| Typical deposit | Often 15–25%; more for some nationalities |
|---|---|
| Income accepted | Overseas salary, often in major currencies |
| Currency treatment | Lenders may discount foreign income for currency risk |
| Residency | UK residents on visas, and non-UK residents |
| Stamp duty | Non-UK residents pay an extra 2% in England |
| Property types | Residential homes and buy-to-let |
| Typical minimum loan | Varies; some lenders set higher minimums for non-residents |
Who is this for?
- British expats working overseas who want a UK home or base
- Foreign nationals living in the UK on a work, family or other visa
- Non-UK residents buying a London home for family or future relocation
- International families buying for children studying in the UK
- Expats remortgaging an existing UK home
Can a foreign national get a mortgage in the UK?
Yes. There is no legal bar on foreign nationals owning UK property or taking a UK mortgage. Lender appetite depends on your residency status, visa, nationality, income and the country you live in. Many lenders accept applicants living in the UK on a visa, sometimes with a minimum time in the UK or remaining on the visa.
Applicants with settled status or indefinite leave to remain are usually treated much like UK nationals. Non-residents have fewer options, but specialist lenders, international banks and private banks regularly lend to them. Our foreign national mortgage guide explains the rules in more depth.
Can British expats get a UK mortgage while living abroad?
Yes, a range of lenders offer expat mortgages for British nationals living overseas. They may lend to buy a home for your return, a property for family, or a buy-to-let. Criteria depend on where you live, your employer, and the currency you are paid in.
Expats employed by well-known international firms, or paid in major currencies, generally have more options. Self-employed expats, or those in countries some lenders consider higher risk, may need a specialist lender or a larger deposit.
Some lenders also want you to have lived in your current country for a minimum period, or to have a minimum income. If you are planning to return to the UK, a lender may assess your expected UK income once you have a confirmed job offer.
How do lenders treat foreign currency income?
Lenders usually convert foreign income to sterling and may apply a discount, often 10–25%, to allow for exchange rate movements. Some only accept income in a list of major currencies, such as US dollars, euros or UAE dirhams. Others accept a wider range.
If you are paid in one currency and repay a sterling mortgage, exchange rate changes can raise your effective payments. Under UK rules, lenders must give borrowers with foreign currency income certain protections, such as warnings or the right to convert. We explain how your lender handles this before you commit.
If your income is paid in a currency pegged to the US dollar, such as the UAE dirham or Saudi riyal, some lenders apply a smaller discount. Others treat every currency the same way. Lender policy can make a real difference to how much you can borrow.
How much deposit do expats and foreign nationals need?
Deposits are often 15–25%, though some lenders go higher for UK-resident visa holders with strong credit. Non-residents and certain nationalities may need 25–40% or more. Private banks may lend at higher LTVs where you hold investments with them.
Lenders will want to see the source of your deposit. For international clients, that can mean evidence of savings, sale proceeds, bonuses or gifts, sometimes with translations. Anti-money laundering checks are thorough, so clear records save time.
What source-of-funds evidence will lenders and solicitors need?
UK anti-money laundering rules require lenders and solicitors to understand where your deposit and wider wealth come from. For international clients, this is often the most time-consuming part of the process.
- Bank statements showing the deposit building up, or a clear transfer trail
- Evidence of the original source, such as salary, bonus, business sale, property sale or inheritance
- Gift letters and donor ID, if family is contributing
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
Moving money between countries and accounts close to completion can cause delays. Plan transfers early, and keep the paperwork for each step.
Do I need a UK credit history?
A UK credit history helps, but it is not always essential. Some lenders accept applicants with little or no UK credit footprint, especially those with strong income and documents. Others want to see a UK bank account, a UK address history or a UK credit file.
If you are moving to the UK, open a UK bank account early and register on the electoral roll if eligible. Some lenders will also consider overseas credit reports.
Lenders may also run checks in your country of residence, or ask for an overseas credit report where one is available.
What extra costs apply to non-UK resident buyers?
In England and Northern Ireland, buyers who are not UK resident for stamp duty purposes pay a 2% surcharge on top of standard rates. If you already own property anywhere in the world, the higher rates for additional dwellings may also apply. Use our stamp duty calculator and take tax advice.
From April 2028, homes in England worth £2 million or more are due to face an annual High Value Council Tax Surcharge. You may also have UK tax obligations on rental income or gains. We recommend speaking to a tax adviser in both countries.
Can I let my UK home while I live abroad?
Not on a standard residential mortgage without permission. If you move overseas and want to let your home, ask your lender for consent to let, or switch to a buy-to-let mortgage. Consent to let may come with a higher rate or a fee.
