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Expat Mortgages UK
Here we explain what an expat mortgage is, the different kinds available and more. You can also work out how much you can borrow with our calculator and find answers about expat mortgages in our FAQs.
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Contents
What Is an Expat Mortgage?
To explain what an expat mortgage is, we should first explain what it means to be an expat. An expat is someone who’s currently residing in a country where they’re not a national of that country. You’re a UK expat if you’re from the UK but live abroad.
A UK expat mortgage is a mortgage you’d take out on a property in the UK while you’re a UK expat – i.e. a UK national living abroad.
An expat mortgage is a type of international mortgage, as it refers to getting a mortgage in a country you’re not currently residing in (in this case, the UK). Another kind of international mortgage is an overseas mortgage, which is a mortgage you get for a property that’s not in the UK but overseas (or international).
UK Mortgages for Foreign Nationals
If you’re not a UK national and you live overseas but you want to buy property in the UK, you would still require an expat mortgage, despite not technically being a UK expat.
This is because UK mortgages for overseas residents are assessed by lenders in the same way, regardless of whether you’re a UK national or a national of another country.
Why are they assessed in the same way? Well they often face the same challenges and require similar solutions. For example, any sort of non UK resident (expat or foreigner) could receive their income in a foreign currency and lack a UK credit history.
Fortunately, these challenges can be overcome with the help of an expat mortgage broker like John Charcol, We help arrange mortgages for non UK residents with all sorts of complex situations, income streams and requirements.
How to Get UK Mortgages for Overseas Residents and British Expats
To get a UK mortgage while you’re living overseas, you’ll normally need a specialist UK expat mortgage provider and have to meet more stringent lending criteria than you would for a normal UK mortgage. This is because lenders view expats and those living abroad as riskier borrowers – in fact, many high street lenders won’t offer expat mortgages at all – so be prepared for stricter deposit requirements and lending criteria if you want a UK expat mortgage.
The information you need and what products are available to you will depend on your specific circumstances. Generally, the best approach is to gather your essential documents for factors like your employment status, income and visas, use an expat mortgage calculator for an estimate of what you might be able to borrow, and then contact an expat mortgage adviser to discuss your options. Specialist expat brokers like John Charcol can look at your situation in full and advise on the most suitable products and your next steps.
Do You Need an Expat Mortgage Broker?
Most high street lenders don’t offer expat mortgages because they can’t easily credit search applicants who aren’t in the UK and this takes time, therefore you’ll need an expat mortgage broker like John Charcol for these kinds of specialist mortgages.
As one of the best expat mortgage brokers in the UK, we regularly help arrange UK mortgages for British expats. Our expat mortgage advisers have access to lenders not available on the high street that can take into account complex income structures like family trusts, offshore investments, international wealth and multi-currency income profiles.
If you want an overseas mortgage, you could approach a UK lender with branches in the country in which you want to buy a property, or an overseas broker or lender.
Learn more about expat mortgages in our short expat mortgage video.
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Types of Expat Mortgages UK
You can get expat mortgages and expat remortgages for residential and buy-to-let properties in the UK. They’re available on repayment and interest only bases, and can feature fixed, tracker, or discounted rates.
Expat Mortgages on a Main Residence in Britain
You may want an expat mortgage on a residential property if:
- You plan on moving back to the UK and want a property here for when you do
- You’re situated overseas but your family lives in the UK and you want to buy a property for them to live in and for you when you return
Residential mortgages are available on repayment and interest-only bases. You may want your mortgage on a repayment basis if you’re purchasing a property that’s going to become your residence at some point, as you’ll likely want the balance cleared by the time you retire.
Buy to Let Mortgages for British Expats
You may want an expat mortgage on a buy-to-let property if:
- You’re looking to remortgage a residential property on a buy-to-let basis because you’re about to move overseas
- You’re situated overseas and have consent to let on a UK property, but need to remortgage it on a buy-to-let basis
- You’re situated overseas and are renting out your UK property – possibly under consent to let rules with your original lender – but want to remortgage it on a buy-to-let basis to raise money
Almost every mortgage for buy-to-let is interest-only.
How much can you borrow on UK mortgages for overseas residents?
The amount you can borrow on a UK mortgage as an overseas resident usually depends on your income and financial profile.
Most lenders offer up to 4 – 5 times your annual income to expats and non UK residents, but this is influenced by:
- Currency of income – lenders favour stable currencies like GBP, USD, or EUR. Income in less stable currencies may result in stricter criteria
- Employment type – salaried employees with long term contracts are generally preferred over contractors or self-employed individuals
- Affordability calculations – lenders assess your income, existing financial commitments, and deposit size to determine how much you can borrow
Example: a UK expat earning £75,000 in a stable currency could qualify for a mortgage of around £375,000. Mortgages for expats in the UK are tailored to accommodate unique circumstances, so consulting an expat mortgage broker can maximise your options.
