Expat Mortgages
Working with our extensive network of lenders, LDN Finance is dedicated to providing our expat mortgage clients with the best property finance solutions to suit their circumstances – no matter the complexity.
Arranging a high-value expat mortgage for UK property is naturally more complicated than if you were still residing in the UK. Considering the lending obstacles presented by foreign currency, multi-currency income, tax requirements, and assets such as offshore investments, it’s easy to see why.
At LDN Finance, we understand that mortgages for expats require a bespoke and tailored approach. It all comes down to strong relationships and industry contacts. Our expert brokers have a wealth of experience in securing high-value expat borrowing, working closely with our trusted network of private banks and specialist lenders who offer expat property finance at competitive, market-leading rates.
To discuss your expat mortgage and circumstances in more detail, get in contact with our professional and experienced team today.
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Service
Service excellence is at the heart of our business. We are renowned for our highly personal and bespoke approach to securing property finance for our clients, ensuring you feel in control and confident throughout your investment journey.
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We thrive in complex, challenging scenarios and work creatively in our negotiations with our trusted network of mainstream, private and specialist lenders to ensure we always secure the best possible outcome for your circumstances.
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We mean it when we say we see you as a valued partner. Our relationship with you is important to us and our team will continue to serve as your personal property adviser long after your first deal with us is completed and over the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage if you are living outside the UK or have recently moved back to the UK. However, UK expats often find it harder to access standard mortgages compared to current UK citizens. Expat mortgages are specifically designed to help UK expats buy property in the UK. Learn more about applying for an expat mortgage with LDN Finance here
In order to lower the risk, most mortgage lenders will require that UK expats put down a deposit of at least 25%. Should you choose to put down more, this will lower your loan-to-value ratio, potentially giving you a better mortgage rate.
Non-UK residents may apply for a mortgage in the UK. However, you will often find that it is more difficult to access mortgages compared to UK citizens. In such cases, a foreign national mortgage may be a better option. Check the section on foreign national mortgages for more information.
The maximum home finance value most UK mortgage lenders will allow varies between 3.5 and 6 times the value of the applicant’s total annual income depending on the lender. Other factors that may influence the total value include employment history, additional debts, number of applications, financial dependents and the amount of financial outgoings.
Can I get a UK mortgage if I live in Dubai?
It’s a question our expat mortgage expert Samuel Hesketh is asked often.
Dubai is a popular expat destination due to its tax-free earnings, sought-after climate and luxurious lifestyle. The general cost of living is also estimated to be around 25% lower in Dubai than in London (correct as of Feb 2023).
But Dubai is not the only destination that UK expats are drawn to. According to Expatra, Switzerland, Germany and Australia are the top three expat destinations for 2025.
With many domestic and expat clients, Sam is no stranger to sourcing a mortgage for UK expats looking to secure existing or new property at home. In this article we explore the questions that clients often ask us. We’ll cover how expat mortgages differ to standard mortgages, and how clients can secure one.
What do I need to have to be able to get an expat mortgage?
If you’re living abroad, there are some requirements that you’ll need to have before applying for an expat mortgage:
- Proof of a job or employment contract, and subsequently income
- If self-employed, proof of earnings
- A clean credit history
- Equity or a deposit to secure the loan, around 20%.
Do not be put off speaking to an adviser if you don’t have one of these. Get in touch to discuss the options available.
How do expat mortgages differ to a standard UK mortgage?
Well, typically they don’t. Expat mortgages are very similar to standard residential mortgages as clients can access fixed or variable rates, capital repayment or interest only.
In some cases, expat mortgages tend to be less competitive when compared against residential mortgages. This is due to their specialist nature. However, that is beginning to change. As expatriation becomes an increasingly popular choice for UK nationals, lenders are exploring how they can make their products more competitive. One particular international bank now offers the same product options to expat and UK clients, assuming the client meets the usual criteria.
Are there many expat mortgages available?
Although there are fewer expat mortgages available when compared to standard UK mortgages, we tend to find that there are plenty of options to choose from. The lenders providing expat mortgages include certain high street banks who have an international arm and some smaller building societies, as well as private banks and offshore lenders. At LDN Finance we work closely with an extensive network of lenders to ensure we have access to all product options available.
Across the market there is typically a maximum loan to value (LTV) cap of 80% however, there is some flexibility surrounding this. For example, for high net worth individuals.
How do lenders account for currency fluctuations?
The expat mortgage lenders will take what’s called a ‘haircut’. This means that they’ll reduce the income they use in the application to account for currency differences. This haircut amount will vary from lender to lender and one jurisdiction to another. However, you can expect this haircut to be anywhere between 5% – 25% across the market.
Will I be able to get an expat mortgage with little or no credit history?
Lenders understand that you may not have the standard three years address history required when applying for a residential mortgage. However, each lender will differ their stance depending on their product. Most will adopt a bespoke underwrite by assessing a client’s financial profile, for example level of income.
How can I secure an expat mortgage when living abroad?
When searching for a specialist mortgage such as this, it’s a good idea to speak to an adviser who can offer advice on your individual circumstance. Advisers such as myself and the LDN Finance team have extensive experience in sourcing expat mortgages, foreign-national mortgages and specialist residential mortgages.
Through our extensive network we have access to a wide range of expat mortgage products in order to help you secure the most suitable option. Get in touch today for more information.
Testimonials
Our happy clients
Excellent and outstanding professional service from start to finish. From offering as many options as possible, to explaining to me very quickly what the benefits are and what I should really be thinking about moving forward. Thoroughly recommend.
5 Stars! The LDN team supported us purchasing our family home, without their support and as an expat it would have been very difficult to obtain our new home in the UK. I would totally recommended them.
Johnny Martin held our hands through the entire process calmly and professionally. Brilliant service, efficient and swift in response to everything. He made the entire journey uncomplicated even when the bank made it complicated. Highly recommended.
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