Getting a Mortgage on a Family Visa

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Mortgage on a Family Visa

Looking to buy a home in Britain while living here on a family visa? You might be wondering if lenders will even consider your application, and if so, what hurdles you’ll need to overcome. Securing a mortgage on a family visa in the UK is not impossible at all – in fact, many people do it every year! But there are a few extra steps you’ll need to prepare for compared to a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain.

Let’s break it all down clearly so you know exactly where you stand.

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Family Visa in the UK?

The short answer is yes – you can! Banks and building societies in the UK do lend to people on family visas, but they want reassurance about your stability. Lenders like to see evidence that you’re legally allowed to live and work in Britain, that you have a reliable income, and that you can stay long enough to repay the loan.

For many lenders, the length of time left on your visa is a crucial factor. If your family visa has less than two years left, some high street banks may decline you straight away. Others may still accept but will ask for a larger deposit to balance the risk.

Ready to take the first step towards your new home?

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What Are the Main Requirements?

If you’re applying for a mortgage on a family visa, here are the usual conditions you’ll come across:

  • Visa length – Most lenders want to see at least 2 years left on your visa. Some specialist lenders may accept less, but terms could be stricter.
  • Deposit size – Expect to provide a bigger deposit than the standard 5–10%. It’s common for lenders to ask for 15% or even 25% if you’re on a temporary visa.
  • Income proof – You’ll need payslips, bank statements, and possibly your employment contract. Lenders want to be sure your income is stable and in the UK.
  • Credit history – A UK credit history helps a lot. If you’ve only recently moved, you may find this part tricky, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
  • Residency ties – Showing that your family life, job, and financial commitments are firmly rooted in Britain works in your favour.

Which Lenders in the UK Consider Family Visa Applicants?

Some of the big high street banks are more cautious with visa holders. You may find them turning you down simply because your immigration status is temporary. But there are other options!

  • Specialist lenders – These lenders are used to dealing with non-standard cases like family visas, work visas, or overseas income.
  • Building societies – Some of the smaller societies are surprisingly flexible and will look at the whole picture, not just your visa length.
  • Mortgage brokers – A broker with experience in family visa cases can be a game-changer, matching you with lenders who already accept similar applications.
Don’t let visa worries hold you back!

Find out which lenders are open to family visa applicants right now.

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How Much Deposit Do You Need?

This is the big sticking point. If you’re applying for a mortgage as a UK citizen with permanent residency, you might only need 5% down with a first-time buyer scheme. On a family visa, however, lenders tend to play safe.

  • Minimum deposit: Around 10–15% in most cases.
  • Safer range: 20–25% gives you more lender options and better interest rates.
  • The golden rule: The larger your deposit, the less risky you look to the lender – and the cheaper your deal becomes.

Do You Need a Guarantor or British Spouse?

Not always, but it can help! If your partner or spouse is a British citizen or has indefinite leave to remain, putting them on the mortgage application strengthens your case. A joint application means the lender sees more stability and income, which can tip the balance in your favour.

Some people also use a family guarantor, usually a parent with property in the UK, to secure approval. It’s not essential but can make things smoother.

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How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

Getting a mortgage on a family visa in the UK doesn’t have to be a headache! Here are a few practical steps to make your application stronger:

  • Build a UK credit record – Register on the electoral roll (if eligible), use a UK bank account regularly, and pay bills in your name.
  • Save a bigger deposit – The more cash you put down, the more confident the lender will feel.
  • Apply early – Don’t wait until your visa has only months left; lenders prefer a longer remaining period.
  • Use a broker – They’ll know which lenders are open to family visa applications, saving you time and rejections.
  • Keep paperwork ready – Have your visa, passport, payslips, and bank statements in order before applying.

Getting a mortgage on a family visa in the UK is perfectly possible – but you need to plan carefully, save a solid deposit, and approach the right lenders. The key thing is to show stability: secure income, good credit history, and strong ties to Britain. Don’t be discouraged if high street banks say no. Specialist lenders and mortgage brokers exist for exactly these situations, and they can help make home ownership a reality for you and your family!

Want expert guidance?

Contact a mortgage broker who specialises in family visas and get tailored advice for your situation.

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FAQs

Is it harder to get a mortgage on a family visa than for a UK citizen?

Yes, it can be more challenging. Lenders usually want stronger reassurance that you can stay long-term and keep up repayments. While UK citizens often qualify for lower deposits, applicants on family visas may need to provide more proof of stability.

Do I need to wait until I have indefinite leave to remain before applying?

Not at all! You don’t have to hold permanent residency to apply for a mortgage. Many people secure one while still on a family visa, as long as they can meet the lender’s requirements.

Can I apply jointly with my British partner?


Absolutely. Applying with a British spouse or partner often strengthens your application, as it shows stronger ties to the UK and shared financial responsibility.

Will my mortgage options be limited if I’m new to the UK?

At first, yes. If you’ve only been in Britain a short time, you may not have much of a credit history here. This doesn’t rule you out, but it can narrow the number of lenders willing to take you on.

Are interest rates higher for mortgages on a family visa?

Not always. If you can offer a good deposit and show steady income, your interest rate could be very similar to standard deals. But if your visa is short-term or your deposit is small, expect fewer options and potentially higher costs.

Can I still get first-time buyer support schemes on a family visa?


In many cases, yes. Family visa holders can often apply for schemes like Shared Ownership or First Homes, provided they meet the eligibility rules. It’s always best to check the small print of each scheme before applying.

What documents do I need to show for a mortgage on a family visa?

You’ll normally be asked for your passport, visa, payslips, bank statements, and proof of address in the UK. Some lenders might also request your employment contract or confirmation of your visa renewal plans.

Do all banks accept family visa holders for mortgages?

No, not every bank does. High street lenders may be stricter, while smaller building societies or specialist lenders are often more flexible with family visas.

Can I remortgage if I already have a mortgage but my visa is expiring?

Yes, remortgaging is possible, though it depends on how close your visa is to expiry. Lenders prefer a longer period left, so renewing your visa before applying gives you a stronger position.

Is professional mortgage advice useful for family visa holders?

Definitely! A broker experienced with visa cases can save you time, steer you towards lenders who accept family visa applicants, and increase your chances of approval.

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