A ‘Nama’ solution for buy-to-let mortgages must be explored

A solution could be found that resolves the arrears crisis while also providing houses at affordable rents for thousands of families, writes Michael Byrne            

As the mortgage crisis intensifies and the threat of widespread evictions grows, many commentators highlight the importance of the family home in any attempt to resolve arrears.

Such concerns have been less forthcoming when it comes to buy-to-let mortgages (BTLs), presumably because they are investments rather than the principal family residence. What this neglects is that BTLs are still family homes. They are the family homes of the tenants who rent them.