Overseas & international UK mortgages

Basedanywhere.InvestingintheUK,handled properly.

Anyone based outside the UK faces a specific set of lender restrictions when investing in UK property. International income, currency considerations, non-residency status, and visa type all affect which lenders will consider your case — and on what terms. We know exactly where to go, whatever your nationality or base.

LondonUK Costa del SolSpain DubaiUAE Hong KongAsia Pacific SingaporeAsia Pacific SydneyAustralia New YorkAmericas TorontoCanada ParisFrance ZurichSwitzerland RiyadhSaudi Arabia AmsterdamNetherlands TokyoJapan MiamiAmericas LondonUK Costa del SolSpain DubaiUAE Hong KongAsia Pacific SingaporeAsia Pacific SydneyAustralia New YorkAmericas TorontoCanada ParisFrance ZurichSwitzerland RiyadhSaudi Arabia AmsterdamNetherlands TokyoJapan MiamiAmericas
Wrong lender approached first
Foreign currency income not accepted
Non-residency status not disclosed
Nationality restrictions not understood
Visa status misunderstood by lender
Exchange rate risk not factored in
Wrong lender approached first
Foreign currency income not accepted
Non-residency status not disclosed
Nationality restrictions not understood
Visa status misunderstood by lender
Exchange rate risk not factored in
01 —
UK property attracts
investors from
across the world

Being based outside the UK is not a barrier to owning UK property.
It means finding the right broker.

The UK property market attracts buyers and investors from every corner of the world — for its stability, its returns, its currency, and its legal framework. Whether you are an overseas investor building a portfolio, a foreign national relocating to the UK, or someone with a personal connection to this country, the mortgage challenge is the same: most mainstream UK lenders simply do not have appetite for non-resident or international borrowers.

The specialist market is smaller but it exists — and within it, the criteria varies significantly between lenders. Some will consider almost any nationality and income structure. Others have very specific requirements. We access the whole market and know exactly where each case belongs before a single application is made.

"The UK property market does not belong only to UK residents. The right broker opens it up to anyone — from any country, any currency, any circumstance — and gets the case right from the first call."

100%
Remote service
From anywhere in the world
Whole
market
Independent access
Specialist international lenders
0+
Years of experience
International cases handled
£0
Protection advice fee
International cover available
Who we work with

Every type of international
UK property situation.

International investment

Buying UK property from abroad

Investors based outside the UK — of any nationality — face a specific set of lender restrictions that domestic buyers do not encounter. International income, non-resident status, visa type, and currency considerations all affect which lenders will consider the case. We know which ones will, and which are best for your specific profile.

We handle the entire process remotely — from the initial lender assessment to coordinating with UK solicitors through to completion, wherever in the world you are based.

Relocating to the UK

Buying before you arrive

Many international buyers want to secure a UK property before relocating — to avoid missing the right opportunity or paying more once they arrive. Some lenders will consider a residential mortgage for a property you intend to move into, even while you are still based overseas. Visa status, income type, and timing are the key factors.

We advise on the most suitable approach depending on your nationality, visa route, timeline, and whether your income will be UK or internationally-sourced at the point of application.

Family & lifestyle

A UK base for family

International buyers who want to purchase a UK property for family members — children at university, a pied-à-terre, or a long-term base — face specific lender considerations around occupancy, income source, and residency status. The structure of the purchase matters, and we advise on it before any application is made.

Some lenders are more flexible than others on occupancy arrangements and nationality profiles. We know which ones — and how to present the case correctly from the outset.

Portfolio building

Buy-to-let from overseas

Buy-to-let investment is the most common reason overseas buyers seek UK mortgage finance. Rental income as the primary income source is straightforward for BTL lenders who understand international cases — the challenge is finding them. Most mainstream BTL lenders require UK residency. Specialist international BTL lenders do not.

We also handle limited company BTL for overseas buyers — a structure that is increasingly popular for tax efficiency, portfolio building, and estate planning.

