How a Non-Resident Can Get a Buy-to-Let Mortgage to Buy Property in the UK?
- Expat Property Investments Ltd
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If you're a British expat sipping flat whites in Sydney, braving the Dubai heat, or skiing on weekends in Switzerland, you might be wondering: Can I still invest in UK property while living abroad?
The short answer is yes — and the longer answer? Well, that’s why you’re here.
Let’s break down exactly how you can get a buy-to-let mortgage in the UK as a non-resident, what it costs, what mortgage lenders/banks will want from you, and how you can make the process smooth.
Why UK Buy-to-Let Property as an Expat?
UK property remains a favourite for British expats — stable rental demand, familiar legal structures, and, yes, it's still easier than trying to navigate property law in Dubai or Hong Kong.
But most expats assume it’s going to be a paperwork nightmare to get a mortgage from overseas. It doesn’t have to be — as long as you know what you're doing.
Can Expats Get a UK Buy-to-Let Mortgage?
Yes, but not with every lender. Most high-street banks won’t entertain you unless you’re UK-based with UK income. But specialist lenders and a few select banks will lend to British expats — you just need to meet the right criteria.
What Are the Key Mortgage Terms for Expats?
Here’s what you’re looking at:
💸 Interest Rates
For single let properties (i.e. Not HMOs) you're typically looking at 5.5% to 6.5% (as of mid-2025) which is higher than for UK residents, since lenders see you as higher risk.
Fixed and variable rates are available — most of our expat clients go for a 2 or 5 year fixed rate for stability.
📊 Loan-to-Value (LTV)
Most lenders cap LTV at 75%, although some can be nice and offer 80% if the rental yield is good.
This means you’ll need a 25% or 20% deposit minimum, though some lenders may ask for 30–35%, especially if you’re self-employed.
🧾 Broker Fees
Expect to pay around £995 to £1995 depending on the complexity and the broker. If you want a broker recommendation, reach out to us at info@expatpropertyinvestments.com
It’s worth using a broker who specialises in expat mortgages — trust us, your average high street broker will glaze over if you mention your foreign home address. Check out our other article on mortgages here.
🏦 Lender Arrangement Fees
Usually between £1,000 to £2,000, sometimes higher, and often can be added to the loan.
Some lenders charge a % of the loan instead — e.g. 1–2% of the total.
Take into account that this is a fee that you will need to pay every-time you get a mortgage, so if you go for a 2 year fixed rate, after 2 years you may need to pay this fee again if you want to get another fixed rate mortgage.
What Do Lenders Look At?
You might think, “I’m a successful professional earning six figures — surely I’m a dream client?” Sure, but they'll still interrogate you and your finances to make sure they can trust you.
Here’s what they’ll want:
Proof of income: Tax returns, payslips, employment contracts, bank statements.
Proof of address abroad: Utility bills & tenancy agreements with your home address on them. Request these from your employer and utility providers early as they can take a few months to arrive (especially if you're in the Middle East).
Credit history: UK credit score still matters. Make sure your address on all bank accounts is up to date and consistent.
Currency of income: GBP is easiest. USD, AED, CHF, SGD — all also fine.
Rental income projection: Lenders apply a stress test. The rent needs to be 125%–145% of mortgage interest payment. For example, if your monthly mortgage interest payments are £500, your rent needs to be at least £625-£725 depending on the stress test % required by the bank.
Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
📉 Property Down Valuations
Lenders do their own valuation. If it comes in low, your LTV gets skewed — meaning a bigger deposit or re-negotiation.
Tip: Always have a plan B — we help our clients through this process if it happens.
📎 Complex Paperwork
Documents often need to be certified, translated, or couriered. It’s a pain.
Solution: Work with someone who’s done this many times before — like us.
What Property Types Work Best?
Expats often go for:
Single-let houses (most popular & straight forward)
City-centre flats with strong rental demand (stay away from these if they are below 8% yield. Normally new build or off-plan apartments are going to cost you money every month. Please talk to us before you buy one of these from anyone!)
HMOs (if you’re up for the extra licensing and management, these can be very lucrative)
Still unsure? We help Brits worldwide choose properties that match their goals — whether you want hands-off monthly income, long-term capital growth or both. Let us help you.
👉 Check out our full guide on The Best Property Investments For British Expats
Can’t Be Bothered With All This?
Totally fair. That’s literally what we’re here for.
At Expat Property Investments, we specialise in helping British expats across the UAE, Switzerland, Australia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong and many more places invest in UK property without the stress.
We create the perfect strategy for you
We find the right property.
We help you secure the right mortgage.
We manage the entire purchase process.
We let the property out & can manage tenants
Put simply, you get the property & profit. We handle the problems.
If you want to chat through your situation and get some free guidance, book a free discovery call with our managing director here:👉 Book a call now here
Final Thoughts
Getting a buy-to-let mortgage as a British expat is totally possible — you just need the right team, the right lender, and a clear plan. Whether you're in Dubai or Denver, Zurich or Singapore, don’t let distance stop you from growing your wealth in the UK.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve helped many British expats just like you.
Get in touch today here — or explore more on our blog for step-by-step advice, market insights, and all the support you need.
