International Mortgages

We are experts in helping UK expats, non-domiciles and foreign nationals secure mortgage & short-term finance on UK property.

Our service offers:

• Residential and investment property finance from £100,000 to £25M
• Borrow up to 90% loan to value (Residential) 80% LTV (Buy to Let)
• Market-leading interest rates
• Need to move fast - bridging finance options for expats to secure a property
• Interest-only and interest roll-up options (no monthly payments)
• Pre-approval terms within 24 hours
• Finance solutions for clients with complex incomes
• Property finance for expatriate UK nationals working abroad and investing in the UK, or with families remaining in the UK
• UK rate options for returning expats
• Mortgage finance for Britons and foreign nationals working in the UK who are paid in a foreign currency
• Mortgage finance on UK properties for British citizens working as yacht crew / seafarers)
• Finance for non UK citizens buying residential or commercial property in the UK

If you have an investment portfolio, other property or pensions, our team can look at leveraging these assets to negotiate more flexible lending criteria and more favourable interest rates on your borrowing.

We have strong relationships with UK and international banks, including private banks, specialist lenders, family offices and wealth managers.

Through our connections, we can source finance from UK banks that offer bespoke mortgages and shorter-term finance products designed specifically for internationally based clients, offering attractive interest rates and flexible loan terms.

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Contact Us

Thank You for your interest - please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in contact.

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Call us on +44 203 900 4322 to discuss your requirements or book an appointment using the link below.

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Skip to:

What is an International Mortgage?

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Can You Get a Mortgage from Outside the UK?

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Is it Worth Buying UK Property From Overseas?

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What Happens to My Mortgage if I Leave the UK?

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Can I Rent My Property Out if I Move Abroad?

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How to Get an International Mortgage

What is an International Mortgage?

Last updated: 11/12/2024

Written by: Sam Hodgson

Key Takeaways

• International mortgages are specialised property loans for overseas buyers.
• It's possible to get a UK mortgage from overseas but the eligibility criteria can be more stringent. 
• Some countries have stricter financial regulations, which can make mortgage approval more complex, require additional documentation, or limit access.

An international mortgage is a long-term loan designed to purchase property from overseas. Unlike traditional mortgages, typically offered by local banks or lenders, international mortgages are tailored for individuals or investors seeking to buy property from abroad. You may be an expat with plans to return to the UK in the future or a foreign national looking to invest in the UK property market. 

International mortgages often require thorough documentation, and you may need to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating sufficient income and creditworthiness. While high street lenders do offer international mortgages, there can be some challenges and additional complexities surrounding the process. Working with a specialist mortgage broker can ensure you get the most favourable deal and offer guidance throughout the process. 

See the latest market news below.

Can You Get a Mortgage from Outside the UK? 

Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage to purchase property in the UK from abroad. The availability and terms of such mortgages may vary depending on factors such as your citizenship, residency status, credit history, and the lender's specific policies regarding international mortgages. 

We're often approached by expats who are living and working abroad but want to stake a claim in the UK property market. International mortgages can come with a slightly higher risk profile, so they do tend to be more expensive. However, if you can prove you still have some form of residency in the UK and a British credit footprint, it's possible you'll be eligible for a UK resident mortgage, which will be a lot cheaper. 

Additionally, if you're not a British citizen but have permanent residency in the UK, you'll likely be eligible for a standard mortgage. We can facilitate mortgages for foreign nationals outside the UK, but the terms available will depend on your income, country of residence and overall financial circumstances. 

Residents of some countries will find it easier to secure a UK mortgage than others. Countries like the US, UAE and Spain have a higher number of individuals buying property in the UK so international lenders are typically more familiar with the procedure surrounding these applications. Lenders familiar with processing applications from these countries are also more likely to offer more favourable rates because the international lending pool will be bigger and more competitive. 

The UK also has more financial regulations surrounding lending to certain countries, which can make the process more challenging. In many cases, you will need to provide additional verification, and in some cases, lenders won't consider your application at all. 

Below is a list of some popular expat locations that we frequently source mortgages for, a rating out of 10 for difficulty, and a link to our guide on how to secure a mortgage as an expat from each location.

And here are some other expat locations that are less common and more difficult to rank but that we can still help with:

• Abu Dhabi
• Bahamas
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Portugal
• Thailand

See the full list: Countries where we can help expats

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Can I Get a UK Mortgage as a Foreign National?

Yes, it is possible to get a UK mortgage if you’re a foreign national. If you live in the UK but it's not your home country, you'll usually be eligible for a standard mortgage. Many believe you have to have lived in the UK for 2-3 years before applying for a UK mortgage, but you actually only need to have lived in the UK for one year. And if you earn over £100k per year, you'll typically be able to secure a mortgage even sooner.  

