Foreign National Mortgages
Whole-of-market UK mortgages for non-residents, British expats and foreign nationals, handled remotely from start to finish, wherever you are in the world.
- Agreement in Principle in 24 hours
- Over 100 lenders
- Whole-of-market advice
Buying or investing in UK property while living overseas? Mainstream UK banks often turn away applicants who live abroad or earn in a foreign currency. We work with the specialist and international lenders who actively want this business, match you to the right one, and run the whole case remotely. Whole-of-market advice, from your first enquiry to completion.
Why overseas buyers choose Albion
Whole-of-market access
Specialist and international lenders, plus private banks such as HSBC Expat, Skipton International and Barclays International, all compared to find the one that accepts your profile.
Foreign-currency income
We know which lenders accept salaries in USD, EUR, AED and other major currencies, and exactly how generously each one assesses your income.
No UK credit history needed
A thin or absent UK credit file is normal for expats and new arrivals, and it is not a dealbreaker. Specialist lenders assess your wider financial picture instead.
FX and lender liaison handled
We coordinate currency-exchange partners, solicitors and lenders so you have a single point of contact, wherever you are in the world.
One adviser, fully remote
The whole process runs by video call, phone or WhatsApp, with secure document upload and e-signatures, built around your time zone.
Source of funds done properly
Lenders run anti-money-laundering and sanctions checks. We help you prepare clear source-of-funds evidence so your case moves smoothly.
How it works
Initial chat
A relaxed conversation by video, phone or WhatsApp to understand your plans, your timing and where in the world you are based.
We search the market
We find lenders that fit your residency, currency and goals, then confirm what you can realistically borrow.
Application and paperwork
We package your case, handle the documents and certified translations where needed, and liaise with the lender on your behalf.
Offer and completion
We keep things moving through to mortgage offer and completion, then stay on hand for the future.
What to expect as an overseas buyer
Cross-border mortgages have moving parts a typical high-street branch simply cannot handle. Knowing the rules up front means no surprises later. Here is what tends to be different.
Larger deposits
Expect from around 25% on a residential mortgage, as most lenders cap at roughly 75% loan to value. Buy-to-let and higher-risk jurisdictions typically need 30% to 40%. A stronger profile with 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 that can reduce the usable figure by up to around 25%. Strong currencies are treated most favourably.
Stamp duty for non-residents
Non-UK residents pay a 2% SDLT surcharge on top of standard rates in England and Northern Ireland, plus the 5% higher rate if it is an additional property. Try our affordability calculator to plan your numbers.
Documents and ID
Passport, proof of address, three to six months of bank statements, payslips or tax returns and company accounts, plus certified translations where needed. We send a tailored list before you apply.
Tailored to your country
We regularly arrange UK mortgages for clients in these markets and understand exactly 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.
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 and 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 and 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.
Who we help
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.
An adviser who speaks international
We do cross-border mortgages every day. That means whole-of-market access to specialist and international lenders and private banks, a fully remote service that fits your time zone, and one point of contact coordinating your currency-exchange partner, solicitor and lender. Clear, honest guidance, with no obligation.
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. We reply fastest on WhatsApp, wherever you are in the world.
Your free first consultation comes with no obligation, in any time zone.
Foreign national mortgage questions
Can a foreign national or non-UK resident get a UK mortgage?
Yes. Specialist and international lenders, plus several private banks, lend to non-residents, British expats and foreign nationals. You usually need a larger deposit and the right lender for your country and currency. As a whole-of-market broker we match your profile to a lender that accepts it, and handle the case remotely from start to finish.
How big a deposit will I need?
Plan for at least 25% on a residential purchase, as most lenders cap at around 75% loan to value. Buy-to-let and higher-risk jurisdictions typically need 30% to 40%. A larger deposit widens your lender choice and tends to improve the rate, and a strong profile with UK ties can unlock better terms.
Can I use income earned in a foreign currency?
Usually yes, but rarely at full value. Lenders apply an exchange-rate buffer, often reducing the usable figure by up to around 25%, with strong currencies such as USD, EUR, JPY and CHF treated most favourably. Some emerging-market currencies are cut harder or not accepted at all, so we know which lenders accept your currency and how generously they assess it.
I have little or no UK credit history. Is that a problem?
Not on its own. A thin or absent UK credit file is common for expats and new arrivals and is not a dealbreaker. Specialist and international lenders assess your wider financial picture, your income, deposit and overall standing, rather than relying on a UK credit score.
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. You count as non-resident if you were present in the UK for fewer than 183 days in the 12 months before completion. If it is an additional property, the 5% higher-rate surcharge also applies, so both stack on top of the standard bands. Scotland and Wales have their own systems, and we will confirm your exact figure.
I am a US citizen. Can you help?
Often yes, but FATCA reporting rules mean some lenders restrict or decline US persons, including green-card holders. Lender choice is therefore critical. We steer your case to lenders comfortable with US clients and flag any source-of-funds or reporting requirements early so there are no surprises.
Do I need to travel to the UK to arrange this?
No. We run the whole process remotely to fit your time zone, using video calls, phone or WhatsApp, secure document upload and e-signatures. We also coordinate currency-exchange partners, solicitors and lenders, so you have a single point of contact wherever you are in the world.
Let us talk through your options
Your first consultation is free and there is no obligation.
Albion Financial Advice provides regulated mortgage and insurance advice where applicable. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Wills, estate planning and some forms of business and buy-to-let insurance are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Information on this page is general only and does not constitute financial advice.