Are There Any Restrictions on Expats or Non-Residents Buying Property in the UK?

If you’re a British expat living in Dubai, hiking Swiss trails on weekends, or braving the humidity of Singapore, chances are you’ve considered investing back home in the UK.

But then the question hits: “Wait, can I even buy property in the UK if I don’t live there anymore?”

The short answer? Yes, you can. The UK is one of the most open property markets in the world — but (and there’s always a "but"), there are a few quirks you should know about before you dive in.

Let’s clear up the myths, break down the facts, and make sure you know exactly where you stand as a British expat or non-resident thinking about buying UK property.

If you don't want to read the below and would prefer to speak to one of our team you can book a call here.

If you're here for a read, let's get started.

🚫 Are There Legal Restrictions on Expats Buying Property in the UK?

Nope — not in the way many assume.

Whether you're a British passport holder living abroad or a foreign national with no UK ties, you can legally buy property in the UK.

The UK doesn’t restrict property ownership based on residency or nationality. You won’t need a visa, residency permit, or even a UK bank account (although the latter helps).

So who can buy?

✅ British citizens living overseas

✅ Foreign nationals (individuals or companies)

✅ Joint purchases with residents or other expats

Whether it’s a London flat, a buy-to-let in Birmingham, or a cottage in Cornwall — the market is open.

💰 So What’s the Catch?

While there are no legal restrictions, there are practical and financial hurdles that expats and non-residents need to overcome — especially if you're planning to buy with a mortgage.

Let’s unpack them.

🏦 Mortgage Challenges for Expats and Non-Residents

This is where things get interesting. Most mainstream lenders won’t offer mortgages to non-UK residents, especially if your income is in foreign currency or your credit file is inactive in the UK.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible — it just means you'll need:

• A specialist expat lender

• A bigger deposit (typically 25–30%)

• Proof of overseas income (in English, ideally)

• A broker who knows what they're doing (hi 👋)

  
  

👉 We’ve written a full guide on how to get a buy-to-let mortgage as an expat here.

Current rates for expats: Typically between 5.5% to 7%, with lender arrangement fees from £1,000 to £2,000 and broker fees between £995 and £1495 depending on complexity.

💼 Do I Need to Pay Higher Stamp Duty?

If you’re classified as a non-UK resident for tax purposes, you’ll pay an additional 2% stamp duty surcharge on top of standard rates.

We wrote a comprehensive blog post on how much Stamp Duty Land Tax you'll need to pay so make sure you check that out here.

Yes, it stings — but it’s a known cost, and with the right property, it can be more than made up for through capital growth or strong rental returns.

We factor this into all ROI calculations when sourcing properties for our clients.

🕵️ What About Background Checks?

UK property purchases are subject to AML (anti-money laundering) regulations. That means you’ll need to show:

• Source of funds (e.g. savings, inheritance, salary)

• ID verification

• Proof of overseas address

  
  

Don’t worry — this is standard practice, and we help clients prepare all the paperwork without the drama.

🧾 Do I Need to Set Up a UK Company?

Now this depends on each individual's tax situation. For the majoirty of people it makes sense to buy in a Ltd company, but make sure you speak to a tax accountant in the UK to double check that this also is the case for you.

UK limited companies are good for:

• Tax efficiency

• Easier mortgage structuring and lower stress tests

• Keeping personal and property finances separate

  
  

This is a strategic decision — and one we help our clients on, based on your goals and income bracket.

🧠 Common Myths — Busted

“You need to live in the UK to buy property.”

Wrong. You can live in Timbuktu and still own a flat in Manchester.

“Only British citizens can buy.”

Wrong again. The UK property market is open to everyone — British or not.

“It’s too complicated from abroad.”

Not with the right help. We manage this process daily for clients living across the globe.

🧭 Final Word: So, Can You Buy? Yes. But Should You Do It Alone? Probably Not.

Buying UK property as an expat is absolutely possible. But navigating overseas mortgages, currency risk, tax rules, and property sourcing without help?

Let’s just say we’ve seen a few horror stories. If you want to have a go yourself, make sure you read our all-in-one guide first.

At Expat Property Investments, we work with British expats in the UAE, Australia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and beyond — helping clients:

✅ Find the right property

✅ Secure an expat-friendly mortgage

✅ Manage the full process from offer to tenant

✅ Maximise long-term ROI with none of the legwork

Want to discuss your options?👉 Book a free call with our team — no jargon, no hard sell, just honest answers.

Or, if you’re just starting out, check out our guide to sourcing property investments from abroad.