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.
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. If you're not a UK national but live abroad and want to buy property in the UK, you would still require an expat mortgage. An expat mortgage 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.
How to Get UK Mortgages for British Expats
To get a UK mortgage as a British expat, 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 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 advisors 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.
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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.
John Charcol Expert Tip - January 2025
"Living abroad doesn’t have to delay your UK property goals. Expat mortgages from John Charcol offer flexible solutions for buying a home, expanding a rental portfolio, or preparing to return to the UK. With rates expected to improve throughout 2025, now’s the time to explore your options. Navigating the market from overseas might seem complex, but our expert advice makes owning UK property stress-free. Let us help you achieve your goals, wherever you are."
- Mortgage Technical Manager Nicholas Mendes - CeMAP Qualified
How much can I borrow as a UK expat?
If you’re looking for UK mortgages for overseas residents, the amount you can borrow usually depends on your income and financial profile. Most lenders offer 4 to 5 times your annual income, 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 a broker can maximise your options.
Deposit requirements for an expat
For expats seeking a mortgage in the UK for foreigners, deposit requirements 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 international 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 mortgage?
A UK credit score isn’t always essential for mortgages for non-UK residents, as lenders consider other factors, such as:
- Overseas Credit History: Some lenders evaluate your financial history in your country of residence.
- Existing UK Ties: Maintaining a UK bank account, credit card, or property ownership can enhance your eligibility.
- Specialist Lenders: Certain lenders offering mortgages for expats in the UK focus on your income and deposit rather than a strict UK credit history.
Tip: If you don’t have a UK credit score, work with a broker who specialises in UK mortgages for overseas residents to find the right lender.
Application Criteria
When applying for international 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.
Each lender has different requirements, so a broker specialising in mortgages for non-UK residents can help you identify the most suitable options.
What documents do I need?
Applying for a mortgage in the UK for foreigners requires 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 three to six months to verify financial stability.
- Additional Requirements: Certified translations for non-English documents may be required.
Lenders specialising in UK mortgages for overseas residents may request additional documents based on your country of residence and income source.
Expat mortgage lender or broker?
Deciding between a lender or broker depends on your situation:
- Direct Lenders: Offer competitive rates for mortgages for expats in the UK but often have stricter requirements.
- Brokers: Provide access to lenders offering international mortgages or those specialising in UK mortgages for non-UK residents.
Benefits of Using a Broker:
- Help navigating complex criteria like foreign income and currency exchange risks.
- Access to exclusive deals for UK mortgages for overseas residents.
- Expertise in structuring applications for mortgages for expats in the UK.
Expats returning to the UK
If you’re planning to move back, securing a mortgage for expats in the UK before your return can simplify the process:
- Returning Expat Mortgages: Some lenders offer products that account for overseas income or limited UK credit history.
- Preparation Tips: 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.
Expat Remortgages
For 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.
Expat Buy-to-Lets
Investing in UK property as an expat is a great opportunity. Expat buy-to-let mortgages in the UK can help you take advantage of the strong rental market:
- Rental Yields: Focus on areas with high rental demand, such as Manchester or Birmingham.
- Tax Implications: Understand the rules around stamp duty and mortgage interest relief.
Management Companies: Property management services can simplify letting your property and reduce void periods.
Top Expat property locations in the UK
Popular locations for UK mortgages for overseas residents 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 cater to both residential and expat buy-to-let mortgages in the UK.
Foreign Income Mortgages
For expats earning income in foreign currencies, international mortgages require specialist lenders:
- 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: Brokers with expertise in UK mortgages for non-UK residents can simplify the process.
Joint mortgages with a non-UK national partner
Applying for a joint mortgage with a non-UK partner? 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.
Seafarers
Seafarers can secure international mortgages with specialist lenders who understand their unique circumstances:
- Income Evidence: Provide detailed contracts and employer references.
- Lender Expertise: Some lenders specialise in mortgages for expats in the UK, including seafarers with fluctuating incomes.
Expat countries where we can help
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 UK mortgages for overseas residents, our expertise spans a variety of countries, ensuring we can help you find the best solution.
How Can John Charcol Help You Get an Expat Mortgage?
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We can work to your schedule and time zone, no matter where you are. We can help with complex expat mortgage needs, whatever your situation.
We can also help you organise additional services like insurance and conveyancing to get you the best deal. Get quotes below!
Get a Conveyancing Quote
If you're purchasing a property, you'll need a conveyancer. Luckily, John Charcol can refer you to an experienced conveyancer that suits your budget and timeline.
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 their 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/Remortgaging
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/remortgaging. If buying, 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.
Expat Mortgage Calculator
Use our expat mortgage calculator for an estimate of how much money you could borrow as an expat looking to buy a property in the UK. All you’ll need is your income information and employment status to do a quick high level calculation.
Expat Mortgage FAQs
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 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. 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.
Mortgage Glossary
On this page you’ll find our detailed mortgage terminology glossary. There’s a lot of jargon out there but we’re here to make it easy.
Mortgage Types
Our guide explains everything you need to know about the different types of mortgages, including: interest rates, features, repayment methods and more.
Buy to Let Guide
You can now get a buy-to-let mortgage at interest rates to suit almost any circumstances. Our guide takes you through the choices involved in more detail.
Property Finance for Expats
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you should be aware of and prepare yourself for when looking to arrange an expat mortgage or remortgage in the UK.
Applying for a Mortgage
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Protection
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