Mortgages for British Expats: Everything You Need to Know About Buy-to-Let Mortgages

If you’re a British expat living abroad and looking to start or grow your UK property portfolio, understanding how UK property investment mortgages work is absolutely essential. Whether you’re in Dubai, Singapore, Switzerland, the U.S., or beyond — getting a mortgage for expats is not only possible, it can be a powerful tool to build wealth through UK buy-to-let property.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what a mortgage is, how interest rates are calculated, how expats can secure a mortgage, and how we can help connect you with trusted, specialist brokers.

What Is a Mortgage?

A mortgage is simply a loan secured against a property. When investing in UK property, British expats and UK-residents usually look at buy-to-let mortgages, which are specifically designed for properties that will be rented out to tenants.

With most expat buy-to-let mortgages, you’ll need:

• A deposit of at least 25% (some lenders ask for more)

• Proof of income or business earnings abroad

• A clean credit history

How Are Interest Rates Calculated?

Most mortgage rates in the UK are based on swap rates — the interest rate at which banks lend to each other for fixed terms. These are influenced by inflation, the Bank of England base rate, and market forecasts.

For example:

• If 5-year swap rates rise, 5-year fixed mortgage rates tend to increase.

• Tracker mortgages are tied directly to the Bank of England base rate, which can rise or fall during your mortgage term.

Expats often choose fixed-rate mortgages to lock in certainty, especially in volatile markets.

Can British Expats Get a Buy-to-Let Mortgage?

Yes, and more easily than you might think. Several UK lenders offer UK property investment mortgages specifically for expats. These include both mainstream banks (like HSBC) and specialist lenders (like Skipton International, Axis Bank, or Landbay).

Requirements vary, but you’ll usually need:

• A valid UK passport (Although we can get mortgages for non-UK citizens if necessary)

• Proof of address in your current country of residence

• Proof of income or self-employment abroad

• A broker to package and submit your application properly

This is where many expats go wrong — applying directly to banks that don’t cater to international borrowers. The best route is to work with an expat mortgage broker who specialises in getting mortgages for expats. They know exactly which lenders will work with your situation and how to present your case.

At Expat Property Investments, we work with a network of trusted expat mortgage brokers who specialise in securing mortgages for expats and buy-to-let mortgage UK solutions. These brokers understand the unique challenges expats face — time zones, foreign income, lack of UK address — and know how to get deals done quickly and efficiently.

If you’re ready to explore financing options or you’re unsure where to start, just reach out to us and we’ll introduce you to the right mortgage broker for your circumstances. No obligation — just practical support from people who understand UK property investment inside out.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first investment property in the UK or expand your portfolio, the right financing is crucial. By using the right brokers and understanding how UK mortgage rates work, you’ll be well-equipped to make smart, profitable decisions — even from thousands of miles away.

Now you understand mortgages, how about we help you understand the rest of UK property investment whilst you're based abroad? Book a call with us here and we can take you through each step of property investment, whilst providing crucial insights to use and pitfalls to avoid.