Mortgage guide
Mortgages for Farms
Agricultural lending is a specialist area, and our role is to identify the most appropriate mortgage structure by matching each case to lenders with genuine rural and farming appetite.
Mortgages for Farms
We assist borrowers with commercial mortgages for farms and agricultural property, supporting the purchase, refinance, and long-term funding of farmland, agricultural buildings, and working farm assets. Where less than 40% of the land is used as or in connection with a dwelling by the borrower or a close family member, so more than 60% is business or agricultural use, the mortgage falls outside residential regulation under MCOB and must be arranged on a commercial loan.
Agricultural lending is a specialist area, and our role is to identify the most appropriate mortgage structure by matching each case to lenders with genuine rural and farming appetite. Criteria can vary significantly depending on land use, scale, diversification, and location, and not all lenders will support every farming operation. We guide borrowers through these challenges to ensure the finance aligns with both operational needs and lender expectations.
Criteria, Valuation, and Underwriting Support
Where the 40% commercial-use threshold is exceeded, lenders assess farm mortgages using commercial underwriting standards, rather than personal income multiples. We assist with selecting the correct valuation methodology, taking into account:
- Agricultural land value and acreage
- Farmhouses and any residential element
- Commercial or diversified income streams
- Agricultural ties and occupancy restrictions
Underwriting focuses on farming experience, land use sustainability, and income resilience, rather than household affordability.
Where farms generate additional income, such as solar farms, renewable energy installations, or leased agricultural assets, we help structure and present lease income, financial accounts, and supporting evidence to meet commercial lender requirements.
Loan Structure and Lending Outcomes
Farm commercial mortgages can offer longer loan terms and flexible repayment structures, with borrowing commonly available at up to 75% LTV, subject to land type, income profile, and lender appetite. Because these facilities are arranged outside MCOB, lender approach, pricing, and structure can vary significantly, making expert lender selection critical.
As a whole-of-market commercial mortgage broker, we provide independent advice and access to specialist agricultural lenders, managing criteria challenges, valuation approach, and underwriting presentation to secure funding that supports long-term farming operations and business growth.
Commercial mortgage calculator
Choose owner occupier for a business buying or refinancing premises it trades from, assessed on adjusted net profit before tax from the latest accounts, or investment for property let to tenants, assessed on lease income.
Commercial mortgage criteria
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Loan to Value (LTV) | 80% LTV Care Home Mortgages, 100% LTV Medical Commercial Mortgages, 75% Commercial Investment |
| Max Term | Up to 40 years |
| Completions | From 4 weeks |
| Repayment options | Capital repayment and Interest only |
| Commercial mortgage rates | From 6.19% |
| Rate options | Variable, Base Rate Tracker, 2, 3 or 5 year fixed mortgage options |
| Valuation methods | Going concern/Investment (Market value 1, MV1), MV2, MV3 or bricks and mortar |
| Flexible Leases | Rolling leases, weak covenants and short time remaining accepted |
| Adverse credit | Accepted on some products on a case by case basis |
| Locations | Available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| Experience | Not required on certain products |
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Loan to Value (LTV) | 65% |
| Product fee | 5% (4.74% for existing customers) |
| Fixed rate (5 years) | 6.34% |
Related case studies
Frequently asked questions
What is a bridging loan for a farm?
A bridging loan for a farm is short-term finance used to purchase, renovate or refinance a farm property, repaid by a defined exit such as a sale or a longer-term mortgage.
Are solar farms eligible for bridging loans?
Yes. Solar farms can be financed with bridging, provided the asset meets the lender's criteria.
How quickly can a farm bridging loan complete?
Bridging approval is usually faster than a traditional mortgage. When funds are available depends on the valuation, the legal work and the lender.
What is an exit strategy on a farm bridging loan?
The exit strategy is the plan for repaying the loan, typically the sale of the property, a refinance onto a long-term mortgage, or business income. A clear, evidenced exit is a condition of the lending.
What is the typical term on a farm bridging loan?
Farm bridging is short-term finance, and the lender sets the term to fit the project and the exit. An adviser confirms the maximum term available from the lender for the case.
Talk it through with an adviser
Speak to a Mortgage Lane adviser about your circumstances and the next steps.
Let’s talk property finance
Contact us
Tell us about your plans and a Mortgage Lane adviser will get in touch.
- Call our team
- +44 333 231 8206
- Email us
- enquiries@mortgagelane.com
- +44 7487 829005
- Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday, 8.30am–5.30pm
Closed Sunday
Your enquiry goes to our team, who will get in touch to discuss your next steps.




