Specialist lending remains active despite wider affordability pressure. ModaMortgages has launched a limited-edition buy-to-let range with reductions of up to 10 basis points, while Leek Building Society has repriced holiday-let and limited-company buy-to-let products. Meanwhile, industry discussion on credit risk highlights the continuing importance of understanding complex cases rather than treating affordability as a purely automated calculation.
AI can help advisers and lenders organise complex-income evidence, spot missing documentation and model affordability scenarios more consistently. But non-standard income, adverse credit, portfolio landlord exposure and later-life borrowing require explainable decisions and experienced human judgement. Firms using AI in triage or case packaging should retain clear audit trails, test for bias and ensure that any recommendation remains demonstrably suitable under Consumer Duty.