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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 that they’re not a national of. You’re a UK expat if you’re from the UK but live abroad.

An 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. This is different from an overseas mortgage, which is where you take out a mortgage for a property that’s not in the UK but overseas.

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, therefore you’ll need an expat mortgage broker like John Charcol for this kind of mortgage.

As one of the best expat mortgage brokers in the UK, we regularly help UK expats arrange mortgages for properties in Britain. Our team have access to expat mortgage 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.

Why Choose John Charcol?

We’re Experts

We’re award-winning industry experts with over 45 years of experience

We Could Save You Time and Money

We help you at every step of your mortgage journey - it’s easy with us

We’re Independent

We’re whole of market, we’re independent and we’re regulated by the FCA

Types of Expat Mortgages UK

You can get expat mortgages and expat remortgages for residential and buy-to-let properties. They’re available on repayment and interest-only bases, as well as with fixed, tracker and discount rates.

Mortgage on a Main Residence in the UK

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 live 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 for Expats

You may want an expat mortgage on a buy-to-let property if:

  • You’re looking to remortgage a residential property onto 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 onto 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 onto a buy-to-let basis to raise money

Almost all buy-to-let mortgages are interest-only.

3 Easy Steps to Your New Expat Mortgage

1. You fill out our online form or call us on 0330 433 2927

2. One of our advisers contacts you to learn more about your situation

3. You relax while we find you the right mortgage

Expat Mortgage FAQs

What Is the Best Type of Mortgage for Expats?

The type of mortgage that’s best for you will depend on your situation. Expat scenarios can be quite complex, which is why it’s best to speak with a mortgage broker; we can guide you through your options and make things simpler.

Can British Expats Still Buy Property in UK?

It is 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. Speaking with an expat mortgage broker is the simplest way to find out what your options are.

Call us on 0330 433 2927 or send us an enquiry to learn more.

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, but the lender will often require that someone is going to be living in the property - e.g. family, 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 help you find an expat mortgage for a property in the UK if you’re currently an expat situated overseas, however we don’t arrange overseas mortgages for properties that are outside of 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, 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 to 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.

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 as possible.

Can You Get Expat BTL Mortgages?

There are residential and buy-to-let mortgages for expats looking to buy properties in the UK. A mortgage broker like John Charcol will help ensure the process is as smooth as possible and get you access to the best rates.

Can I Get an Expat Remortgage?

It is possible to remortgage a property in the UK as a British expat. An expat mortgage adviser will guide you through the process and find you the best deals.

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, therefore you’ll need an expat mortgage broker like John Charcol for this kind of mortgage.

As one of the best expat mortgage brokers in the UK, we regularly help UK expats arrange mortgages for properties in Britain. Our team have access to expat mortgage 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.

How Much Is an Expat Mortgage Deposit?

The deposit you’ll require for your expat mortgage will depend on your situation and the deals available to you.

What Should I Do if I’m Coming to the End of My Fixed Rate?

If you’ve got 6 months left on a fixed rate, and you don’t want to pay an ERC (early repayment charge) to switch to a new rate now, you can fix a deal 6 months in advance of the end of your rate with most lenders - this is possible as most mortgage offers are valid for 6 months. That way, if rates continue to decrease between now and then you can look at switching to a lower rate in that time. On the other hand, if rates continue to increase you’ll have secured your rate and won’t be affected by any impending rate increase in that time. A win-win in any outcome.

I Have a Year Left on My Fixed Rate – Do I Remortgage Now or Wait?

For those in a fixed rate with a year left or longer, wondering whether it’s worth paying an ERC (early repayment charge) to tie in for a new deal now - rather than reviewing in 6 - 9 months’ time when rates may have increased - you need to take into consideration the costs of this decision, the ERC percentage and other associated fees the lender may have for clearing the loan early.

It's best to speak to a broker if you’re in this situation. They’ll be able to establish whether the savings you’ll make by switching to a new deal early are worth the ERCs.