Can you get a UK mortgage as a foreign national?
Whether you’ve moved to the UK for work and want to put down roots, or you’re living abroad but fancy a UK investment property – we have good news for you.
You absolutely can get a UK mortgage as a foreign national.
With the right support, you can join thousands of international buyers who own UK property.
Our Expertise for International Buyers
Our Foreign National Mortgage Service
Going directly to banks as a foreign national often leads to frustration and rejection.
Most high street lenders apply strict criteria that many international buyers simply can’t meet, regardless of their financial strength.
Our selected independent mortgage brokers take a completely different approach:
They work for you, not the lender.
With full access to the UK mortgage market, including specialist lenders and private banks who actively welcome foreign nationals, our advisers find options when others say no.
Our service covers your entire journey from initial enquiry to completion, presenting your circumstances in the most favourable light to lenders who understand international situations.
A client from Singapore recently asked for help after three major UK banks declined his application, despite his excellent income and substantial deposit. His new mortgage was secured within two weeks by approaching a specialist lender who understood his circumstances.
Types of Properties You Can Finance
Whatever your property goals are, our brokers can find the right funding solution. Residential, mixed and commercial properties are all acceptable.
Residential homes
From city apartments to country houses, whether you’re relocating permanently, need a base for regular visits, or want a home for family members studying or working here.
Buy-to-let investments
Many clients choose UK rental properties as income-generating investments. We offer specialist advice on potential yields in different areas and guide you through the tax implications.
Holiday homes
Perfect if you want a UK base without permanently relocating, with options to rent out when you’re not using it.
New builds
Recently constructed properties with modern standards and warranties.
Auction properties
Fast finance for auction purchases, including options for properties that need renovation.
Eligibility
Lenders categorise foreign national applicants in different ways, which affects the mortgage options available to you:
UK residents with permanent residency/indefinite leave to remain – If you work in the UK or are married to a UK citizen with a corresponding visa, lenders will typically treat you similar to British nationals.
Non-UK residents without permanent residency – If you live and work abroad (perhaps in Australia or the USA) and want UK property, you’ll face more stringent checks, but mortgages are still very possible.
EU citizens – Pre-Brexit, EU citizens enjoyed a similar mortgage experience to British nationals. While the process has become more complex, there are still many options available.
Your eligibility will also depend on
Visa type and duration – Working visas are viewed more favourably than student visas, as they signal a longer-term arrangement. Lenders want to see at least 2 years remaining on your visa.
UK residency history – Many lenders require you to have been in the UK for at least 12 months, though specialist lenders can be more flexible.
Income source – UK employment or self-employment works in your favour. If you plan to use foreign income for repayments, the country, currency, and your employer will influence approval and rates.
Deposit size – Foreign nationals usually need a larger deposit. Expect to need at least 25%, though this can rise to 35-40% depending on your circumstances.
Credit history – A UK credit history helps but isn’t essential. Some lenders can work with international credit reports or have alternative assessment methods.
Country of origin – Applicants from certain countries may find the process smoother. EU countries, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most Gulf states typically face fewer obstacles.
Can I get a mortgage if I’m paid in a foreign currency?
Yes, many lenders accept income in major foreign currencies, including US Dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs, UAE Dirhams, Hong Kong Dollars, Singapore Dollars, and numerous others.
Lenders typically apply a “haircut” to foreign currency income – reducing it by 10-25% to account for potential exchange rate fluctuations. Knowledge of different lenders’ approaches allows our brokers to target those offering the most favourable currency conversions for your situation.
We recently helped a client earning in Swiss Francs secure a mortgage with just a 10% currency adjustment, compared to the 25% reduction a high street bank initially proposed – significantly increasing their borrowing potential.
Special Circumstances
International buyers often face unique financial situations that standard lenders struggle to understand or accommodate.
From earning in multiple currencies to managing offshore company structures, these complexities require specialist knowledge of lending to foreign nationals.
By using independent mortgage advisers with extensive experience in non-standard applications means there are often solutions for even the most challenging scenarios.
Multiple currency income
If you earn in several currencies, we find lenders who understand this complexity and can evaluate affordability across different currencies without excessive penalties.
Offshore company structures
Many international professionals receive income through offshore companies or trusts. We work with lenders who understand these arrangements and can evaluate your true income potential.
Limited UK credit history
Recently arrived in the UK? We identify lenders who look beyond conventional credit scoring, showcasing your international track record instead.
First-time buyers
We provide comprehensive guidance through every stage, explaining unfamiliar terminology while finding lenders who welcome international first-time buyers.
High-value property purchases
For properties worth £2,000,000 or more, we have established relationships with private banks that specialise in high-value international transactions.
How much deposit will I need?
Lenders require larger deposits from foreign nationals. Generally, prepare for:
- Residential mortgages: 25-35% deposit
- Buy-to-let mortgages: 30-40% deposit
Several factors can influence these requirements, including your citizenship (EEA nationals often qualify for smaller deposits), visa status, UK credit history, and profession (certain careers like medicine or law may receive preferential terms).
