Securing a Mortgage for Your London Property as a Non-Resident
London continues to be one of the world’s most desirable property markets for foreign buyers. Whether you’re an investor seeking rental income, a second-home buyer or simply looking to purchase a luxury residence, London’s global appeal and dynamic economy make it an attractive market for international real estate investment.
However, navigating the mortgage process in London as a foreign buyer can be complex. With specific regulations, eligibility criteria, and varying lender requirements, understanding how to secure a mortgage in London as a non-resident is essential for making the right investment decision.
In this guide, we explain how foreign buyers can obtain a mortgage in London in 2025, the requirements you’ll need to meet, and how Global Mortgage Group (GMG) can support you throughout the process.
Can Foreign Buyers Get a Mortgage in London?
Yes, foreign buyers can obtain mortgages in London. However, the process differs from that of local buyers. As of 2025, UK lenders continue to offer mortgages to non-resident foreigners, but with important differences in loan conditions, document requirements and interest rates.
The good news is that London remains one of the few global cities where foreign buyers can finance their property purchases through mortgages rather than paying entirely in cash.
What You Need to Qualify for a London Mortgage as a Foreign Buyer
While each lender may have specific requirements, there are some common elements you’ll need to meet to secure a mortgage in London.
| Criteria | Requirements for Foreign Buyers |
| Deposit | Typically 25% to 40% of the property value |
| Proof of Income | Three months of payslips and bank statements (if salaried), or two years of tax returns (if self-employed) |
| Credit History | Foreign credit report or proof of assets may be required |
| Property Type | Residential, buy-to-let properties or second homes |
| Affordability Assessment | Lenders will assess income, existing debts and the debt-to-income ratio |
1. Deposit Requirements
Foreign buyers are generally expected to provide a larger deposit than U.K. residents. The minimum deposit is typically 25%, although it can increase to 40% in some cases, depending on your profile and the type of property you wish to purchase.
2. Proof of Income
You’ll need to provide evidence of stable income to prove your ability to repay the loan. Lenders will look for:
- Income documentation such as payslips (for salaried employees) or tax returns and business profits (for self-employed buyers).
- Foreign bank statements for the last 3 – 6 months.
- Evidence of any overseas assets, especially if your income is in a different currency.
3. Credit History
While U.K. lenders may not always have access to your foreign credit report, some lenders will consider it, especially if your credit is well-established in your home country. Alternatively, a substantial deposit and savings history may strengthen your application.
4. Property Type
Most lenders prefer financing for residential properties, including single-family homes and apartments. Buy-to-let properties (for investment purposes) are also eligible for mortgages, but the lending conditions may differ (e.g., higher deposit requirements, different interest rates).
5. Affordability Assessment
Lenders will assess whether you can afford the mortgage repayments, including:
- Existing debts
- Your overall income-to-debt ratio
- Currency exchange risks (if your income is not in GBP)
Some lenders may also apply an additional stress test to ensure you can afford the loan if interest rates increase.
What Are the Mortgage Types Available to Foreign Buyers in London?
- Fixed Rate Mortgages
- Offers a fixed interest rate for a set period (usually 2, 5, or 10 years).
- Provides stability against fluctuating market rates.
- Variable Rate Mortgages
- Interest rate changes in line with the Bank of England's base rate or the lender’s own rate.
- Offers flexibility but comes with the risk of higher repayments if interest rates rise.
- Interest-Only Mortgages
- Pay only the interest for a set period (typically 5–10 years).
- After this period, repayments begin on both interest and principal.
- Buy-to-Let Mortgages
- For investors who are purchasing property to rent out.
- Rates are slightly higher compared to one for a property used as a residence
What Is the Process of Getting a Mortgage in London?
- Determine Your Budget and Lender Preferences
- Understand the deposit size you can afford, and get an idea of your monthly repayment capacity.
- Get A Preliminary Assessment
- Before property hunting, request a preliminary assessment from a lender or mortgage broker. This gives you an idea of how much you can borrow and helps define your price range.
- Select the Right Property
- With your budget in mind, begin searching for properties in your desired area.
- Apply for a Mortgage
- Submit all required documentation, including a copy of your passport, income and bank statements, and credit reports.
- Property Valuation and Survey
- Lenders may require a property valuation or survey to assess the value and condition of the property you wish to purchase.
- Offer and Closing
- If everything is in order, the lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. After accepting the offer, you can proceed with the closing process.
Why Work with Global Mortgage Group (GMG)?
Global Mortgage Group (GMG) specializes in helping foreign buyers secure mortgages for London properties, providing tailored services to navigate the complexities of cross-border financing.
GMG Services Include:
- Access to multiple U.K. lenders who offer competitive rates for foreign buyers.
- Assistance with necessary documentation, including income, credit and asset verification.
- Support for both buy-to-let or residential mortgages.
Benefits of Working with GMG:
- Expert knowledge of international real estate financing .
- Strong relationships with leading U.K. mortgage lenders.
- Comprehensive support for expats, investors and non-resident buyers.
Contact Global Mortgage Group
It is entirely possible to obtain a UK mortgage for London property without residing in the country or as a foreign buyer, but it takes careful planning and the right support. Speak to Global Mortgage Group (GMG) now for personalized guidance on how to secure a mortgage for your London property:
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.gmg.asia
📅 Book a Free Consultation: Schedule your no-obligation consultation and start your mortgage application process.
Your Top Questions Answered:
1: Can international buyers legally purchase property in London?
Yes, non-resident buyers can secure mortgages in London, though requirements differ from local buyers in terms of deposit size, documentation, and loan conditions.
2: What are the typical deposit requirements for overseas buyers?
Foreign buyers are generally required to provide between 25 and 40 percent of the property’s value as a deposit, depending on their profile and property type.
3: What documentation is needed to qualify for a mortgage as a non-resident?
Lenders usually require proof of income such as pay slips or tax returns, recent bank statements, a passport, and sometimes foreign credit history or proof of assets.
4: What types of mortgages are available to international buyers in London?
Options include fixed rate, variable rate, interest-only, and buy-to-let mortgages, with terms and rates varying based on the property and buyer profile.
5: How can Global Mortgage Group assist non-resident buyers?
GMG connects overseas buyers with UK lenders, helps prepare required documents, manages cross-border financing challenges, and secures competitive mortgage solutions.