Expat mortgage calculator
How Does an Expat Mortgage Calculator Work?
Simply enter your income (in pound sterling equivalent) based on your employment status to work out how much you could potentially borrow on your mortgage for a main residence.
This is not a quotation under the Consumer Credit Act. Figures are subject to validation of income, credit checks and a property valuation.
As a guide, you could potentially borrow around:
As long as you've got a 10% deposit, good credit history, and no big debts or expenses, you should be able to borrow up to .
The amount you could potentially borrow…
Calculating the amount you could borrow
How is this calculated?
This calculator works out your maximum borrowing by multiplying your income using an expat lender’s typical affordability calculation.
Next Steps
Speak to our team for a free consultation and more advice on what you can borrow.
Deposit Requirements for Mortgages for Non UK Residents
Deposit requirements for UK expats and foreigners are typically higher than those for UK residents:
- Residential mortgages – most lenders require a deposit of 20 – 25% of the property value
- Expat buy-to-let mortgages in the UK – for investment properties, expect to pay a deposit of 25 – 40%
- Improving your chances – a larger deposit can improve your mortgage terms and reduce interest rates
If you’re applying for an expat mortgage, having UK based assets or a savings account can demonstrate financial stability and strengthen your application.
Do I Need a UK Credit Score to Get a UK Expat Mortgage?
Non UK residents don’t always require a UK credit score to get an expat mortgage.
Lenders who offer UK mortgages for overseas residents have to consider a variety of factors when assessing applications, such as:
- Overseas credit history – some lenders evaluate your financial history in your country of residence
- Existing UK ties – if you have maintained a UK bank account, credit card, or had some other form of UK property ownership then this can enhance your eligibility
- Income and deposit – certain specialist lenders offering mortgages for expats in the UK focus on your income and deposit rather than a strict UK credit history
Expat Mortgage Application Criteria
When applying for expat mortgages, lenders assess a range of criteria, including:
- Residency status – the country you live in and your tax residency can influence your application
- Income and currency – lenders prefer verifiable income in stable currencies like GBP or EUR
- Employment type – permanent salaried roles are seen as more stable, but self-employed expats can also qualify with additional documentation
- Property type – whether you’re buying a home or applying for expat buy-to-let mortgages in the UK will affect the criteria you have to meet
Each lender has different requirements, so a mortgage broker specialising in mortgages for non UK residents can help you identify the most suitable options.
What Documents Do I Need for an Expat Mortgage?
UK mortgages for overseas residents require the following documentation:
- Proof of ID – a valid passport or government-issued ID
- Proof of address – documents for both your overseas and UK address, if applicable
- Income evidence – recent payslips, employment contracts, or tax returns for self-employed applicants
- Bank statements – usually 3 – 6 months to verify financial stability
- Additional requirements – certified translations for non-English documents may be required
Lenders specialising in expat mortgages may request additional documents based on your country of residence and income source.
Process for Buying a Home/Remortgaging
1. First Conversation with Adviser
When you phone us, you can either arrange a phone appointment with your adviser or a face-to-face meeting – whatever suits you. Your adviser will ask you some questions then go away and search deals on expat mortgages to find you the best option for your circumstances and future needs. They’ll organise a follow-up during which they’ll present you with the UK expat mortgage deals that they’ve found.
2. Decision in Principle
Once you’re happy with your adviser’s recommendation, they’ll go about securing your DIP (Decision in Principle) – which is basically a promise from the lender that they’ll loan you money on the condition that the information you’ve provided is correct and subject to a valuation of the property.
3. Offer on Property
After the lender has agreed your scenario, you’ll be in a position to make an offer on a property or move forward with the remortgaging.
4. Pre-Application and Submission
Following the acceptance of your offer, we’ll send you some information which explains all the documents we need to submit to the lender. You’ll be assigned a client relationship manager who’ll check and submit certified copies of your documents; they’ll liaise with both you and the lender. Your adviser will then submit the fully packaged mortgage application.
5. Lender Underwriting and Valuation
The lender will underwrite your application; this basically means they’ll verify that the information you’ve provided is correct and review all your documents for themselves. They’ll also instruct a valuation for their purposes on the property to make sure there are no significant problems with it.
6. Expat Mortgage Offer
If the lender is happy with everything they’ve found, they’ll send you a mortgage offer. They’ll also send us a copy.
