Expat Mortgage Options

Do you live overseas and want to buy a property in the UK?

Britons living abroad, either temporarily or permanently, will need to obtain a mortgage from a lender that has chosen to lend to expats. 

Typically, expats are looking to invest in buy-to-let property whilst living overseas, perhaps to provide an income in retirement or even to live in upon their return.

Whilst fluctuating exchange rates can, at times, provide a good opportunity for investors, it is also true to say that many expats earn better salaries abroad than they would do here in the UK.

A lower cost of living means they have more disposable income and want to invest in UK property.

As an expat are you thinking of entering the Buy-to-Let market?

 If so, firstly seek advice on your tax position and if incorporation (Limited Company) could be right for you.

More and more expat investors are considering entering this market for various reasons. What can a buy-to-let investment offer you?

Interest only mortgage.

Good potential returns on your capital invested.

Potentially better returns than on offer at high street banks.

Above are just some of the reasons why expats are considering a buy-to-let investment. If you are thinking of entering this market, always seek advice on the types of mortgages available that best suit your needs. You will generally need a deposit of at least 25%, this varies from lender to lender but the bigger the deposit the better the deal.

Can we help?

If you are looking for an expat new or re-mortgage, please do make contact and one of our fully qualified independent advisers will be happy to assist.

 

UK Expat Buy to Let Mortgage

Expats mortgage completions rising rapidly.

The last few months have seen a large level of expat buy-to-let mortgage approvals as landlords look to increase their portfolios.

The reasons are numerous, expats are very encouraged by the demand for rental property plus rents are increasing annually.

Home ownership in the UK has fallen to its lowest level for over 15 years which may well shock some people. When you look at the overall cost of buying a property in the UK perhaps it is not quite so surprising!

Brits living in countries where the currency is pegged to the USA’s, such as Hong Kong have been attracted to investing in property back in their home country.

What is happening is investors, including expats, are still buying-to-let in Britain, but perhaps focusing on lower loan-to-values and using larger deposits to take the various changes into account, as well as adapting their portfolios and business models to maintain their profitability: for example, by looking at up-and-coming areas across the UK instead of the more traditional rental hotspots like London.

Expat buy-to-let mortgages.

It is always recommended to be very selective before deciding on what mortgage best suits your needs. With the deals on offer it always pays to look at all the options, as an example a long-fixed rate deal may be very prudent with the fear of more interest rate rise looming.

An independent broker is recommended, and they will point you in the right direction plus save you time and money.

Need some help?

If you need assistance when choosing your next mortgage call one of our experienced independent advisers and we will be pleased to assist.

holiday let mortgages for expats

Buy UK Property From Abroad

An expat mortgage broker will get the best deal for you.

When funding big investments, such as the purchase of a property, choosing the finance method is a vitally important part of the process. An expat independent mortgage broker acts as a go-between who helps the borrower identify the most suitable lender, while a direct lender is a bank or other financial institution that decides whether the consumer qualifies for the loan.

The challenges brokers help you overcome.

More than 65% of expat buy-to-let landlords use an independent broker because researching suitable mortgage products is a challenging task. When setting up an expat mortgage from abroad it is so helpful to have your independent adviser based in the UK who can conduct the process on your behalf, it saves time and money!

Every expat has unique needs and objectives but one thing we all have in common is saving money.

If your current mortgage deal has no exit penalty or is coming to the end of its deal period, you may wish to look at a fixed rate deal. There are currently some very advantages rates on offer so now could be a very good time to act.

Re-mortgage to reduce your outgoings.

There are many reasons to consider a re-mortgage especially if you are currently on the standard variable rate (SVR) but you should remain cautious as this is not always the correct action to take.

Always seek independent advice as to the best way forward for yourself as your current plan may well have penalties. The most popular re-mortgage reasons are listed below.

Securing a better rate of interest

Changing to a fixed deal to manage outgoings.

Raising capital

Reducing current loans or credit cards

Mortgage advice?

If you need assistance with a new or re-mortgage, then please contact our expert independent advisers who are waiting to help.

Get A Quote Expat Mortgages UK Property

Mortgage for UK Expats

Expats are using auctions to expand portfolios.

 Due to the shortage of property perspective expat buyers seem to be turning to the Auction houses as reports show residential property sales are increasing at a rapid rate.

 This increase could well be due to the buy-to-let market booming at present. Existing expat landlords are increasing their portfolios as demand grows for good rental properties nationwide.

 Are bargains to be had at auction?

The very simple answer is yes!