While some lenders may require residency or a right to reside in the UK, others do offer options for non-UK residents. International mortgage options are also available if you have a complex income or a portfolio of assets, but you still need to verify your earnings, identity, and overall affordability. Demonstrating a stable income and providing evidence of your creditworthiness will be essential.  

Consulting an expat mortgage broker can help you navigate the process and find suitable finance solutions. 

Is it Worth Buying UK Property From Abroad?

For many, purchasing property in the UK from abroad is definitely be worth it. UK property has increased in value significantly in the past 25 years, and it has become an attractive hotspot for wealthy international property investors. Many expats choose to buy property in the UK while they still live abroad because they want to make use of lower taxes surrounding their income and start building equity in a future home. 

There are two primary reasons to buy a property in the UK from overseas: 

• As an investment to build wealth – it’s common to invest in overseas property to either rent out or keep as an asset in the UK economy 
• As a lifestyle change – maybe you’ve moved to the UK and want to settle down, or you might want a holiday home 

To evaluate whether it's the right decision for you, it’s important to take time to consider the reason you want to purchase property abroad, the region you’re planning to buy property in, and whether it makes sense for you financially.

Purchasing property abroad can offer investment opportunities, potentially generating rental income or capital appreciation. Researching the local market trends, economic stability, and property regulations can help assess the investment potential. 

If you're a foreign national, buying property in the UK can diversify your investment portfolio and provide a hedge against economic downturns or currency fluctuations in your home country. And for some, owning UK property offers the opportunity to enjoy holidays, such as a beachfront home in Devon or a historic city like Edinburgh. 

What Happens to My Mortgage if I Leave the UK?

If you have a mortgage in the UK and leave the country, your obligations won’t automatically disappear. This is good news because if you have a mortgage in the UK and you’re planning on relocating, you won’t necessarily have to sell up to go abroad. 

You’ll still be legally obligated to make your mortgage payments according to the terms of your mortgage agreement. You'll need to consider currency exchange rates when making mortgage payments in British pounds if you earn foreign currency. Fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the cost of your mortgage payments. 

It's advisable to seek legal and financial advice before leaving the UK to understand the implications for your mortgage and overall financial situation. A professional adviser can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances and help you navigate any challenges. 

Do I have to tell my mortgage lender if I move abroad?

It's advisable to inform your mortgage lender of your plans to leave the UK. Your mortgage agreement likely includes terms and conditions that specify your obligations as a borrower. Some mortgage contracts may require informing the lender if you intend to move abroad or change your residency status. 

Lenders assess risk based on various factors, including borrower residency status. Informing your lender of your plans to move abroad helps them manage their risk exposure, and they may choose to change the terms of your mortgage. 

While moving abroad can present logistical challenges related to your mortgage, proper planning and communication with your lender can help ensure a smooth transition and ongoing compliance with your mortgage contract. 

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Can I Rent My Property Out if I Move Abroad? 

Yes, renting out your property in the UK is possible when you move abroad. Renting out your property can provide an income stream to help cover mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and other expenses associated with homeownership. This is known as Consent to Let.  

It is worth noting that not all lenders will allow you to convert your property to a rental. Check your mortgage agreement to ensure that renting out your property does not violate any terms or conditions. Some mortgage agreements may have clauses restricting or requiring permission for rental activity. 

Additionally...

• Rental income is generally taxable in the UK. You must report it to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and may be liable to pay income tax on the earnings. You may also be eligible for certain deductions and allowances related to rental income and expenses. 

• Consider whether you will manage the property yourself or hire a property management company to handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and other aspects of property management. 

• As a landlord, you have legal obligations to ensure that the property meets certain standards, maintain health and safety, and protect tenants' rights. It can be helpful to familiarise yourself with any regulations surrounding rental properties in the UK.

How to Get an International Mortgage

If you’re a foreign national or expat looking to buy a home in the UK, we can help you. You don't need to be a UK national or reside in the UK currently to secure funding for UK property investment.

At Clifton Private Finance, we have experienced international mortgage brokers with contacts of specialist lenders across the whole expat lending market. Give us a call, and we can suggest some options and a rough idea of what rates you're looking at. 

We'll usually get back to you with indicative terms within a couple of days, and our advice is free before you decide to go ahead with us. With expert market knowledge, we can deliver terms tailored to your needs.   

Call us at +44 203 900 4322 to discuss your requirements, or you can book a free consultation below. 

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