| UK resident on a visa | Many lenders accept from 5–15% deposit, depending on visa and history |
|---|---|
| Living overseas | Deposit often 25% or more |
| Foreign currency income | Accepted by some lenders, often discounted |
| Non-resident SDLT surcharge | 2% on top of all other rates |
| Credit history | UK credit file helps; overseas history accepted by some lenders |
Can a foreign national get a mortgage in the UK?
Yes. There is no legal bar on foreign nationals buying property or borrowing in the UK. What changes is the choice of lender. Your residency, visa, income source and credit history all affect which lenders will help.
High street banks tend to favour UK residents with settled status or a long visa. Specialist lenders, international banks and private banks often suit overseas buyers and complex income. See our expat and foreign national mortgages page.
What if I live in the UK on a visa?
If you live and work in the UK, many mainstream lenders will consider you. Their criteria usually look at:
- How long you have lived in the UK, often one to three years.
- Your visa type and remaining time, often at least 12 months.
- Your UK credit history and address history.
- Your employment contract and salary.
Some lenders accept skilled worker visas from day one, with deposits from around 10% to 15%. Those with indefinite leave to remain or settled status are usually treated like UK nationals.
What if I live overseas?
Non-resident buyers have fewer options, but many lenders will help. Expect a larger deposit, usually 25% or more, and more detailed checks on income and source of funds.
Some lenders only lend to buyers in certain countries. Others lend only on buy-to-let, not a home you will occupy. Lenders will also ask for proof of identity, address and the origin of your deposit to meet anti-money-laundering rules. Documents may need certified English translations.
Can I use foreign currency income?
Some lenders accept income paid in major currencies such as US dollars, euros or UAE dirhams. Many apply a discount, often 20% or more, to allow for exchange rate movements. Fewer lenders accept less widely traded currencies.
Currency risk works both ways. If your income is in another currency and your mortgage is in sterling, a weaker home currency increases your real repayments. A foreign currency loan is a regulated mortgage in some cases, with extra protections and warnings.
How much deposit do foreign nationals need?
Deposit depends mainly on your residency status, not your nationality. As a general guide:
- UK resident with settled status: similar to UK nationals, from 5%.
- UK resident on a visa: often 10–15%, sometimes 5% with some lenders.
- Living overseas: often 25% or more.
- High-value or private bank lending: agreed case by case, often linked to wider wealth.
A larger deposit opens up more lenders and may improve terms.
What extra taxes do overseas buyers pay?
In England and Northern Ireland, non-UK residents pay a 2% stamp duty surcharge on residential purchases. You are non-resident if you were in the UK for fewer than 183 days in the 12 months before purchase. The surcharge adds to all other rates, including the 5% surcharge on additional properties.
You may reclaim the 2% if you later meet the residency test. See our stamp duty guide. Rental income and gains may also be taxable in the UK. Take advice from a tax adviser in both countries.
How can a broker help an overseas buyer?
The right lender depends on your country, income and plans, so criteria matter more than rates. A broker can identify lenders that accept your circumstances before you apply, avoiding unnecessary declines.
From our Mayfair office, OMB regularly works with international buyers, including those buying in prime central London. We can coordinate with your solicitor and help prepare documents. Lender approval is never guaranteed, and criteria can change.
Can expats and British citizens abroad use the same lenders?
Often, yes. For lenders, where you live and earn usually matters more than your passport. A British citizen working in Dubai or Singapore may face similar criteria to a foreign national living overseas.
Some lenders have dedicated expat ranges for UK nationals abroad, which can be more flexible on deposit. Others favour particular countries or employers. If you plan to return to the UK, some lenders will consider a mortgage based on a confirmed UK job offer.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Rates of SDLT for non-UK residents
- GOV.UK: Stamp Duty Land Tax residential property rates
- MoneyHelper: What mortgage can I afford?
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a UK mortgage without a UK credit history?
Yes, with some lenders. Specialist and international lenders may use overseas credit reports, bank statements and references instead. Mainstream lenders usually prefer a UK credit file. If you live in the UK, registering on the electoral roll where eligible and using UK accounts helps build one.
Do I need indefinite leave to remain for a mortgage?
No. Many lenders lend to people on visas such as skilled worker visas. They usually look at how long you have been in the UK and how long your visa has left. Indefinite leave to remain or settled status widens your choice of lenders.
Can I get a UK buy-to-let mortgage from overseas?
Yes. Several lenders offer buy-to-let mortgages to non-residents, usually with a deposit of 25% or more. Rental income must meet the lender's stress test. Most buy-to-let lending for investment is not regulated by the FCA, so you have fewer protections.
Can I get a UK mortgage with income in US dollars or euros?
Some lenders accept income in major currencies, usually after applying a discount for exchange rate risk. A smaller number accept other currencies. Your repayments are in sterling, so currency movements can make your mortgage more expensive in your home currency.
Do foreign buyers pay more stamp duty?
Buyers who are not UK resident for SDLT purposes pay an extra 2% in England and Northern Ireland. Residency for this test is based on days spent in the UK, not nationality. A UK citizen living abroad may pay it, while a foreign national living here may not.
What documents do foreign nationals need for a UK mortgage?
Expect passport and visa, proof of address, income evidence such as payslips or accounts, bank statements and proof of deposit. Lenders also need to know where your deposit came from. Some documents may need certified translations. Our mortgage documents checklist covers the basics.
Can I buy UK property in a company as a foreign national?
Yes, some buyers use a UK limited company for buy-to-let. Lenders will want details of all directors and shareholders. Company purchases pay higher stamp duty rates and may face other taxes. Take tax and legal advice before choosing an ownership structure.
How long does a foreign national mortgage take?
It is often longer than a standard UK mortgage, because of extra identity, source of funds and income checks. Allow several weeks from application to offer. Having certified documents, translations and deposit evidence ready at the start can reduce delays considerably.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal advice. Rules, rates and lender criteria change; speak to an adviser about your circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.