Mortgages for Overseas Buyers and Non-UK Residents in Prime London

1 hour ago

2 min read

Prime central London attracts buyers from around the world. Many could buy with cash but choose to borrow, to keep capital invested, manage currency exposure or preserve liquidity. Fewer lenders serve non-UK residents, and criteria vary widely, so preparation matters.

Neoclassical townhouse front door in London

Who this applies to

Foreign nationals living outside the UK
British expats living and working abroad
Foreign nationals living in the UK
Companies and trusts owned by overseas individuals

What lenders typically look for

Deposit: non-resident borrowers are often asked for 25% to 40% or more of the purchase price.
Income and assets: verifiable income or wealth, with documents translated where needed. Private banks may focus on your overall wealth and banking relationship.
Country of residence: some lenders only accept applicants from certain countries.
Currency: income earned in another currency may be assessed with a margin for exchange-rate movements.
Loan size: private banks often have high minimum loan sizes, while some specialist lenders cater for smaller loans.

Living in the property or letting it

If you or your family will live in the property, the loan is usually a regulated mortgage, and the lender and adviser must follow FCA rules. If the property is an investment to let, a buy-to-let mortgage or other unregulated lending may apply. Our broker partner will confirm which applies to your case.

Due diligence

UK anti-money laundering rules require lenders, solicitors and estate agents to verify your identity and the source of your deposit and wider wealth. Expect to provide certified identification, proof of address, bank statements tracing the deposit, and a clear explanation of how your wealth was built. Having this ready can save weeks.

Purchase costs and tax

Non-UK residents pay a Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge on top of the standard rates when buying residential property in England, and higher rates also apply if you already own other residential property. Properties held through companies may also be subject to additional annual charges. Take UK tax advice before deciding how to hold the property.

Who we help

International buyers and British expats purchasing or refinancing homes and investments in Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Marylebone, St John's Wood and Hampstead.

Next steps

Buying in prime London from overseas? Use our enquiry form to tell us about your plans. We review your requirements, package the case and introduce you to our specialist broker partner. Our service is free to clients. See how it works.

Kensington Real Estate Finance is an introducer and does not give mortgage, tax or financial advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. If your income is in a different currency, exchange-rate changes may increase the cost of your repayments. This article is general information, not a recommendation.

Kensington Real Estate Finance is not associated with, affiliated with or endorsed by Kensington Mortgage Company Limited (trading as Kensington Mortgages, kensingtonmortgages.co.uk), company number 03049877, registered office Ascot House, Maidenhead Office Park, Maidenhead, SL6 3QQ.