Expat Mortgages: Expert Solutions for Expatriates and International Clients
Expat Mortgage Finance
Are you an expatriate looking to invest in the UK property market? Navigating the mortgage process from overseas can be challenging, but with Premier Expat Mortgages, you’ll find tailored solutions designed to meet your unique financial circumstances.
Whether you’re a UK citizen living abroad, a non-resident investing in UK property, or an expat planning to return home, our dedicated team is here to simplify the mortgage process and secure the best deal for you. Established in 2008 and based across Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, we’re one of the longest-serving expat mortgage brokers based overseas – just as our clients are.
What Is an Expat Mortgage?
An expat mortgage is a specialised loan for individuals living outside the UK who want to purchase or refinance property in the UK. These mortgages account for the unique financial situations of expatriates, such as earning income in foreign currencies, differing tax positions, and the extra work involved in demonstrating affordability to UK lenders. As an independent, whole-of-market broker, we have access to over 75 lenders and more than 100 mortgage products, including high street banks, offshore lenders, and private banks, ensuring you have access to competitive rates and terms genuinely suited to your circumstances rather than a single lender’s narrow criteria.
Our Core Mortgage Services
Residential Mortgages for Expats
Whether you’re buying a first home, keeping a family base in the UK, or returning after an overseas assignment, our Residential Mortgages page covers what’s involved in securing a mortgage for a property you or your family will live in.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages for Expats
Looking to invest in the UK rental market? Our Buy-to-Let Mortgages page covers purchasing, refinancing, and building a rental portfolio while based overseas.
Expat Remortgages
If you already own UK property, remortgaging can reduce your rate, release equity for further investment, or simply improve your monthly cash flow. Our Expat Remortgages page covers both residential and buy-to-let remortgaging in more detail.
Mortgages for Non-UK Residents and Foreign Nationals
For non-British nationals investing in UK property, our Foreign Passport Holder Mortgages page covers how nationality and visa status factor into a lender’s assessment.
Secured Loans, Bridging and Commercial Finance
Beyond standard mortgages, we also arrange Expat Secured Loans and bridging finance, along with Commercial Mortgages for retail, office, and industrial property.
Expat Life Insurance
Many clients preparing a mortgage haven’t reviewed their protection cover in some time. Our Expat Life Insurance page covers cover that moves with you internationally, rather than needing renewal every time you relocate.
Specialist and Bespoke Expat Mortgages
Beyond the core products above, we regularly arrange more specialist financing, including:
- First-Time Buyer Expat Mortgages
- High Value Mortgages (£1m+)
- HMO Mortgages for Expats
- Second Charge Mortgages
- SPV Share Purchase Mortgages
- Self Build Mortgage Finance
- Consent to Let
- Self-Employed & Contractor Expat Mortgages
- Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) Mortgages
- Property Portfolio Financing
- Private Bank Mortgages for high net worth borrowers with assets over £1m or borrowing needs above £500,000
Our full Expat Mortgages hub page covers all of this in more depth, including offshore company mortgages and buying ahead of a return to the UK.
Wherever You’re Based, We Can Help
You don’t need to be based in Asia Pacific to use our service – clients are based worldwide. We’ve put together detailed country-specific guides covering how UK lenders assess applicants from many of the locations our clients live in:
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Japan
- UAE / Dubai
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- France
- Portugal
If your country of residence isn’t listed above, get in touch anyway – we regularly place applications for clients across many more locations than we’ve written guides for.
Why Choose Premier Expat Mortgages?
Genuine Whole-of-Market Access
As a fully independent broker, we source from the whole of market – high street banks, offshore lenders, and private banks – rather than being tied to a limited panel.
Expertise in Expat-Specific Challenges
Foreign currency income, limited UK credit history, and complex financial arrangements are the norm for our clients, not the exception – we know which lenders are genuinely comfortable assessing these situations.
We’re Expats Too
Our team is based overseas, in a similar time zone to many of our clients, meaning you’re not left waiting on UK business hours alone to get a straight answer.
A Track Record With Difficult Cases
We pride ourselves on finding solutions to the more difficult expat mortgage cases – don’t hesitate to get in touch even if you’ve been declined elsewhere.
Your Guide to the Expat Mortgage Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We start with a no-obligation consultation to understand your goals and financial situation, so we can recommend the mortgage options genuinely suited to your circumstances.
Step 2: Mortgage Pre-Approval (Decision in Principle)
Once we’ve identified a suitable lender, we’ll guide you through pre-approval, making sure all the necessary documents are in place from the outset.