Auctions are a great way to add to a buy-to-let portfolio, with a wide range of bargains often going under the hammer. But as any shrewd expat buy-to-let landlord will know, there is more to buying property than simply turning up and making a bid.

Among the many attractions of buying property at auction is that purchasers avoid the conventional drawn-out process of property buying, as the property is sold in a matter of minutes as soon as the hammer falls.

If you choose this route to buy, then be prepared!

But before attending and bidding on property at auction, investors must conduct all necessary due diligence. Two vital things to understand.

  • Have you carefully read the conditions printed in the catalogue?
  • Have you made financial arrangements to ensure you have a 10% deposit ready for payment on auction day, when the contracts are signed and access to the remaining 90% within 28 days?

Mortgage advice?

If you need assistance with a new or re-mortgage, then please contact our expert independent advisers who are waiting to help.

 

uk expat mortgage homes

UK Expat Mortgage

UK Expat Mortgage.

Expat with a UK mortgage?

Mortgage rates are unlikely to improve in the near future. So now is the ideal time for Expats to secure a fixed-rate deal on their mortgage if it’s financially viable.

Expats who are on a standard variable rate (SVR) or coming to the end of their term have the potential to save themselves thousands of pounds on their mortgage.

Is it a good time to buy in the UK?

The very quick and simple answer is yes!

The affordable properties that are available to purchase seem to be diminishing on a daily basis. This without doubt will mean higher prices you have to pay in the future. Prices are reasonably stable at present, and sellers are prepared to accept an offer to sell.

Selecting a mortgage to suit your needs.

Securing an expat mortgage doesn’t have to be difficult. Therefore it is always recommended to get independent expert professional help. Also using a specialist expat broker will without doubt give you the edge. They will be experienced in this type of mortgage process.

What a broker will do for you to save time and money?

The independent broker will take control of the mortgage process. Therefore relieving you of the stress and paperwork. They will be able to deal with the mortgage company supplying the loan. As such they can answer any queries they may have, saving you time and money.

Help required?

If you are an expat looking for a new or re-mortgage, please do get in touch and one of our fully qualified independent advisers will be happy to assist.

 

expat mortgages london property

Expat Buy-to-Let

Expat buy-to-let.

The Expat mortgage market is stable and thriving.

The expat buy-to-let mortgage sector has been more resilient than the residential mortgage one during the past six months.

Despite initially pulling deals from the market, mortgage choice has been on a broadly upward trend since July 2023, while the small fall in average rates suggests the market remains competitive and lenders are keen to do business.

Limited company expat buy-to-let mortgages.

As this area of expat buy-to-lets mortgages grow so has the choices to the borrower. Mortgage providers have not been slow to increase the number of fixed and tracker deals. Also, the charges and interest rates have reduced as popularity has increased which goes to prove lenders are in fierce competition to secure new expat business.

Buy-to-let limited company mortgages.

The majority of the expat buy to let purchase transactions made through limited companies last year were related to additional property acquisitions, although the figures also include expats selling property they already own personally into a corporate structure.

All transfers of properties from individuals to limited companies must be treated as a new purchase, and therefore do not qualify as a re-mortgage.

Confidence in brokers increases at a fast rate!

Expat landlords will know only too well how difficult it is selecting the correct mortgage deal due to the complexity of an expat mortgage. The last 3 years has seen a massive shift towards expats using a professional independent broker to secure the correct mortgage for their needs. This trend is continuing into 202’ with broker related deals increasing year on year by 34.6%.

Can we help?

If you are looking for a new or re-mortgage, please do make contact and one of our independent advisers will be happy to assist.

uk property expat rental property

Expat Rental Property

Expat Rental Property.

Expat buy-to-lets are stable and producing positive returns.

Rental income is still increasing and tenant demand for buy-to-let properties remains consistently high. These conditions are keeping expat landlords on a very positive footing after so much adverse news in the last six months.

The general feeling within the expat landlord community is that things will remain fairly stable in the coming months. One expat commented “my confidence remains high as I know it is so difficult for couples to get onto the property ladder with ever increasing property prices”.

Expat Rental Survey

A recent survey of expat landlords shows that over 60% have seen a large increase in demand for rental properties within the last 6 months. A multiple expat owner in the north said, “I have never found it so easy to let any of my properties, whether it is a 2 or 3 bedroomed seems to make no difference at all”. “I am finding rents are remaining stable and easily keeping pace with inflation so all in all I am very pleased”.

The survey also reported that a lot of expats intend to increase their property holdings over the next year. The consensus is that buy-to-let property over the long term is still a very sound and solid investment.

