With securitisations on the rise across Europe, the specialist sector is driving much of this growth.
According to ARC Ratings, the securities market is positioned for cautious optimism as interest rates stabilise and affordability challenges ease. This momentum isn’t just good news for lenders; it sets the stage for brokers to access more opportunities for their clients.
What this means for brokers
On the surface, securitisations might seem like a lender’s story. But for brokers, the ripple effects are undeniable.
Stronger funding foundations mean greater capacity, more tailored solutions and higher confidence in placing a case.
The benefits don’t stop there. As more lenders follow this path, increased competition will bring fresh ideas, sharper service and even more opportunities for brokers to deliver the best outcomes for their clients.
Reasons for optimism
It’s no secret that the UK housing market is underpinned by strong fundamentals. Demand continues to outstrip supply, pushing house prices up by 2.9% over the past year and rents by a remarkable 8.7%, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
For professional investors, these dynamics create significant opportunities for strong returns, even as new tax considerations add a layer of complexity. For brokers, this reinforces the importance of partnering with lenders who are proactive, forward-thinking, and equipped to deliver solutions tailored to their clients’ needs.
Looking ahead
At HTB, we’re proud to be part of this exciting chapter for the specialist lending market. Winchester No. 1 is more than a milestone – it’s a springboard. It gives us the agility to work even more closely with brokers, delivering bespoke solutions to meet the unique challenges of their clients.
For brokers, it means having access to a lender that’s prepared to tackle the complex and think creatively. That’s what we’re here for, and it’s what drives us every day.
We see this as just the start – not just for HTB, but for the specialist market as a whole. As always, we’re here to work alongside you, finding new ways to deliver the solutions your clients need.
Alex Upton is managing director of specialist mortgages and bridging at Hampshire Trust Bank