Step 3: Property Search and Offer
With your pre-approval secured, you can search for your property with confidence. Once an offer is accepted, we work closely with the lender and solicitors to keep things moving.
Step 4: Mortgage Completion
After all checks are complete, your mortgage is finalised and you can take ownership of your new property or investment.
Work Out What You Could Borrow
Before you start viewing properties, our Mortgage Calculator gives you a starting estimate of what you might be able to borrow, based on your income and deposit. It’s a helpful first step, though every expat case is genuinely different – speak to us directly for an accurate picture based on your full circumstances.
Get Started With Premier Expat Mortgages
Don’t let distance stand in the way of your property goals. Take the first step toward securing your UK property – get in touch with our team or use the form alongside this page, and we’ll come back to you with a clear picture of your options.
CONTACT US
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of expat mortgages can you help with?
We can help with all types of mortgages: residential, buy-to-let, second charge, secured loans, commercial loans or bridging loans. We can find the best expat mortgage rates whether you are applying in your personal name or via a limited company/SPV.
How much will your expat mortgage broker services cost me?
Our broker fee will vary depending on the individual case. We charge an application fee of £295 to start the mortgage process. The mortgage completion fee will be no more than 1% of the mortgage amount, however this is only payable once we have an agreement in principal and you decide to proceed with the mortgage. This can be less if the mortgage is relatively straight forward.
Which expat mortgage lenders do you work with?
We work with expat mortgage lenders from all over the world and have access to both well-known high street lenders as well as a broad selection of specialist lenders. We also deal with non-bank lenders that can agree difficult expat mortgage cases within 24 hours.
How much deposit will I need as an expat?
Deposit requirements vary by lender and product, but expat mortgages typically require a deposit from around 25%, sometimes higher depending on the property type, your circumstances, and whether it’s a residential or buy-to-let purchase. We’ll help you find the best options based on your financial situation.
Which countries can you finance around the world?
We regularly arrange mortgages for clients based in the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and many more – see our country guides above for more detail on your specific location.
What documentation will you need from me?
The documentation required differs from lender to lender, but as a general guide we would require up to 3 months’ worth of payslips and bank statements; ID; proof of address such as passport and local country ID. Local tax return document if self employed and 2 to 3 years of audited accounts if applying as a limited company.
I'd rather speak to someone directly – is that possible?
Absolutely! If you would like to speak to one of our brokers directly simply call us on +6011 2684 0540 and we’ll be happy to help, or head to our Contact Us page to send us your details.
When will I find out if my expat mortgage has been approved?
Expat lenders inevitably work to different timescales but we will be able to give you an indication of likely turnaround times once you have decided to proceed with a particular product. Our support staff will monitor your application carefully and provide you with regular updates regarding progress.
Will my details be shared with other companies?
Premier Expat Mortgages is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of information provided by its customers and upholding data protection principles. Please click here to see our Privacy Policy.
Why should I use you rather than going to a lender directly?
Our expert knowledge of the expat mortgage market and independent status allow us to provide you with individually-tailored financial advice that isn’t influenced by any particular lender. We have a broad range of bank and non-bank lenders on our lending panel and we can turn your expat mortgage around quickly.
What makes you different from other expat mortgage brokers?
As an expat mortgage broker we understand our clients better as we are expats ourselves and based overseas. Our large and proactive support team ensures that all clients receive a personal level of attention that is second to none. Close relationships with a variety of both mainstream and niche lenders mean that we are first to hear of product updates and we frequently receive exclusive rates to pass on to our expatriate clients.
My situation is complicated. Will you still be able to help me?
Our team of consultants possess expert knowledge of the expat mortgage market and know the best lenders to approach for a range of different and complex circumstances. Call us to explain your situation and the chances are we will be able to find the perfect solution.
I've been turned down before for an expat mortgage. Is it worth me applying?
Yes! Not all lenders are the same and it’s more than likely that we’ll know the right lender to submit your application to.
Where can you find a UK mortgage as an expat?
If you are an expat looking to buy or refinance UK property the choice of lenders who will deal with you will depend on your circumstances and where you are based in the world.
Some UK high street banks have international arms which provide solutions to expats, however the criteria for each of these lenders will differ. Criteria could include minimum loan size, the country you are based in, employment status, how long you have been an expat, your income and your age.
We have strong relationships with UK and international banks that provide expat finance, including specialist lenders who can offer innovative lending for more complex scenarios. Salary in a foreign currency is not usually an issue for private lenders, nor is complex income, including earnings from stocks, shares and other investments. This means your whole income can be considered when calculating affordability.
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