Entries by Steve Grant

Expats are very active in the UK property market

Expats are in ever increasing numbers trying to either get on the ladder or increase their current UK property holding. The majority of expats see property in the UK as a “pension fund” or a way of laying financial security for the long-term future. Bricks and mortar have always been a national obsession. The wisdom […]

The future for expats with property in the UK.

So what has been going on? Conventional wisdom would suggest that in a period of economic uncertainly, rising unemployment and eye-watering levels of government borrowing we would see a fall in property prices or at the very least a much-subdued market. The Land Registry statistics are based on all completed sales many of which are […]

Expat re-mortgage surge in 2022

Figures just released show expat re-mortgage business is at an all-time high. Looking back at the start of 2020 re-mortgage applications to date this year are 31.5% higher and still rising. A recent survey highlighted that 37% of all expats re-mortgaging saved on average £287.00 on their monthly payments. I think we would all agree […]

Decreasing value of the pound encourages expats

New research reveals that expats and foreign nationals are snapping up UK property, while the pound is weak, prices remain affordable outside London and the South East. The new figures show that there has been a 20% year on year increase in expats and foreign nationals investing in UK property. These buyers are investing in […]

Expats looking at buy-to-lets for income

The report from financial intermediaries revealed that 70% of respondents had seen a rise in enquiries from British expats about buy-to-let mortgages for UK property. These findings reflect the growing demand for buy-to-let mortgages from overseas investors; due partly to the strength of foreign currency against the pound – attributed to the ‘Brexit effect’ – […]

Expat mortgage business remains very strong and stable

May 2022 has seen more expat mortgage business being conducted than this time last year. New applications for first time and re-mortgage business are also high for the time of year indicating expats still have faith in the UK property market. Mortgage rates are at a record low fuelling the increase in business being done […]

Expats should note!

If you are sheltering from rising interest rates within the safety of your fixed rate, you may also be feeling a little nervous about what will happen when your deal ends. Last week’s hike in interest rates to 1.25% came amid warnings the base rate could rise further to as much as 3% by the end the […]

Expats are wisely re-thinking their mortgage plans

 There was a surge in re-mortgage activity in February to May this year of this year, as expat borrowers look to lock into cheaper deals ahead of an expected interest rate rise.  Since the financial crisis in 2008 mortgage rates have steadily fallen. However, with the Bank of England hinting that it could raise interest […]

Always use an independent broker for ease and efficiency.

Expats are now using an independent broker more than ever before to secure their deals whether it be a new or re-mortgage. The survey showed using a broker will reduce completion times, they are fully versed in the expat mortgage process and able to react to the lenders requirements much quicker. 2022 has seen a […]