Tailored Mortgage Solutions for Foreign Nationals
The UK mortgage market offers several specialised products designed specifically for international buyers with unique needs.
Each solution addresses different circumstances, whether you’re looking for a permanent residence, investment property, or occasional holiday home.
You are skilfully matched with the most appropriate option based on your residency status, income structure, and property goals.
Residential Mortgages
Residential mortgages allow you to buy a property to live in yourself or for family members.
For foreign nationals, these come with specific considerations:
Most lenders require a visa allowing you to live in the UK, and they may limit your mortgage term based on visa duration.
You’ll need to demonstrate ties to the UK, and while interest rates may be slightly higher than for UK residents (typically between 3-6%), our specialist brokers will help to minimise this difference.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages
Buy-to-let mortgages are for properties you’ll permanently rent out rather than occupy yourself.
These are particularly popular with foreign investors because:
- They often don’t require UK residency or a visa
- The rental income helps cover the mortgage payments
- They provide a foothold in the UK property market
- They can generate long-term income and capital growth
Lenders typically want the expected rental income to cover at least 125% of the mortgage payment, providing a buffer for vacant periods and maintenance costs.
Commercial Mortgages
If you’re looking to purchase UK business premises or commercial property as an investment, commercial mortgages are suitable for foreign nationals.
These loans typically:
- Require larger deposits (usually 30-40%)
- Have slightly higher interest rates than residential products
- Are assessed primarily on the commercial viability of the property
- May have more flexible terms for established businesses
Flexible Offset Mortgages
For foreign nationals with substantial UK savings, offset mortgages can be an excellent option.
These allow you to:
- Link your mortgage to a savings account with the same lender
- Only pay interest on the difference between your mortgage balance and savings
- Access your savings whenever needed without losing the offset benefit
- Potentially save thousands in interest payments over the mortgage term
Interest Rates and Fees
As a foreign national, you might expect to pay higher interest rates, but with access to specialist lenders, the difference is often smaller than anticipated.
Currently, foreign national mortgages cost 1-2% pa more, with your specific rate depending on:
- Your visa status and time in the UK
- Size of your deposit
- Credit history
- Income stability and source
- Property type and purpose
Beyond interest rates, other costs include:
- Arrangement fees (typically 1-2% of the loan amount)
- Valuation fees (varies with property value)
- Legal fees (always use a UK solicitor specialising in international purchases)
- Currency transfer fees
You will receive a comprehensive cost breakdown before you proceed, ensuring complete transparency.
In many cases, your adviser can negotiate fee reductions or find lenders offering incentives like free valuations.
Do I need a UK visa to get a mortgage?
For residential mortgages, most lenders prefer you to have a UK visa with at least two years remaining. Working visas (Tier 1, Tier 2) and spouse/partner visas are most readily accepted, while student visas may be rejected as they imply a shorter stay.
Buy-to-let mortgages often have more flexibility, with many specialist lenders not requiring a UK visa at all. This makes them accessible to investors who don’t plan to live in the UK.
If your visa has limited time remaining, we can find lenders who view your application positively if you can demonstrate a history of visa renewals or a clear path to permanent residency.
Documentation
All mortgage applications need a variety of different documents. You’ll typically need:
Identity verification – Your passport and any relevant visas.
Visa/residency proof – UK visa documentation or proof of residency status.
Income evidence – Last 3-6 months of payslips, employment contracts, or 2-3 years of accounts if self-employed.
Bank statements – 3-6 months of statements showing income and regular expenses.
UK bank account – Most lenders require a UK bank account, which we can help you set up if needed.
Source of deposit – Clear documentation proving where your deposit came from, particularly important due to anti-money laundering regulations.
Your adviser will provide a detailed, personalised checklist based on your specific circumstances, helping you avoid common pitfalls that cause delays or rejections.
Legal Requirements
The UK property market operates under well-established legal frameworks that provide security for buyers but require careful attention:
Anti-money laundering checks are particularly comprehensive for foreign nationals. You’ll need to clearly document the source of your funds, showing the money trail from origin to your UK bank account.
Property ownership registration with the UK Land Registry provides security and transparency. All property ownership must be properly registered, creating an official record of your rights.
Legal representation is essential for property purchases. We suggest using a conveyancing solicitor experienced in dealing with foreign buyers, as they’ll understand the unique challenges and ensure everything proceeds correctly.
Begin Your Property Journey Today
Ready to move forward with your UK property plans?
Here’s how to begin:
- Book a free consultation – Call or complete our enquiry form for a no-obligation discussion about your specific needs and circumstances.
- Receive a personalised assessment – Your adviser will evaluate your situation and outline your options, including potential lenders and likely terms, with no pressure or commitment.
- Start your documentation preparation – With expert guidance, you can begin gathering the necessary paperwork, ensuring everything is correctly prepared for when you’re ready to proceed.