Remortgage

Refinancing an existing UK property

Remortgaging a UK property while based abroad — whether to switch to a better rate, release equity, or restructure — presents the same non-residency challenges as a new purchase. We assess the current lender's retention options alongside the whole market before recommending any course of action.

We manage the entire remortgage process remotely, including e-signatures, certified documents, and coordination with UK solicitors — no physical presence in the UK required.

Foreign currency income

International income, UK mortgage

Income earned in foreign currency — USD, EUR, AED, SGD, HKD, JPY, and others — is accepted by specialist lenders who understand how to assess and verify it. The currency, country of residence, and employment structure all affect which lenders will consider the case and on what terms.

We work with lenders who accept foreign bank statements, international payslips, and overseas employment contracts — and we know how to present each income type correctly.

Wherever you are based

Different regions.
Different challenges.

Europe
51°N 0°W
+0 to +2 hrs GMT
Spain · France · Germany · Switzerland · Netherlands · Portugal

European-based buyers have the advantage of timezone proximity and often retain or can open UK bank accounts — which simplifies income verification. The main challenge is lender appetite for non-resident borrowers, which narrows the panel significantly. Spain-based clients also benefit from our connection to Duende by Lawes for Spanish property needs alongside UK investment.

We access dedicated international lenders who accept European employment contracts and SEPA-zone bank statements, and handle the process in a timezone that works for you.

Middle East
25°N 55°E
+3 to +4 hrs GMT
Dubai · Abu Dhabi · Qatar · Bahrain · Saudi Arabia · Oman

The Middle East is one of the most active markets for international UK mortgage applications. AED, SAR, and QAR income is widely accepted by specialist lenders, and the high earnings common in this region often support strong borrowing capacity. The challenge is finding lenders who understand tax-free income structures and accept regional bank statements regardless of nationality.

We work regularly with UAE-based clients of all nationalities and have strong lender relationships for AED-income cases. Documentation requirements are well-established and the process is straightforward with the right broker.

Asia Pacific
1°N 103°E
+7 to +11 hrs GMT
Hong Kong · Singapore · Sydney · Tokyo · Shanghai · Bangkok

Asia Pacific presents the greatest lender restrictions — many mainstream lenders exclude HK and Singapore income entirely, and some have nationality-based restrictions. Currency volatility, regulatory differences, and distance compound the challenge. However, specialist lenders with genuine Asia Pacific appetite exist, and the strong incomes typical of this region support good borrowing capacity.

We manage timezone differences proactively — initial consultations outside standard UK hours by arrangement. Documentation requirements for APAC cases are more extensive, and we guide you through each step clearly.

Americas
40°N 74°W
-5 to -8 hrs GMT
New York · Toronto · Los Angeles · Miami · Caribbean

USD and CAD income is accepted by specialist lenders, though the panel is narrower than for European income. The significant timezone difference requires structured communication and a broker who manages the process proactively. US and Canadian documentation and employment structures are well understood by specialist international underwriters.

We arrange early-morning or evening calls to accommodate US and Canadian timezones, and manage the lender relationship and UK legal process entirely on your behalf — minimising the demands on your time across the gap.

——
"The UK property market is one of the most internationally active in the world. Our job is to make sure that wherever our clients are based, they have access to the same quality of advice and the same range of options. Nationality and location should never be the limiting factor."
Nathan Lawes — Director & Principal Adviser
How we make it work remotely
01
Video-first from day one. Every consultation happens by video call — at a time that works for your timezone. We have managed international cases from Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, New York, Paris, and the Costa del Sol. Distance is not a limitation.
02
E-signatures and digital documentation. Terms of business, mortgage applications, and lender documents are all handled digitally. Where certified physical documents are required, we advise exactly what is needed and by whom — clearly, in advance.
03
UK legal coordination handled by us. Instructing solicitors, managing the conveyancing timeline, and coordinating exchange and completion are all handled on your behalf. You remain fully informed — without needing to be physically present at any point.
04
International income assessed correctly. We know which lenders accept foreign currency income from which countries, which require UK account statements, and how to evidence employment status abroad. We package the case correctly before any lender sees it — whatever currency, whatever country.
The remote process

From anywhere.
To completion.