Letting without permission can breach your mortgage terms. You will also need to consider landlord rules such as gas safety, deposit protection and right to rent checks. Non-resident landlords are usually taxed on UK rental income. Under HMRC's Non-Resident Landlord Scheme, tax may be deducted from rent unless you apply for approval to receive it gross.
Why use a London broker for an international mortgage?
International cases often fail on small details: an accepted currency, a visa expiry, a document format or a source-of-funds query. Lender criteria for non-residents are rarely published in full and change often. OMB works with a wide range of high-street, specialist and private bank lenders, so we can match your profile to lenders that will consider it.
From our Mayfair office, we work with clients in the UK and overseas. We can meet in person or by video call, and coordinate with your solicitor, accountant and relocation team. A broker fee may apply, and we may also receive lender commission; we confirm both upfront.
How we arrange it
- Free 15-minute call about your residency, income and plans
- Document and source-of-funds checklist tailored to your country
- Shortlist of lenders that accept your profile
- Application, translations and valuation coordinated
- Offer and completion, with your solicitor kept informed
Example cases
Illustrative examples based on the type of case we arrange. Not specific clients; every case is different.
£900,000 London purchase for a British expat paid in UAE dirhams
£1.1m purchase in Chelsea for a US banker on a UK work visa
£350,000 Edinburgh purchase for an expat couple based in Singapore
From the blogBuying UK property from abroad: 6 mortgage hurdles and how to clear them
Read the articleFrequently asked questions
Can I get a UK mortgage without living in the UK?
Yes. Several UK lenders, international banks and private banks lend to non-UK residents. You will usually need a larger deposit, proof of income and a clear source of funds. Choice depends on your nationality, country of residence and income currency. Some lenders also set higher minimum loan sizes for non-residents.
Can I get a mortgage on a UK visa?
Many lenders accept applicants on visas such as Skilled Worker or family visas. Some require a minimum time living in the UK or a minimum period left on the visa. Others focus more on income and deposit. Applicants with indefinite leave to remain or settled status are usually treated like UK nationals.
What deposit do I need as a foreign national?
Often 15–25% for UK-resident visa holders, and frequently 25% or more for non-UK residents. Some nationalities or countries of residence mean higher deposits or fewer lenders. Private banks may offer higher LTVs if you place investments with them. Your exact options depend on your full profile.
Do expats pay the stamp duty surcharge?
It depends on residence, not nationality. Buyers who have not been UK resident for at least 183 days in the 12 months before purchase are usually treated as non-resident and pay the 2% surcharge in England and Northern Ireland. British expats can be caught by this. Some reliefs and refunds may apply, so take tax advice.
Which currencies do UK lenders accept for income?
Many lenders accept major currencies such as US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars and Gulf currencies. Acceptable lists vary by lender. Some will lend against almost any currency at a lower income multiple or LTV. Lenders often discount foreign income to allow for exchange rate risk.
Can I get a mortgage in a foreign currency?
Some private banks and international lenders offer mortgages on UK property denominated in other currencies, such as US dollars or euros. This can match your income, but exchange rate movements may increase the sterling value of your debt. These products are usually for wealthier clients and need careful advice.
Can expats get a buy-to-let mortgage in the UK?
Yes, a number of lenders offer expat buy-to-let mortgages. They assess the expected rent against the loan, and may also consider your income. Most buy-to-let lending for investment is not regulated by the FCA. You may also need to register with HMRC's Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.
Do I need to visit the UK to get a mortgage?
Not always. Many lenders accept documents certified overseas, video identity checks or certification by an embassy, notary or bank. Some require ID to be verified in person at some stage. Your solicitor will also need to complete identity checks. We plan this early to avoid delays.
What documents do foreign nationals need?
Usually a passport, visa or residence permit, proof of address, payslips or accounts, bank statements, an employment contract and proof of deposit. Documents not in English typically need certified translation. Self-employed applicants may need company accounts and an accountant's reference. We provide a checklist specific to your country.
Can I use income from overseas investments or rental property?
Some lenders accept overseas rental or investment income, though many apply a discount or limit how much they count. Private banks are often more flexible with complex or asset-based income. Lenders will want documentary evidence, such as tax returns or tenancy agreements.
Can I get a mortgage if I am moving to the UK for a new job?
Yes, some lenders will lend based on a UK employment contract before you start, or shortly after. They may want to see your visa and a contract with a clear start date and salary. Having a UK bank account and address helps. Some lenders apply minimum income levels for this.
Is a UK mortgage for a non-resident regulated?
Mortgages on a home you or a close family member will live in are usually regulated by the FCA, even if you live abroad. Buy-to-let lending for investment is usually not regulated. Regulation affects the advice and protections you receive, so we explain which applies to your case.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice: up to 1% of the loan, typically £500.