Your mortgage broker will be happy to provide information and guidance even if you’re just exploring possibilities.
What is a Foreign National?
A foreign national is simply someone who isn’t a UK citizen.
This includes anyone living in the UK on a visa, as well as people living abroad who don’t hold a British passport. From a mortgage lender’s perspective, foreign nationals fall into several categories, each with different lending implications.
Foreign nationals include EU citizens who’ve moved to the UK, professionals on work visas, international investors living overseas, and those with indefinite leave to remain who haven’t yet obtained British citizenship.
Your specific status – whether you’re living in the UK or abroad, your visa type and duration, and your country of citizenship – all affect which mortgage options are available to you.
Many lenders have specific mortgage products designed for foreign nationals, recognising the growing number of international buyers interested in UK property.
These products are tailored to address the unique circumstances of non-UK citizens, whether they’re looking to live in the property themselves or purchase it as an investment.
Even if you’ve been declined by high street banks due to your foreign national status, specialist lenders and brokers can often find suitable mortgage solutions that account for international income, visa status, and limited UK credit history.
What is a British National?
A British national is someone with UK citizenship, typically holding a UK passport with unrestricted rights to live and work in the United Kingdom.
This includes people born in the UK to British parents and those who’ve completed the naturalisation process.
FAQ
Do I need to be in the UK to apply for a mortgage?
No, you don’t need to be physically present in the UK to apply for a mortgage.
Many clients complete the entire process remotely. With digital documentation, video calls, and online verification systems, we can handle your application regardless of where you’re located.
You will, however, need a UK solicitor for the legal aspects of your purchase.
Can I get a UK mortgage if I’ve never lived in the UK before?
Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage even if you’ve never lived in the UK.
This is particularly true for buy-to-let mortgages, where some specialist lenders don’t require UK residency at all. For residential mortgages, having a clear connection to the UK (such as family members living here or a job offer) can help strengthen your application.
Which visa types are best?
Tier 1 (Investor or Entrepreneur), Tier 2 (General or Intra-Company Transfer), and spouse/partner visas are typically the most favourable for mortgage applications.
Indefinite Leave to Remain status is even better, as it demonstrates permanent right to reside in the UK. However, even with other visa types, we can often find suitable mortgage options through specialist lenders.
How does foreign income affect my UK mortgage application?
Foreign income is acceptable to many lenders, but they typically apply a reduction of 10-25% to allow for currency fluctuations.
Some currencies are treated more favourably than others, with major currencies like USD, EUR, and CHF generally receiving smaller reductions.
Your adviser can guide you to lenders who offer the most favourable treatment for your specific currency.
Do I need a UK bank account?
While not strictly required by all lenders, having a UK bank account significantly simplifies the mortgage application process.
It helps establish a UK financial footprint and makes mortgage payments easier. Most international banks with UK branches offer accounts to their existing customers, and some UK banks have specific international account services that can be arranged before you arrive in the UK.
What’s the minimum deposit?
For residential mortgages, expect to need at least 25%, while buy-to-let properties usually require 30-40%.
However, we’ve secured mortgages with deposits as low as 20% for clients with strong applications by finding lenders who specialise in foreign national lending.
Can I get a UK mortgage if I’m self-employed and based overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need to provide more comprehensive documentation of your income.
This typically includes 2-3 years of accounts certified by an internationally recognised accountant, tax returns, and bank statements showing business income.
Lenders who specialise in foreign national mortgages have processes for assessing overseas self-employed income properly.
What UK property types can foreign nationals buy?
Foreign nationals can purchase virtually any type of UK property with a mortgage, including residential homes, flats, buy-to-let investments, holiday homes, new builds, and auction properties.
Some lenders have restrictions on certain property types (such as high-rise flats or properties above commercial premises).
Will my foreign credit history be checked?
Most UK lenders cannot directly access foreign credit files, so your overseas credit history won’t automatically be considered.
However, some international banks may be able to use their internal records of your credit history. Our brokers work with lenders who have alternative methods to assess creditworthiness, such as international bank statements, proof of mortgage or rent payments abroad, and utility bill payment records.
Can I get a mortgage if I’m paid in multiple currencies?
Yes, many specialist lenders can accommodate multiple currency income. They’ll typically convert each income stream to GBP using conservative exchange rates. Having income in multiple currencies can actually be advantageous as it demonstrates diversification. We can help you present multi-currency income in a format UK lenders understand and accept.
What about British expats?
British expats are UK passport holders living and working abroad who want to buy or maintain property in the UK. They occupy a middle ground in mortgage accessibility – more options than foreign nationals but fewer than UK residents.
Most lenders view British expats more favourably due to their UK ties and potential return. While specialist expat mortgages are widely available with competitive terms, you’ll generally need to show stable overseas employment and may face currency exchange considerations. Expect slightly higher deposit requirements than UK residents, typically around 25%.
