United Kingdom
UK mortgages for expats and overseas buyers
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. This guide is general information, not advice.
Who lends to expats
Fewer lenders accept borrowers who live abroad, and those that do apply stricter rules. The main groups are offshore lenders based in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, the international arms of UK banks, specialist lenders, and private banks. Advisers report that Skipton International stopped taking new applications from EU residents after 31 March 2026, so check each lender's current rules. (Skybound Wealth, John Charcol)
Deposit and income
- Deposit: expect at least 20 to 25% for a home to live in, and 25 to 40% for buy-to-let.
- Income: many lenders set a minimum. Advisers report £50,000 basic income at Skipton International and £75,000 for HSBC Expat residential loans.
- Currency: lenders often count only part of income paid in a foreign currency. Major currencies such as US dollars and euros are cut least.
- Bonus and commission: often counted only in part, and only with two to three years of history.
Taxes for non-residents
- Stamp Duty Land Tax: non-UK residents pay an extra 2% on residential purchases in England and Northern Ireland, on top of the normal rates. (GOV.UK)
- Second homes and buy-to-let: the higher rates for additional homes also apply, currently 5% on top of the normal rates.
- Rent: under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme, your letting agent or tenant must take basic-rate tax from the rent unless HMRC approves you to receive it gross. (GOV.UK)
- Selling: non-residents must report a sale of UK residential property to HMRC within 60 days of completion. (GOV.UK)
Regulation
Mortgages on a home you or your family will live in are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Most buy-to-let mortgages are not. Either way, check that your broker appears on the FCA register, and ask in writing how it is paid.
Steps
- Gather two to three years of income evidence, recent payslips and bank statements, and proof of address abroad.
- Speak to a broker with expat experience, or check a specialist lender's criteria yourself.
- Get an agreement in principle before you make an offer.
- Budget for stamp duty, legal fees, the lender's valuation and any currency transfer costs.
Lender rules change often. Confirm the details with the lender or a regulated broker before you commit.