Step 01

Video consultation

A structured video call to understand your situation — nationality, residency, income, property plans, and timeline. We assess lender viability for your specific profile and advise on structure before any application begins.

Step 02

Document collection

We issue a clear, specific document checklist for your situation — international payslips, foreign bank statements, employment contract, passport. Everything needed, explained clearly, nothing superfluous.

Step 03

Lender selection & application

We identify the right specialist lender for your income, nationality, residency, and property — and submit a fully packaged application. All lender queries are handled by us. You are kept informed without being involved in every exchange.

Step 04

Remote completion

E-signatures, digital documentation, and UK solicitor coordination — handled entirely on your behalf. Completion happens without you needing to be in the UK at any point. The keys are yours.

International UK mortgages — answered plainly

The questions overseas buyers and international investors ask us most — answered honestly, without overclaiming what is possible.

Can I get a UK mortgage if I live outside the UK?
Yes — though the lender panel is smaller than for UK residents. Specialist international lenders exist for both residential and buy-to-let cases, and they understand foreign income, non-residency status, and the documentation requirements for overseas borrowers. The key is approaching the right lenders from the outset. Nationality, residency country, and income currency all affect which lenders are appropriate — and we assess all three before any application is made.
Do I need to be a UK national to get a UK mortgage?
No. UK mortgages are available to non-UK nationals, though the criteria varies by lender and depends on your nationality, visa status, residency, and income source. Some specialist lenders have very broad appetite for international buyers. Others have restrictions on certain nationalities or visa types. We assess your full profile and identify the lenders most likely to consider your case — before any application is submitted and before any credit check is run.
What income do international lenders accept?
Specialist international lenders accept income in most major currencies — USD, EUR, AED, SGD, HKD, CAD, AUD, JPY, and others. The documentation required varies by lender but typically includes overseas payslips, foreign bank statements, an employment contract, and proof of residency. Self-employed income, rental income, and investment income are also considered by some lenders. We advise on exactly what is needed for your specific income type, currency, and country before any application begins.
Do I need to come to the UK to complete?
No. The entire process can be completed remotely — consultations by video, documentation by secure digital transfer, and legal completion via e-signature or power of attorney. Where certified physical documents are required, we advise exactly what is needed and by whom. Most international mortgage cases complete without the buyer needing to be physically present in the UK at any point.
What deposit do I need as an overseas buyer?
Most specialist international lenders require a minimum 25% deposit — a maximum LTV of 75%. Some lenders will consider 80% LTV for the right profile, though the rate is typically less competitive. For buy-to-let, the rental income coverage requirements are similar to domestic BTL — typically 125–145% of the mortgage payment. We assess what is achievable for your specific nationality, residency, and income profile before approaching any lender.
I live in Dubai — can I get a UK mortgage?
Yes. Dubai and the wider UAE is one of the most active markets for international UK mortgage applications, and several specialist lenders have strong appetite for UAE-based buyers of any nationality. AED income is accepted, tax-free earnings are well understood by specialist underwriters, and the documentation requirements are well-established. UAE-based cases are among the most straightforward we handle, with the right lender.
I am based on the Costa del Sol. Can you help with a UK mortgage?
Absolutely — this is an area close to home for us. Nathan is based in Casares on the Costa del Sol, and we work with many clients living in southern Spain who want to maintain or invest in UK property. We handle UK mortgage cases for Spain-based clients regularly. For those also interested in Spanish property investment, we work with trusted local partners through Duende by Lawes — our Spanish property concierge service.
Wherever in the world you are based

Your UK property.
Handled from
wherever you are.

Tell us where you are based, what you are trying to do, and the income you are working with. We will give you an honest assessment of what is possible — in a conversation that works across any timezone, for any nationality.

FCA regulated · Whole-of-market · Independent advice