John - I have no connection with the above posters, but take issue somewhat with your response.
1. There's nothing wrong with "the bottom of the market" provided you know what you're doing. Everyone has to live somewhere!
2. Cash and refinance was not a loophole. It was a perfectly legitimate way to buy BMV properties with NMD. It was 'closed down' only because MX, the biggest player, couldn't access enough funds on the world markets because of the credit crunch. For your info, it represented around 70% of their mortgage business, so I'm sure they didn't take the decision lightly!
3. It would be hard to have a 'maxed out BTL mortgage' on a property bought on a cash and refinance deal (using a 1 day bridge). After all, the whole point of cash and refinance was to get an 85% mortgage on a property that you were only paying 70% for.
Just so's you know!
Rob Best
http://www.slash-your-bills.co.uklettings@property-help.co.uk