Buying property in the United Kingdom has always been seen as a safe and sensible investment. But what happens if you are living in the UK on a visa, and you are not classed as a permanent resident yet? Can you get a mortgage? The good news is yes, but it is not always straightforward. This guide will walk you through the essentials of securing a UK mortgage for non-permanent residents, highlighting the requirements, the challenges, and the opportunities you should know before applying.
Yes, it is possible. Lenders in the UK do consider applications from people who do not yet have permanent residency, but every case is judged on its own merits. The decision usually depends on your visa type, your length of time in the country, your income, and your credit history.
Lenders want reassurance that you are likely to remain in the UK long enough to keep up with repayments. For this reason, someone on a short-term visa might find it more difficult than someone with a visa that can lead to indefinite leave to remain.
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Contact us nowWhen you apply for a UK mortgage as a non-permanent resident, expect the bank or building society to look closely at:
While options may be more limited, non-permanent residents can still access most mainstream products such as:
Some specialist lenders also exist, focusing on applicants with more complex circumstances. A mortgage broker can be invaluable in finding these.
Getting a UK mortgage as a non-permanent resident is not without hurdles. The biggest issues include:
If you are serious about getting on the UK property ladder as a non-permanent resident, here are some practical steps:
Despite the extra hurdles, buying property in Britain remains attractive for many non-permanent residents. Reasons include:
Yes. You do not need indefinite leave to remain to apply for a mortgage in the UK. Some lenders accept applicants on temporary visas, provided you meet their income and deposit requirements. However, you may face stricter checks and fewer choices.
Many international workers in Britain do qualify for a mortgage. Lenders often welcome applicants on skilled worker visas or company transfers, particularly if you can show stable UK employment and a consistent salary.
It is very rare for students to secure a UK mortgage. Most banks consider study visas too short-term and high risk. Unless you have a substantial deposit, proof of long-term income, and a guarantor, approval is unlikely.
Non-permanent residents are usually asked for a larger deposit than UK citizens. While some lenders may accept 15–20%, it is common to see requests for 25% or more of the property price.
Yes, a UK credit history makes a big difference. Even if you have excellent credit overseas, most British lenders only assess your UK financial record. Opening accounts and managing them well before applying is a smart move.
Yes, you can buy property purely as an investment even without permanent residency. Some specialist lenders cater to buy-to-let mortgages for overseas and non-permanent residents, but the criteria and deposit demands are usually tougher.
EU citizens now face the same mortgage rules as other overseas nationals. Without a settled or pre-settled status, you may be treated as a non-permanent resident and asked for stronger proof of income and a larger deposit.
Yes, some visas are viewed more positively. Work-based visas, spouse visas, and family visas generally carry more weight than short-term or visitor visas. Each lender, however, sets its own policies.