Where to invest is a question always being asked. Recent reports show that Manchester, Hull and the Blackpool areas are currently seeing very good growth. This is all due to reasonable house prices compared with the South of England. As well as an increased demand for rental property.

Can we assist?

It is vital to get the right mortgage to suit your needs. We have a team of fully qualified independent advisers waiting to help you. Do Contact Us to discuss your circumstances

 

student property for expat buy to let landlords

Expat Buy-to-Lets for Student Accommodation

Expat buy-to-lets for student accommodation showing huge increases.

Expat landlords could well be missing out on the blossoming student rental market sector. Expats maybe unaware of the potential returns on offer.

This is according to a new report recently released of existing expat landlords. In fact over 40% said they were completely unaware of the potential returns and high yield they can enjoy.

The number of students is rising at a rapid rate. Furthermore over the next decade the figure is expected to double. Are you missing out?

The 5 main reasons to consider this type of business:

High yields: Depending on location between 8%-10% net yields are possible.

Managed & Maintained: Plenty of very good local companies with experience in this type of letting.

Demand: Rising student levels means there is always a demand for this type of property.

Options open: Any expat landlord interested in this type of business can invest.

Buy-to-let choices grow:

Competition has grown over the years in the expat buy-to-let market as providers fight for the business. As such fixed rate deals are the fastest growing area of the buy-to-let market.  The threat of rate rises are still looming in clients thoughts.

Lowest interest rate mortgages and fees are reserved for low loan to value ratios. So basically, the larger the deposit level you have the better the deal that can be achieved.

Finally having said all this there are still some great deals available for those with a low deposit level.

Help With An Expat Mortgage?

If you require assistance with your expat mortgage planning please do call or contact us. One of our fully qualified independent advisers who will be happy to assist.

 

remortgages expat buy to let london property

Expat Buy to Let Remortgage

Expat Buy To Let Remortgage.

Expat landlords may wish to consider re-mortgaging.

In order to re-mortgage effectively, it’s important to first establish the purpose of re-mortgaging.

Most UK expat and foreign national investors will re-mortgage to avoid higher rates. Furthermore, expats can better devise a stable financial plan for their investment. There are also other ways to utilise a UK expat buy to let or foreign national mortgage.

Some UK expat and foreign national investors might take the opportunity to use their re-mortgage to fund further property purchases and build a larger portfolio.

Those who have made strong capital gains or for those who have a lower loan to value, as negotiating a preferential deal will be made easier as they are in a stronger bargaining position.

We have also seen re-mortgaging increasingly utilised as a tool with which to conduct environmental renovations.

As of 2025, properties with an EPC rating below a C will not be able to accept new tenants. As of 2028, existing tenants on these properties will no longer be allowed to occupy them.

So, many UK expat and foreign national landlords are faced with no other option than renovating energy inefficient properties.

Re-mortgaging is an excellent way to do this as UK expat and foreign national investors can use the equity in their property to raise capital with which to conduct renovations.

Selecting a remortgage to suit your needs.

Securing an expat mortgage doesn’t have to be difficult, it is always recommended to get expert professional help. Using a specialist expat broker will without doubt give you the edge as they will be experienced in this type of mortgage process.

Help required?

 If you are an expat looking for a new or re-mortgage, please do get in touch. One of our fully qualified independent expat mortgage advisers will be happy to assist.

expats uk property london

Expats Show Interest in UK Property

Expats Show Interest in UK Property.

Overseas Buyers and Expats.

Overseas buyers and expats are sizing up the UK property market for potential bargains. Taking advantage of the weak pound and falling property prices, according to the latest figures released last week. A report found that searches for UK property by overseas buyers has grown steadily over the last 12 months. They now account for 7.1% of all activity on the portal in the first three months of this year. This compares to just 3.9% three years ago.

Investors Keen To Capitalise.

A recent report said some investors are keen to capitalise on softening prices. As well as weak pound, buyers are finding worthwhile discounts on a range of properties. Expats show interest in UK property in these present times and reap the rewards on offer.

Independent Broker For British Expats.

Expats are choosing independent broker assistance for mortgage advice. As such the number of expat mortgages coming through brokers has risen steeply over the last 2 years. This figure now stands at 82% from 68% last year.

There has been a steady increase in mortgages sold by independent brokers to expat buyers and re-mortgagers. As such the market remains very buoyant indeed especially the buy-to-let side.

Independent broker benefits

Full range of mortgage choices.
Industry qualified independent advisers.
UK based for easy communication.
Fully automated service.
Faster completion.

Assistance required?

If you would like help with your new or re-mortgage, please do make contact.  One of our independent Expat mortgage advisers will be happy to help.