Buying a home is a huge milestone, but for many people moving to the UK, the dream can feel out of reach. If you’re here on a visa – whether that’s a Skilled Worker visa, Student visa transitioning into work, or a Spouse visa – you may have already heard whispers that getting a mortgage can be complicated. The good news is that it isn’t impossible. With the right support, especially from mortgage brokers for visa holders, you can make your home-owning plans a reality.
In this guide, we’ll look at how the system works in Britain, why specialist brokers are often the key, and what you need to prepare before making your application.
Banks and high street lenders in the UK love to see stability. They want proof that you’ve got a steady income, good credit history, and long-term residency. For British citizens, that usually means handing over payslips, bank statements, and ID.
But for people on visas, there can be a few hurdles:
Length of visa – Many lenders want to see that you have at least 12–24 months left on your visa before they’ll approve a mortgage.
Credit history – If you’re new to the UK, you may not yet have a strong credit record here.
Type of visa – Some lenders only accept certain visas, such as Skilled Worker or Spouse visas. Student visas can be more difficult.
Deposit requirements – Lenders might ask for a bigger deposit from visa holders, sometimes 20–25%, compared with the usual 5–10%.
These rules aren’t set in stone, though. Every lender has different criteria, which is where brokers come in.
Speak to our specialist mortgage brokers for visa holders today.
Contact us nowSpecialist mortgage brokers understand the unique challenges faced by visa holders. They don’t just look at your paperwork – they dig deeper, finding lenders who are open to your situation. Here’s how they can make the process smoother:
Visa holders can often access the same types of mortgages as British citizens – the difference lies in the criteria. The main options include:
A broker will help you decide which product best suits your situation.
Before speaking to a broker, it’s a good idea to gather the right paperwork. Lenders in the UK typically ask for:
The stronger your financial evidence, the better your chances.
Buying a home in the UK is a big step for anyone, but for people living here on a visa, it often comes with extra challenges. Many high street banks can be hesitant when dealing with non-UK nationals, and the application process can feel frustrating. That’s where we come in.
We are specialist mortgage brokers for visa holders, working with individuals and families from all backgrounds who are looking to make the UK their home. Whether you are here on a Skilled Worker visa, a Spouse visa, or another type of visa, our team is experienced in finding lenders who understand your situation.
mortgag a home while on a visa doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can secure a mortgage that suits your situation and start building a future in the UK.
Speak to our team of mortgage brokers for visa holders today and take the first step towards owning your own home.
Not every broker handles every visa type. Some focus on work and family visas, while others can help with more complex cases such as Tier 2, Innovator, or Ancestry visas. A specialist broker will know exactly which lenders accept your specific visa.
For visa holders, brokers usually make the process smoother. Banks on the high street can be strict with their rules, whereas brokers often have access to smaller or specialist lenders who are more open to applications from people on visas.
Timeframes vary, but with a well-prepared application, some visa holders receive a mortgage offer in as little as two to three weeks. A broker speeds things up by matching you with lenders who are more likely to say yes from the start.
Most brokers charge either a flat fee or a percentage fee for their service, and this doesn’t usually change because you’re on a visa. However, it’s worth checking upfront so there are no surprises.
Yes. Even with limited time in the country, a broker can guide you towards lenders who are comfortable with new arrivals. They may also suggest ways to strengthen your application, such as building a UK credit profile.
Absolutely. Self-employment can be tricky for any applicant, but brokers who specialise in visa holders know which lenders are flexible about proof of income and business records.
No – while many are in London, specialist brokers support clients across the UK. Whether you are in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, or elsewhere, you can usually get advice remotely over the phone or online.
Look for a broker with experience in international or non-UK national cases, access to a wide panel of lenders, and positive reviews from clients in similar situations.