7. Conveyancing
After you’ve accepted your mortgage offer, you’ll go through the legal part of the process, known as conveyancing. This is where the solicitors/conveyancers draw up contracts and organise the actual, legal purchase of the property. You’ll also need to arrange buildings insurance at this stage, making sure it’s in place from exchange.
8. Exchange and Completion
If you’re buying a property, your conveyancer/solicitor will exchange contracts with the seller’s conveyancer/solicitor; it’s at this point that you would put down your deposit and be legally bound to the property. The purchase will complete when the money is transferred on an agreed-upon date. If you’re remortgaging, then your conveyancer/solicitor will set a date to draw down the funds and pay off any existing lender(s) once the mortgage offer’s released.
How Can John Charcol Help You Get an Expat Mortgage?
Do I Go Direct to an Expat Mortgage Lender or Use a Mortgage Broker?
Difference Between Going Direct to a Lender or Using an Expat Mortgage Broker
- Direct lenders – offer competitive rates for mortgages for expats in the UK but often have stricter requirements
- Mortgage brokers – provide access to lenders offering international mortgages or those specialising in UK mortgages for non-UK residents
Benefits of Using a Broker for an Expat Mortgage
- We help navigate complex criteria like foreign income and currency exchange risks
- We have access to exclusive deals for UK mortgages for overseas residents
- We’re experts in structuring applications for UK mortgages for overseas residents
Tips for Getting a Mortgage as an Expat Returning to the UK
If you’re an expat planning to move back to and work in the UK, then some lenders will likely consider you as eligible for a standard UK mortgage, rather than an expat mortgage.
Here are some tips for expats returning to the UK:
- Compare lenders – some lenders offer products that account for overseas income or limited UK credit history
- Preparation – save for a deposit, gather the necessary documents, and maintain UK financial ties to boost your application
- Regional trends – consider high demand areas like commuter towns or regeneration zones for better investment potential
John Charcol Expert Tip
If you’re living or working abroad but want to buy or remortgage property in the UK, an expat mortgage could be the solution. These mortgages are designed for British nationals overseas, but the application process can be more complex, with stricter checks and fewer lenders to choose from.
That’s where expert advice makes the difference. With the right guidance, you can navigate currency considerations, overseas income requirements, and lender criteria to secure a mortgage that fits your circumstances.
Nicholas Mendes
Head of Marketing
Expat Remortgages for Non UK Residents
For UK expats seeking to remortgage, either to secure better rates or release equity, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Timing – remortgage before your current deal ends to avoid penalties
- Equity release – useful for purchasing additional properties or consolidating debt
- Foreign currency – choose lenders who can manage foreign income or dual currencies for your international mortgage. Your John Charcol mortgage broker will do this for you
Expat Buy to Let Mortgages UK
Investing in UK property as an expat is a great opportunity.
Here are some points to bear in mind when considering getting a UK buy-to-let as an expat:
- Rental yields – focus on areas with high rental demand, such as Manchester or Birmingham
- Tax implications – understand the rules around Stamp Duty and Capital Gains Tax
- Management companies – property management services can simplify letting your property and reduce void periods
Mortgages for Seafarers
You won’t necessarily require an expat mortgage as a seafarer.
Many seafarers can qualify for standard UK mortgage rates if they claim the Seafarers Earnings Deduction (SED) and maintain ties to the UK by spending a period of time in the UK.
Learn more about seafarer mortgages on our website.
Countries Where We Can Help Expats
We assist expats from a wide range of countries, including:
- USA and Canada – favourable options for income in USD or CAD
- UAE and Middle East – tailored solutions for high-income professionals
- Hong Kong and Singapore – flexible products for those earning in stable currencies
- EU Nations – many lenders are familiar with applications from residents earning in EUR
If you’re looking for expat UK mortgages, our expertise spans a variety of countries, ensuring we can help you find the best
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Expat Mortgage FAQs
Can I Get a Joint Mortgage with a Non UK National Partner?
You can apply for a joint mortgage with a non UK national, as a UK resident or UK expat.
If you’re a UK national who is a resident in the UK and wants to buy a property with a non UK national, you’ll likely be eligible to apply for a standard UK mortgage.
If you’re a UK expat living abroad, with a partner who is a non UK national but lives in the UK, you would likely require an expat mortgage. This is typically due to the fact that the person working aboard is typically the higher earner.
Consider the following:
- Residency status – both applicants must meet lender criteria for mortgages for expats in the UK
- Credit histories – address differences between UK and international credit records
- Stronger applications – joint savings and shared assets can improve your chances of approval
Can I Get a Expat UK Mortgage with International Income?
