UK Mortgages for Non-Residents & Foreign Nationals Living in the UK
UK Mortgages for Non-Residents & Foreign Nationals Living in the UK
Securing a mortgage in the UK while living here on a visa or as a non-UK citizen is absolutely possible. Whether you're on a Skilled Worker Visa, Family/Spouse Visa, Graduate Visa or hold Settled / Pre-Settled Status, there are lenders who will consider you on very similar terms to a British applicant.
At Greywood Financial, we specialise in helping people who live in the UK, work here, pay UK tax and are building a life here — even if you haven't yet reached permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
If you live in the UK, earn UK income and can evidence your right to reside, there is a very strong chance that you can get a mortgage.
Who This Guide Is For
This page is for people who are based in the UK right now.
This includes anyone who:
- Lives in the UK
- Works in the UK
- Earns UK income
- Holds a temporary visa or EU Settlement Scheme status
Typical examples:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health & Care Worker Visa
- Spouse / Partner Visa
- Graduate Visa
- Family Visa
- Ancestry Visa
- Settled Status
- Pre-Settled Status
Can You Get a Mortgage as a Non-UK Citizen Living in the UK?
In most cases, yes. Lenders will usually want to see that you:
- Hold a valid UK visa or recognised status (e.g. Settled / Pre-Settled)
- Can prove a stable UK income (employed or self-employed)
- Have a UK bank account
- Can provide proof of UK address
- Are starting to build a UK credit history
Many mainstream and specialist lenders now have clear policies for visa holders. The key is matching your situation to the right lender, rather than trying to “force” it with the wrong one.
Deposit & Loan-to-Value (LTV) Requirements
The size of your deposit is influenced by your status and how long you’ve been in the UK.
95% LTV (5% Deposit)
Higher LTV options are often available where there is strong long-term UK connection, such as:
- Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- At least 5 years living in the UK
- One applicant in a joint mortgage has permanent residency
85%–90% LTV
Common for UK-based applicants with:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Pre-Settled Status
- Family / Partner Visa
- Graduate Visa (lender dependent)
75%–80% LTV
Typical where:
- You’ve been in the UK less than 1–2 years
- Your UK credit history is very limited
- Your visa has a relatively short time left before renewal
Documents UK Lenders Will Expect
Because you’re already UK-based, the paperwork is usually simpler than people expect.
Proof of Residency / Visa
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Immigration status share code
- Home Office letters or digital status confirmation
- Relevant passport stamps
- Settled or Pre-Settled status evidence
Proof of UK Income
- Last 3 months' payslips
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Most recent P60
- For self-employed: SA302s and tax year overviews, plus accounts if applicable
UK Credit Footprint
- Recent UK bank statements
- Utility or council tax bills
- Electoral roll registration (where you’re eligible)
Income Requirements for Visa Holders
For UK-based visa applicants, lenders typically look for:
- Evidence that your income is stable and ongoing in the UK
- Some lenders set a minimum combined income of around £75,000 for higher LTV cases
- Others rely purely on standard affordability calculations
- Self-employed applicants normally need 1–2 years of UK trading history
How Different Visa Types Are Treated
Skilled Worker Visa
Lenders are generally comfortable with Skilled Worker Visas where you have:
- 6–12 months or more remaining on your visa
- Stable UK employment and regular payslips
- A growing UK credit profile
In joint applications with a British or ILR partner, up to 95% LTV can be achievable with the right lender.
Settled & Pre-Settled Status
- Settled Status: often treated very similarly to a UK citizen, opening up standard products and higher LTVs.
- Pre-Settled Status: still widely accepted, though some lenders may cap maximum LTV slightly lower (often around 85%–90%).
Family & Spouse Visas
Family and spouse visas are often viewed as relatively strong, long-term routes to remaining in the UK. This can work in your favour, particularly on joint applications.
Graduate Visa
Mortgages on Graduate Visas are possible with certain lenders where:
- You’re employed in the UK and can evidence current income
- You’re using a UK bank account
- There is a realistic pathway toward longer-term status (for example, moving onto a Skilled Worker Visa)
Why Work With Greywood Financial?
Visa-based mortgage cases aren’t necessarily harder — they just need to be presented properly.
We help by:
- Identifying lenders who actively welcome your specific visa or residency type
- Structuring your application so it fits published criteria from day one
- Helping you evidence your income, visa and UK ties clearly
- Maximising your borrowing potential while staying within safe affordability limits
- Planning ahead for future remortgages once you obtain Settled Status or ILR
When you’re living in the UK on a visa, the difference between a “computer says no” outcome and a smooth approval is usually about choosing the right lender and presenting your case correctly. That’s exactly what we do every day.
Speak with an Expert today
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll explain your options clearly, without jargon or pressure.
