18 August 2025 | Written by Mercantile Trust
Holiday Let Mortgages in Northern Ireland: A complete guide for property investors
From the Causeway Coast to the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland offers a range of attractive locations for investors interested in Holiday Let properties. Whether you already own a Holiday Let in Northern Ireland and are looking to release further funds, or you're considering a new investment, this guide is for you.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Holiday Let Mortgages work, the key considerations for investors, and how Mercantile Trust can help you finance your next short-term let property.
What is a Holiday Let Mortgage?
A Holiday Let Mortgage is a specialist loan used to purchase or refinance a property intended for short-term rental to holidaymakers rather than long-term tenants. Unlike traditional Buy to Let Mortgages, Holiday Let Mortgage must account for seasonal income fluctuations and stricter affordability requirements.
Why invest in Holiday Lets in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned for the holiday let market due to:
- Tourism appeal – Coastal areas, heritage sites, and outdoor activities attract a steady flow of domestic and international visitors.
- Staycation trends – Demand for UK-based travel remains strong.
- Rental income potential – Well-located holiday lets can often generate higher yields than standard buy to lets, especially during peak seasons.
Key Features of a Holiday Let Mortgage
Here are the standard features you should expect with a holiday let mortgage:
- Short-term let income assessment rather than long-term tenancy
- Specialist underwriting to accommodate seasonal voids
- Higher deposit requirements than standard BTLs (typically 25–35%)
- Limited company or personal ownership options
Mercantile Trust Criteria for Holiday Let Mortgages
At Mercantile Trust, we take a flexible, common-sense approach to lending, supporting both first-time and experienced landlords looking to enter or expand in the holiday let market.
Lending Criteria Highlights:
- Loan size: From £10,000 to £150,000
- Loan term: Up to 30 years (interest-only or capital repayment)
- Max LTV: Up to 70% of the property’s open market value
- Property types: Freehold, leasehold, apartments, cottages, and converted barns considered
- Borrower types: Individuals, SPVs, limited companies, LLPs
- Locations: Properties across Northern Ireland, including rural and coastal areas
- Credit profile: Adverse credit considered on a case-by-case basis
- Holiday let use: Property must be available for short-term letting for a minimum number of weeks annually
Advantages of Working with Mercantile Trust
- No credit scoring: Every application is manually assessed by our underwriters
- Speed: Fast turnaround times for both purchases and remortgages
- Adverse credit welcome: CCJs, defaults, or arrears considered
- Human approach: We work with brokers and direct applicants to structure deals that work
Holiday Let Mortgage Tips for Northern Ireland Investors
- Location matters – Proximity to key attractions and access to transport links are essential for consistent bookings.
- Seasonality planning – Budget for quieter months, especially outside summer or festive seasons.
- Licensing & regulations – Ensure you comply with any local tourism regulations and safety requirements.
- Use a letting agent – Consider professional management to reduce voids and maintain standards.
Get Started with Your Holiday Let Mortgage
Whether you’re buying a new holiday let in Portrush or refinancing a short-term let near Strangford Lough, Mercantile Trust can help you find the right mortgage solution.
Speak to our team today or fill the enquiry form to take the next step in your holiday let investment journey.
Keep Reading
Fast £86k equitable bridge completed in 8 days for an experienced landlord — quick funds, no consent needed, all handled in-house.
Learn what a first charge mortgage is, how it works, and why it’s often the most cost-effective option for property buyers and landlords.
Mercantile Trust supports brokers with lending on non-traditional properties using flexible, common-sense underwriting across the UK.
Fast 7-day second charge bridge for auction purchase. £75k raised on existing BTL, no monthly payments, flexible refinance exit after works.
Understand the key differences between Consumer and Unregulated Buy to Let mortgages to place cases confidently with Mercantile Trust.
Mercantile Trust joins the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, promoting mental well-being and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
A bridging loan can affect your credit score, but managed well, it may improve your profile. Timely payments are key to a positive impact.
Discover limited company Buy to Let mortgages with up to 75% LTV and no SIC code or rate loading at Mercantile Trust.
Mercantile Trust has been shortlisted for the 2025 National Mortgage Awards – Second Charge in the category of Best Small/Medium Lender.
Start your property investment journey with a First-Time Buyer Buy to Let mortgage from Mercantile Trust — flexible lending, even for new landlords.
Guide to securing buy to let mortgages in Northern Ireland, with tips, eligibility criteria, and flexible options from Mercantile Trust.
Get a buy to let mortgage with no minimum income requirement. Ideal for landlords with irregular income or poor credit. Flexible UK lending solutions.
Learn what a bridging loan exit strategy is, why it's essential, and which options lenders like Mercantile Trust typically accept for repayment.
Get a buy to let mortgage with bad credit. Learn how UK landlords secure finance through specialist lenders like Mercantile Trust.
Need fast property finance? Limited companies can access bridging loans quickly—ideal for auctions, refurbishments, or time-sensitive deals.
When applying for a buy-to-let or bridging loan in the UK, the number of applicants allowed can impact how you structure your deal.
This guide outlines the key concepts, eligibility criteria, lending process, and considerations associated with first charge BTL lending.
Thinking about investing in property? Buy to Let remains one of the most reliable and rewarding strategies for landlords looking to grow their wealth.
Ready to unlock the power of your home equity? Read our guide to learn how!
Thinking about investing in an HMO property? This guide covers everything you need to know about HMO mortgages!
First-time investor or seasoned landlord? Learn how buy-to-let mortgages work to make smart decisions and boost your rental income.
This guide explores how second charge loans work, their benefits, risks, and who they’re best suited for.
This guide explains what holiday let mortgages are, how they work, and how you can make the most of them to maximise your investment potential.
Bridging loans are a short-term financing option, designed to "bridge" the gap between a financial need whilst long-term finance is being arranged.
