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What is Consumer buy-to-let?
Last verified 31 October 2026
Consumer buy-to-let (CBTL) is the part of buy-to-let lending that the government brought under a conduct framework from 21 March 2016, where the borrower is a consumer rather than someone acting for business purposes. Firms that lend, arrange or advise on it must be registered with the FCA.
Why it matters to landlords
The FCA says most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by it, and that not every applicant for one counts as a consumer under the legislation. The conduct standards do not apply to a borrower acting for business purposes. So the label on your mortgage depends on your circumstances, and you should ask your lender or broker which regime applies.
Business buy-to-let broking has not been a regulated activity since 21 March 2016, while CBTL broking is covered by the CBTL framework. A firm can therefore be registered for one and not the other. Use the FCA Firm Checker or the Financial Services Register to see what a firm is allowed to do, and compare its contact details with the ones you were given.
Example
Hannah buys a flat she plans to let and approaches a broker. Before sharing any documents she searches the FCA register for the firm, checks the phone number matches, and asks in writing whether her mortgage will be treated as consumer buy-to-let.