UK expats and non UK nationals earning income in foreign currencies will still be eligible to apply for UK expat mortgages.
Here are some factors to bear in mind when applying for a UK mortgage with an international income:
- Currency stability – stable currencies like USD or EUR are more favourable
- Multi-currency income – lenders may consider applications where income comes from multiple sources
- Expert advice – mortgage brokers with expertise in UK mortgages for expats and other non-UK residents can simplify the process
What Is the Best Type of Mortgage for Expats in the UK?
The type of mortgage that’s best for you will depend on your situation – whether this is a fixed rate mortgage, tracker rate, interest-only mortgage, repayment mortgage or something else. Expat scenarios can be quite complex, which is why it’s best to speak with a mortgage broker that specialises in expat mortgages. We can guide you through your options and make things simpler.
Can British Expats Still Buy Property in UK?
It’s possible to buy property in the UK as a British expat living abroad if you want to purchase a property for when you return or simply to rent out, but what’s available to you will depend on your situation. For example, you might need to look at expat buy-to-let mortgages if you’re renting your property, rather than residential expat mortgages for a property that’s intended to be your main home. Speaking with an expat mortgage broker is the simplest way to find out what your options are.
Call us on 0808 291 2697 or send us an enquiry to learn more.
What Are the Top Expat Property Locations in the UK?
Popular locations for UK expats include:
- London – strong demand and capital appreciation
- Manchester – high rental yields and affordable housing
- Edinburgh – a balanced mix of culture and rental potential
- Bristol – a thriving market with urban and suburban appeal
These areas feature properties suitable for both residential and buy-to-let expat mortgages.
Can I Get a Mortgage on a UK Property if I Work Abroad?
You can usually take out a mortgage to buy a property in the UK even if you work abroad. However, the lender will often require that someone is going to be living in the property, such as family or tenants, or that you’ll be moving home at some point in the near future.
Are There Any Specialist Expat Mortgage Providers or Lenders?
There are some specialist expat mortgage lenders who regularly deal with complex expat situations. There are even a couple that are based offshore and only lend to expats – i.e. they don’t lend to people already situated in the UK at all, only citizens overseas.
Can I Get a Mortgage on a Property Overseas?
It’s possible to get a mortgage on an overseas property, but this would be an overseas mortgage, not an expat one.
John Charcol can find UK mortgages for overseas residents – for example, when you want to buy a property in the UK but you’re currently an expat situated overseas. However, we don’t arrange overseas mortgages for properties that are outside the UK.
To arrange a mortgage for a property that’s overseas, you could approach a UK lender or broker with branches in the country in which you want to buy, or an overseas broker or lender.
Are the Best Expat Mortgage Rates Much Higher than Standard Rates?
Expat mortgage rates tend to be slightly higher than typical mortgage rates due to the increased risk faced by lenders of having borrowers who live abroad.
Can I Use My Bonus to Reduce My Mortgage Each Year in Significant Payments?
Most of the mortgages we arrange allow borrowers to make capital overpayments of at least 10% each year without incurring penalties, which is often enough for most borrowers.
Can I Speak to Someone Who Can Make Decisions Based on My Circumstances Rather than Computer-Set Limitations?
At John Charcol, our consultants will talk you through your circumstances and what you’re looking to achieve with lenders who can deal with expats. These lenders tend to have a manual underwriting process that starts with an actual conversation, rather than filling in a form online for a computer to make a decision.
Can You Help Me Arrange a Mortgage Around My Time Zone?
We’re used to working with people living in different time zones and work around your schedule.
How Long Does an Expat Mortgage Take?
The time it takes to arrange an expat mortgage will depend on your unique situation. Nonetheless, we do everything we can to ensure a fast turnaround that meets your moving commitments.
Can You Arrange a Choice of Lenders for an Expat Buy-to-Let Mortgage?
We have access to a range of lenders offering different products, including expat buy-to-let mortgages, so we can find the best one to suit your unique needs.
My Current Lender Won’t Give Consent to Let – Can You Help?
Most UK lenders will consider granting consent to let for borrowers who have to leave the UK to work abroad. They just don’t like granting it for an extended period of time – e.g. more than 2 years.
If your lender won’t grant consent to let because you’re going to be abroad for an extended period of time, you may want to remortgage onto a buy-to-let deal with a UK lender that accepts expat applications. These mortgages are known as expat buy-to-let mortgages.
Can You Help Me Secure the Property I Want Now?
We understand that you may need to act fast to secure the property you want. Our experts often deal with these kinds of urgent situations and will do everything they can to make things happen as quickly and run as smoothly as possible.
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