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In the UK mortgage world, a 5 % deposit means asking a lender to cover 95 % of the property’s price, i.e. a 95 % loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. For UK citizens or settled status borrowers, 95 % mortgages do exist (e.g. under certain government schemes). But for visa holders, it becomes more complex. Lenders see extra risk: visa status may end, you might leave the UK, or your income may change.
Thus, many lenders impose higher deposit requirements, stricter conditions, or limit your options. But “impossible” is too strong — under the right circumstances, you can get a mortgage with 5 % deposit even as a visa holder.
Let’s unpack what you’ll need, what to expect, and how to improve your chances.
When you apply for a mortgage on a visa (Skilled Worker, Spouse, etc.), lenders often look more closely at these factors:
Some lenders require that your visa has a certain length left (e.g. 6 months, 1 year) when applying. Others are more flexible. If your visa runs out soon, a lender might be reluctant to commit.
Many lenders favour applicants who have been in the UK for 1–2 years (or more). That gives you credit history, address history, employment stability. Some more restrictive lenders might expect 2–3 years.
A stable job (ideally permanent contract), reliable salary, and documented pay slips are essential. Lenders will want proof of earnings, employment contract, possibly past years’ income. If you have bonus/commission/variable income, they may average it or discount parts of it.
A clean credit record (no defaults, CCJs, missed payments) helps. Even better if you have some months/years of credit or loan history. New arrivals may lack this, making it more challenging.
You must show where the 5 % deposit came from — savings, gifts, etc., and traceable transfers. Overseas funds can be allowed if properly documented. Some lenders restrict gifts (must be from close family, not friend) or disallow gifts from certain jurisdictions.
Lenders will stress your mortgage with higher interest rates, check your other debts and living costs, ensure you can still pay. Visa applicants often get less margin for error.
Not all lenders accept mortgage applications from visa holders. You’ll need to find those that do, or specialist lenders / brokers who know the panel.
Because of all this, many lenders will require a higher deposit (10 %, 15 %, 20 % or more) from visa holders versus settled borrowers.
Though rare and demanding, 5 % deposit mortgages for visa holders are possible, especially when a few favourable conditions align. Here are situations that improve your odds:
Even if you get approved, being a visa holder with low deposit brings added challenges:
Here is a practical plan:
While aiming for 5 %, having extra funds (e.g. 7 – 10 %) gives fallback options and more favourable lender choices. It also shows strength in your application.
A broker familiar with visa mortgages is invaluable. They know which lenders accept visa holders, how to present your case, and which criteria can be relaxed or tailored. They can also filter out lenders unlikely to accept your case, saving you time and credit checks.
Some lenders and mortgage providers are more lenient or experienced with visa holders. Brokers can steer you toward them. Right Mortgage Advice claims to arrange visa mortgages with a minimum 5 % deposit and no minimum visa remaining in some cases. Also, niche lenders and those specialising in foreign nationals sometimes offer more flexibility.
Have ready:
If your partner or a co-applicant has ILR or citizenship, applying jointly can strengthen your case. Some lenders treat the application more favourably in such scenarios.
Lenders may restrict the maximum loan amount or reduce their willingness at 95 % LTV. If possible, look for properties with manageable price and avoid stretching your budget too thin.
Applying when you still have solid time left on your visa reduces lender risk. Avoid applying near the end of your visa term if possible.
Get a quick assessment from a UK mortgage specialist who understands visa requirements.
Get me a mortgageTo help illustrate:
Suppose you’re on a Skilled Worker visa, have been in the UK for 14 months, have a clean credit record, a full employment contract with good salary, and you put down a 5 % deposit. You approach a specialist broker.
It’s demanding, but possible depending on your personal situation.
Our advisers explain everything in plain English — no jargon, no pressure.
Let’s match you with one that fits your situation.
Get me a mortgageYes — it is possible in certain circumstances. A handful of lenders and specialist mortgage brokers accept 95 % loan-to-value (LTV) deals for visa holders, provided you have strong income, clean credit, a visa with sufficient remaining duration, and a documented source for the 5 % deposit.
Lenders commonly consider the following visas: Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2), Spousal/family visas, UK Ancestry visas. Some lenders also accept various work or family visas if other criteria are met. However, temporary or short-term visas (e.g. some Tier 5 types) are less likely to succeed.
There is no universal rule set by all lenders, but many favour applicants with at least 6 to 12 months’ residency to show credit history or proof of address. In some cases, lenders may ask for 2 or more years, especially when deposit is low.
Lenders typically want a decent length of visa validity remaining — often 12 months or more — so you’re less likely to face immigration risk during the mortgage term. Some lenders are more flexible and may consider shorter remaining term if your employment or renewal prospects are strong.
Yes — many lenders allow gifts for the deposit, including from family or overseas, but you must provide a clear audit trail and proof of where the funds came from. Some lenders restrict gifts to close family or disallow gifts from certain countries because of regulatory or risk controls.
Possibly. Visa holders are often viewed as higher risk, so you may be offered a slightly higher premium or fewer “lowest-rate” deals compared to citizens or settled status holders. That said, with a strong application (income, credit, deposit), you can sometimes still access competitive rates.
There is no fixed figure, but many lenders expect higher income levels than average to offset the perceived additional risk. Some sources suggest thresholds of £75,000 or more for foreign nationals in certain deals. If applying jointly (with a partner), combining incomes may strengthen your eligibility.
Yes — having a UK credit footprint (via credit cards, utilities, loan repayments) helps significantly. Some lenders may require 1–2 years of credit history in the UK. But a few specialist lenders may be more lenient if you have exceptional income or other compensating strengths.
Yes — having a co-applicant who has indefinite leave to remain or UK citizenship can greatly strengthen your application. Lenders may then apply standard criteria, ignoring or reducing their concern over your visa. This route is often used in spouse visa cases or joint applications.
No — they remain relatively rare. Only a small number of lenders and specialist brokers currently support 5% deposit mortgages for visa holders, typically under strict conditions. Many lenders still demand 10%–25% deposit for non-settled borrowers.
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