UK Mortgages for Foreign Nationals & International Investors
Buying or investing in UK property while living overseas? We arrange residential and buy-to-let mortgages for non-UK residents, expats and foreign nationals, including clients in the USA, Australia, Europe, the UAE and beyond. Whole-of-market advice, handled remotely from start to finish.
Specialist advice for buyers based abroad
Mainstream UK banks often turn away applicants who live overseas or earn in a foreign currency. We work with the specialist and international lenders who actively want this business, and match you to the right one.
Non-UK residents
You live abroad and want a home, a holiday base or an investment property in the UK.
British expats
A UK citizen living and working overseas, keen to buy or remortgage back home.
Foreign nationals in the UK
Living in the UK on a visa or with settled status and ready to buy.
International investors
Building or expanding a UK buy-to-let or portfolio from outside the UK.
High-net-worth clients
Larger or more complex purchases where private-bank lending fits best.
Returning UK nationals
Planning a move back and arranging finance before you land.
Key things to know as an overseas buyer
Lending to international clients works a little differently. Here is what shapes most applications, and we guide you through every point.
Larger deposits
Expect from around 25% for a residential mortgage, and typically 30% to 40% for buy-to-let or higher-risk jurisdictions. Stronger profiles and UK ties can unlock better terms.
Foreign-currency income
Many lenders accept salaries in USD, EUR, AED and other major currencies, usually applying an exchange-rate buffer (often reducing the usable figure by up to ~25%).
No UK credit history
A thin UK credit file is common and not a dealbreaker. Specialist and international lenders assess your wider financial picture instead.
Stamp duty for non-residents
Non-UK residents pay a 2% SDLT surcharge on top of standard rates in England & Northern Ireland, plus a further 5% on an additional property. Try our calculator.
Documents & ID
Passport, proof of address, 3 to 6 months of bank statements, payslips or tax returns / company accounts, and certified translations where needed.
Source of funds & AML
Lenders run anti-money-laundering and sanctions checks. We help you prepare clear source-of-funds evidence so things move smoothly.
Tailored to your country
We regularly arrange UK mortgages for clients in these markets and understand what each lender looks for.
United States
USD income is well regarded, though FATCA reporting makes some UK lenders cautious about US persons. We know the lenders who are comfortable with American clients and structure the case accordingly.
Australia
Popular with British expats and Australian investors. Time-zone-friendly, fully remote handling, and lenders that accept AUD income.
Europe (EU / EEA)
From Ireland and Germany to Spain and the Nordics, EUR income is widely accepted for relocations, second homes and buy-to-let.
UAE & the Gulf
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider GCC are among our most active regions. AED and USD-linked income and investor purchases are well catered for.
Asia & Singapore
Hong Kong, Singapore and beyond, strong-currency earners and international professionals buying UK homes and investments.
Other affluent markets
Switzerland, Canada and the wider Middle East. If you earn in a stable currency and want to buy in the UK, there is usually a route.
How it works
Initial chat
A relaxed chat by video, phone or WhatsApp to understand your plans and timing.
We search the market
We find lenders that fit your residency, currency and goals, and confirm what you can borrow.
Application & paperwork
We package your case, handle the documents and liaise with the lender on your behalf.
Offer & completion
We keep things moving to mortgage offer and completion, then stay on hand for the future.
An adviser who speaks “international”
Cross-border mortgages have moving parts a typical high-street branch simply cannot handle. We do this every day.
- Whole-of-market access to specialist and international lenders, plus private banks such as HSBC Expat, Skipton International and Barclays International.
- A fully remote service that fits your time zone: video calls, secure document upload and e-signatures.
- We coordinate currency-exchange partners, solicitors and lenders, so you have one point of contact.
- Clear, honest guidance with no obligation.
As featured in the press
Dariusz Karpowicz is a regular voice on UK mortgages for international and expat buyers.
See our press coverageTalk to us directly
π +44 (0)1302 590039
π± +44 (0)7757 015645
βοΈ dariusz@albionfa.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign national or non-UK resident get a UK mortgage?
Yes. British citizenship is not required. Lenders look at your residency and visa status, income, deposit and the property itself. A range of specialist and international lenders actively lend to clients living abroad.
How big a deposit will I need?
As an overseas buyer, expect from around 25% for a residential mortgage, and typically 30% to 40% for buy-to-let or higher-risk jurisdictions. A stronger profile, major-currency income and existing UK ties can all help you access better terms.
Can I use income earned in a foreign currency?
Often, yes. Many lenders accept income in major currencies such as USD, EUR and AED. They usually apply an exchange-rate buffer, which can reduce the usable income by up to around 25%, so it pays to choose the right lender.
I have little or no UK credit history. Is that a problem?
It can limit high-street options, but it is very common for international clients and not a dealbreaker. Specialist and international lenders assess your wider financial picture rather than relying on a UK credit score alone.
Which lenders work with international clients?
A mix of international lending arms and specialist lenders, with names such as HSBC Expat, Skipton International and Barclays International, plus private banks for larger or more complex cases. As a whole-of-market broker, we compare across them to find your best fit.
What extra stamp duty do non-residents pay?
In England and Northern Ireland, non-UK residents pay a 2% SDLT surcharge on top of the standard rates, and a further 5% if the property is an additional or buy-to-let property. You can estimate it with our stamp duty calculator.
Can I buy a buy-to-let in the UK from abroad?
Yes, and it is popular with overseas investors. Buy-to-let criteria differ; lenders assess expected rental income and usually want a larger deposit. Note that some buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
I am a US citizen. Can you help?
Yes. US clients are very welcome, though FATCA reporting obligations make some UK lenders cautious about US persons. We know which lenders are comfortable working with American applicants and will steer your case to them.
Do I need to travel to the UK to arrange this?
Usually not. We work with most clients entirely remotely, using video calls, secure online document upload and electronic signatures, with your identity verified to anti-money-laundering standards.
What documents will I need to provide?
Typically a passport and proof of address, 3 to 6 months of bank statements, recent payslips or tax returns (or company accounts if self-employed), and certified translations for any documents not in English. We give you a clear checklist up front.
Ready to explore your UK mortgage options?
Tell us where you live and what you would like to buy. We will tell you honestly what is possible, with no obligation.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Some buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tax treatment, including Stamp Duty Land Tax, depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Lending criteria, deposit requirements and available lenders vary and are subject to status and affordability. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalised advice.