Buying a home is a dream for many couples settling down in the UK. But if one partner is on a spouse visa, the journey to securing a mortgage can feel confusing. Lenders often look more closely at visa status, income, and financial stability before offering a deal. The good news? Getting a spouse visa mortgage in the UK is absolutely possible, but you’ll need to understand the requirements, potential challenges, and the best way to improve your chances of approval.
A spouse visa mortgage simply means a mortgage taken out when one partner is living in the UK on a spouse or partner visa. This visa allows non-UK nationals married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen or settled person to live and work here. Because a spouse visa is usually granted for a limited period (two and a half years initially), some lenders view it as higher risk compared to permanent residency.
Despite this, many banks and building societies are open to lending to couples where one partner has a spouse visa, provided the other aspects of the application are strong.
Yes, you can. But the process might not be as straightforward as for a British citizen or someone with indefinite leave to remain. Each lender has its own rules. Some may accept spouse visa holders easily, while others might insist on more evidence of income, longer employment history, or a larger deposit.
What really matters is:
• Visa length – Most lenders prefer to see that you have at least 6–12 months left on your visa.
• Income stability – Regular, provable income from employment or self-employment is key.
• Credit history – Good UK credit history strengthens your case significantly.
• Deposit size – A bigger deposit (e.g. 15–25%) often makes lenders more comfortable.
Find out how much you could borrow on a spouse visa.
Contact us nowApplying for a mortgage while on a spouse visa can bring a few hurdles:
1. Short visa terms – Because spouse visas are temporary, lenders may worry about long-term repayment.
2. Limited UK credit record – If you’ve only recently moved to the UK, your credit footprint may be small.
3. Income proof – Self-employed applicants or those with short work history may find it harder.
4. Stricter lender choices – Some mainstream lenders simply don’t accept temporary visas.
The good news is there are clear steps you can take to make your application stronger:
Not always. If the British or settled partner earns enough on their own, they may be able to take out the mortgage in just their name. This can sometimes make the process easier. However, applying jointly may allow a couple to borrow more, provided the spouse visa partner can prove reliable income.
Most high street lenders will expect at least a 10% deposit, but many may prefer 15–25% if one applicant is on a spouse visa. The higher your deposit, the wider your choice of lenders and the better your interest rates are likely to be.
When applying for a spouse visa mortgage, be ready to provide:
• Passport and visa details
• Proof of address (utility bills, council tax, tenancy agreements)
• Payslips and bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
• P60 or employer reference
• Evidence of deposit (savings, gifted funds, etc.)
If you’re self-employed, expect to provide tax returns and SA302s instead.
For many couples, using a specialist mortgage broker is the easiest route. Brokers understand which lenders are flexible about visa types and can help avoid wasted applications. They’ll also guide you on paperwork, affordability checks, and how to present your case in the best possible light.
Regional and Local Considerations
While mortgage rules are set nationally, local housing markets across the UK can affect affordability. For example:
• In London and the South East, higher house prices may mean needing a bigger deposit or higher joint income.
• In the North and Midlands, affordability may be less of an issue, but lenders still apply the same visa checks.
• In Scotland, property law is slightly different, so always seek advice tailored to Scottish conveyancing.
Yes, you can apply, but it may be more challenging. Lenders often want to see some financial footprint in the UK. If you’ve recently moved, start by opening a bank account, using it regularly, and ensuring bills are in your name. Some specialist lenders do accept new arrivals, especially if your partner is a British citizen with a stable income.
Yes, in major hubs like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, there are brokers and lenders who regularly work with international clients and visa holders. Because these areas attract global workers and families, local brokers tend to have more experience finding suitable mortgage products for spouse visa applicants.
Not always. If your partner earns enough to meet the lender’s affordability checks, they may apply alone. However, in regions with high property prices, such as London or Surrey, a joint application can increase the borrowing limit. It all depends on your financial set-up.
This is an important question. If your visa is not renewed, you should contact your lender immediately. Each case is reviewed individually, but lenders are generally concerned with affordability rather than immigration matters. As long as payments are maintained, your mortgage agreement usually continues.
Yes, remortgaging is possible and often easier once you’ve been in the UK for a few years. With an established credit history, regular income, and possibly indefinite leave to remain, you may access more competitive mortgage rates than when you first applied.
There’s no set figure across the UK, but lenders usually require evidence that the household income comfortably covers repayments. The exact amount depends on the property price and the lender’s affordability calculations, rather than your visa status.
Yes, but self-employed applicants are often asked for extra proof. Lenders might request tax returns, business accounts, or contracts to show ongoing work. This applies across the UK, whether you live in a big city or a smaller town.
Indirectly, yes. In areas like London or Oxford, higher house prices may push lenders to ask for larger deposits or higher income. In more affordable areas of the North East or Wales, approvals may be easier to achieve with modest savings.
Sometimes. Certain lenders allow spouse visa holders to access shared ownership or First Homes schemes, but eligibility depends on the lender and local authority rules. Always check the fine print, as each scheme has its own requirements.
Most lenders like to see at least 3–6 months in your current role, but some may consider shorter employment history if your overall financial profile is strong. A permanent contract carries more weight than a temporary one.
