Expat Mortgages | Compare UK Rates & Expert Guidance

What is an Expat Mortgage?

An expat mortgage is designed for people living abroad who want to buy, remortgage, or refinance property in the UK. It’s similar to a standard UK mortgage, but lenders assess a few extra factors because you’re based overseas — such as your residency status, how your income is paid, and your UK credit footprint.

There are three common reasons expats use UK mortgages:

Expat Residential Mortgages – to buy or remortgage a UK home you (or your family) will live in now or when you return.

Expat Buy-to-Let Mortgages – to purchase or remortgage a UK rental property while you remain abroad.

Expat Remortgages – to switch lenders, secure a better rate, raise funds, or move onto a more suitable product while living overseas.

Because expat cases are specialist, lenders often expect stronger documentation and, in many cases, a larger deposit than they would for UK residents.

Expat Mortgages & Remortgages Made Simple

Our FCA-regulated partner brokers work with lenders who actively support UK expats — including banks and building societies that regularly assess foreign income and overseas residency.

We’ll help you:

Compare specialist expat lenders
Access providers who understand overseas applicants and accept foreign-currency income.

Find the right mortgage type
Residential, buy-to-let, or remortgage solutions based on your goals.

Navigate expat criteria with confidence
From deposits to proof of income, your broker knows what lenders need and how to present your case.

This service is completely FREE and comes with no obligation for UK expats.

Access Specialist Expat Lenders

Compare UK expat mortgage products from lenders who regularly work with overseas residents and foreign income.

Residential, Buy-to-Let & Remortgage

Find UK expat mortgage options for a home you’ll live in, a rental investment, or a remortgage to secure a better deal.

Expert Expat Broker Support

Get guidance from FCA-regulated brokers who understand expat criteria and help you present your case to UK lenders.

We only partner with FCA-regulated mortgage brokers, giving you peace of mind that your details are safe and your expat enquiry will be handled quickly and professionally.

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Our Promise to You

Free, transparent, and built around your needs.

Using Compare Mortgages is completely free. If you choose a mortgage from one of our partners, we may receive a commission — but this never affects the options you’re shown. Our priority is always to provide clear, unbiased guidance so you can make the right decision for your UK property plans.

A Simple, Stress-Free Process

No obligation. No hidden costs. Just expert help.

1. Share your property details and goals – tell us whether you’re looking to buy or remortgage, and if it’s residential or buy-to-let.

2. Get matched with an expat specialist broker – we connect you with someone who understands overseas income and expat underwriting.

3. Receive tailored mortgage options – review deals you’re eligible for, ask questions, and decide in your own time.

FAQS

Can I remortgage a UK property if I live abroad? +

Yes. Many lenders offer expat remortgages, although not all mainstream banks do. A specialist broker can help you access expat friendly lenders and potentially more competitive rates.

What is the difference between expat residential and expat buy to let? +

An expat residential mortgage is for a UK home that you or your family will live in now or when you return to the UK. An expat buy to let mortgage is for a UK property that is rented out while you remain based overseas.

How much deposit or equity do I need as an expat? +

For purchases, most expat lenders look for at least 15 to 25 percent deposit, and sometimes more. For remortgages, your options depend on how much equity you have and whether the property is residential or buy to let.

Can lenders use my overseas income for a remortgage? +

Yes. Expat lenders regularly assess overseas income, but they may apply conservative exchange rates and affordability checks to allow for currency risk.

Will my current lender let me remortgage if I have moved abroad? +

Some lenders will, but others do not support expat borrowers. If your existing lender cannot help, a broker can search the market and help you move to an expat friendly lender.

Do I need a UK credit history to get an expat mortgage? +

A UK credit footprint is helpful but not always essential. Some expat lenders will consider applicants with limited recent UK credit history, especially if you have strong income, a good deposit, and a clear credit record in your country of residence.

How long do I need to have lived abroad to apply for an expat mortgage? +

There is no single rule, but most lenders want to see that your overseas situation is stable. They may ask for a minimum period in your current job or country of residence and will normally require recent bank statements and payslips from overseas.

How is foreign currency income assessed by UK lenders? +

Lenders usually convert your income into pounds using their own exchange rate and may reduce the figure they use for affordability to allow for currency fluctuations. Different lenders take different approaches, so using a broker can help you find those most comfortable with your currency.

Can I remortgage to release equity from my UK property while I live overseas? +

Yes. Many expat remortgage products allow you to release equity, for example to invest in further property or for other purposes, as long as the loan remains affordable and within the lender’s maximum loan to value limits.

How long does an expat remortgage usually take? +

Timescales vary by lender, but an expat remortgage often takes between six and twelve weeks from application to completion. Providing documents promptly and using an experienced broker can help keep things moving.

What documents will I need for an expat remortgage? +

Typical documents include proof of identity, proof of address, bank statements, payslips or income evidence, details of your current mortgage, and information about the property. If you are self employed or paid in a foreign currency, you may need additional evidence.

Does using an expat mortgage broker cost me anything? +

Some brokers charge a fee, some are paid solely by commission from the lender, and others use a combination of both. Your broker should explain any fees clearly at the outset so you can decide whether you wish to proceed.

Compare the Best Expat Mortgages for UK Property

Our trusted lender partners offer expat-friendly mortgage deals across the UK market