| Typical deposit | Non-residents may need 25–40% or more |
|---|---|
| Income accepted | Overseas salary, often in major currencies |
| Currency treatment | Lenders may discount foreign income, often 10–25% |
| Stamp duty | Non-UK residents pay an extra 2% in England and Northern Ireland |
| Rental tax | UK rent is taxed in the UK wherever you live |
| Typical minimum loan | Varies; some lenders set higher minimums for non-residents |
Who is this for?
- UK landlords who have moved abroad and want to buy another rental or remortgage an existing one
- British expats buying their first UK let
- Foreign nationals living overseas who want to invest in UK property
- Landlords who need to move from a residential mortgage to buy to let (see below)
Buying or refinancing a UK let from overseas
Buy to let lenders test affordability on rent, and non-residents add extra checks on residency, income currency and the source of the deposit. Our expat and foreign national mortgage page explains how lenders treat overseas applicants in general, and our buy to let calculator shows how much rent you need to cover a loan.
What source-of-funds evidence will lenders 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.
How we arrange it
- Free 15-minute call about your residency, income and property plans
- Document and source-of-funds checklist tailored to your country
- Shortlist of lenders that accept non-resident landlords
- Application, translations and valuation coordinated
- Offer and completion, with your solicitor kept informed
Start with step one: book your free call
Example cases
Illustrative examples based on the type of case we arrange. Not specific clients; every case is different.
£468,750 limited company buy-to-let at 75% LTV for an SPV with UAE-based directors
£350,000 Edinburgh purchase for an expat couple based in Singapore
The Singapore case was a residential purchase, because the couple planned to return within a year. We explained the difference between residential and expat buy to let lending and the regulatory consequences of each before they chose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a buy to let mortgage if I live abroad?
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.
Can I let my UK home while I live abroad?
Not on a standard residential mortgage without permission. 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.
How do lenders treat foreign currency income?
Lenders usually convert foreign income to sterling and may apply a discount, often 10–25%. Some only accept major currencies such as US dollars, euros or UAE dirhams. Others accept a wider range.
What extra costs apply to non-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.
How is rent taxed if I am a non-resident landlord?
Non-resident landlords are usually taxed on UK rental income. Under HMRC's Non-Resident Landlords Scheme, tax may be deducted from rent unless you apply for approval to receive it gross. From 6 April 2027, property income in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be taxed at 24%, 44% and 49% (see our Budget 2026 expat landlord article). We do not give tax advice.
Can I buy through a limited company?
Specialist lenders accept limited companies whose directors live overseas, and many lenders exclude them, so choice is narrower. See the Canary Wharf case below and our limited company buy to let page.
Important: Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the FCA. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage, and a receiver of rent may be appointed. There may be a fee for mortgage advice: up to 1% of the loan, typically £500. We do not give tax advice.
