Mortgage Guide for International Investors & Expats

1. How the UK Mortgage Process Works

The UK mortgage process typically begins with an assessment of your financial position and lending eligibility. At Visionary Finance, we’ll guide you through each step – from an initial consultation and document collection to lender selection, application submission, and final approval.

We specialise in working with international clients, ensuring the process runs smoothly despite time zones, differing income structures, or complex property types.

2. Eligibility & Lender Criteria

Lenders’ criteria can vary widely for international investors and expats. Some will lend to clients based overseas or paid in foreign currencies, while others have stricter requirements. We work closely with a wide range of lenders – from high street banks to specialist institutions – to match your profile with the most suitable mortgage options.

3. Required Documentation

When you begin the onboarding process with Visionary Finance, you’ll need to provide:

• Completed onboarding forms
• Identification – passport, driving licence, or ID card
• Proof of address – recent utility bill or similar (within 3 months)
• Income verification – recent payslips or employment contracts
• Bank statements – typically the last three months
• Proof of deposit – showing the source of your funds

Note: Lenders may request additional documents depending on your individual circumstances.

4. Typical Deposits & Borrowing Limits

Most lenders will offer up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV) for international and expat applicants. This means you’ll typically need a 25% deposit. Deposit requirements can vary depending on your residency status, income structure, and the type of property being purchased.

5. Costs and Fees

When purchasing property in the UK, typical costs include:

• Application and valuation fees
• Product and broker fees
• Stamp Duty (where applicable)

Your adviser will provide a full breakdown of costs before proceeding, ensuring transparency and no surprises.

6. Common Challenges & Solutions

Securing lending from abroad can present unique challenges – from proving income in foreign currencies to navigating residency restrictions. Our experienced team understands how to address these complexities and maintain communication between you, the lender, and the solicitor to ensure a smooth process.

Next Steps & How We Help

Once your documents are collected, we’ll assess your options and guide you toward lenders most likely to approve your application. Our team supports you every step of the way – from pre-approval to completion.

With experience helping clients in 25+ countries, Visionary Finance is trusted by expats and international investors to make UK property ownership achievable and stress-free.