Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common questions that we get from British expats and non-UK residents. If you have any other questions, ask our expert team here.
Can I buy a UK property whilst not actually living in the UK?
Yes. We help British & non-British nationals all around the world to buy property in the UK. If you have a British passport it is pretty straightforward and we can guide you through the whole process, from start to finish. Property is a great investment with high rental yields and good capital appreciation which makes it the perfect hedge against inflation reducing the value of the cash in your bank. For non-British nationals, the process can be a bit more long-winded due to extra background checks, but it is definitely possible.
Can I get a mortgage, or other lending, in the UK whilst living overseas?
Yes. There are lenders who specialise in non-UK resident lending and will give you a mortgage assuming you meet their standard lending criteria. There may be a few more hoops to jump through but there are options. You will need an employment contract, payslips, bank statements, ID and proof of address via a utility bill.
How long does it take to buy a property in the UK as a non-UK resident?
It depends on many variables, such as the type of property, the investment strategy, the speed of your lender and if there are any issues in the conveyancing process. We have seen it take anywhere between 1 and 9 months. This large variance is due to the many factors at play. However, we aim to complete for our clients as quickly as possible.
Do you invest in property yourselves?
Yes! We have multiple investment properties ranging across different strategies (BTL, HMOs & Serviced Accommodation) in various parts of the UK. We buy to hold for the long term, whilst focusing on maximising rental yields through good quality properties and premium rents.
Is now the right time to buy?
We buy consistently throughout the year and hold for the long-term, which means that any drops in property prices are corrected by the time we come to sell. However, if you are using a strategy like BRRR or flips, these price variations are something that you should consider. This is something that we can help you to do through our consultation calls, or our bespoke hands-off end-to-end sourcing service.
What investment strategy is best for me?
The best strategy varies depending on your individual situation, goals, budget and timeline. This is why we put a huge emphasis on people getting a bespoke strategy created, by an expert, to help kick-start your investment journey. We help clients all around the world put together the best strategy for them, and then we guide them through the process of executing that strategy to meet their desired timelines. Check out our services page to see how we can help you with your strategy.
What returns will I achieve from UK property on annual basis?
This depends heavily on your budget, strategy, location and the lending that you get. For our clients buying a single let property, with a standard interest rate, we aim for 8% minimum rental Return On Investment (ROI). This does not take into account any gains in property value, so it's a solid base to build on. However, don't get this mixed up with gross yield. Gross yield does not take into account your monthly costs. ROI does. We only work in ROI to ensure our client is fully clear on money in vs money out. For other strategies, such as flips, BRRR, HMOs and serviced accommodation we would expect to achieve a lot higher ROI figures.
How will I manage tenants in the UK whilst living overseas on a different timezone?
You don't have to! We offer fully hands-off management of your property once it's rented out so you can sit back and not worry about tenant issues or maintenance problems. We charge an on-going fee for this depending on your property type. We source, we purchase and we manage.
Why do people use your services?
Our wide range of services appeal to non-UK resident property investors who're looking to save some time, who're looking to have an expert walk them through the process or who're not a fan of the headaches of property investment but are a fan of the solid returns it can provide. Our services are an investment in their own right. We get great feedback from people all over the world happy to pay a flat fee in return for expert input which means they avoid making huge mistakes that could have cost them hundreds of thousands of pounds. We think it's a good deal.
How will my tax status change in my country of residence if I buy an investment property in the UK?
We recommend you to speak to an accountant in your country of residence as well as in the UK to discuss this as everyone’s situation is different and we are not qualified to advise on tax. If you want an introduction to a UK property accountant, please contact us via the contact page.
What makes Expat Property Investments different from other companies offering UK property investments to British Expats & non-UK nationals?
Everything. Put simply, we are on your side. We don't take commission from property sellers/developers to sell their properties. We take one fee, and that is from our client. We are working only for you. Our service is personal, you have a direct line to our founder throughout your time with us. The returns our clients have achieved are above the UK average, and every single one of our clients has given us glowing reviews. Our experience across different UK property investing strategies, and our large network of professionals in the UK, allows us to guide clients through the investing journey smoothly. What we offer is unique, top quality & proven. This explains our quick growth.
Are you fully compliant to act as a property agent & consultant?
Yes, this is something we pride ourselves on. We are registered with the Property Redress Scheme (PRS), the ICO and also registered with the HMRC for Anti-Money-Laundering Supervision. We also have full PI & PL insurance. You can find all of this information via the Compliance page in our website footer.
How much money do I need to get started?
This is something that we go through in detail with our bespoke strategy development service. It really depends on the types of properties you want to invest in, and what kind of lending you can get. You can buy a small single let property using a £45,000 cash pot but if you wanted to buy a 5 bedroom HMO you will need at least £70,000. Of course there are bigger properties for more and smaller properties for less.
What fees do you charge for your services?
All these are available to see on our Property Services page, along with full descriptions of what each service entails.