Ex-Pat Mortgages

Bringing UK property within reach, no matter where you are

Ex-Pat Mortgages

UK property investment made simple for expats worldwide

If you live or work abroad, navigating the UK property market as an expat can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. At Word On The Street, we specialise in helping British nationals living abroad secure investments mortgages for UK property. Whether you’re a first-time landlord investing in buy-to-let property, expanding your current portfolio or looking to acquire commercial property, our team can guide you through every step of the process.

We provide expert mortgage brokering for expats buying or refinancing UK property and can often secure lending solutions even when high-street lenders decline. Lenders often have stricter criteria for expat applications due to factors like foreign income, residency status, and currency risks. We work with several lenders who understand expat needs and offer competitive expat mortgage products designed for overseas buyers and clients.

Who do we support?

  • British citizens living abroad
  • Expats returning to the UK
  • Self-employed professionals with overseas income
  • Landlords expanding their UK property portfolio

Our services

Buy-to-Let Mortgages – Invest in UK rental property with expert guidance

Preparing to move abroad – Are you moving overseas and want to remortgage your existing UK property as a Buy-to-Let

Bridging Loans – Short term solutions when you are acquiring an investment property on a tight timescale.

Remortgaging – Switch to a better deal or release equity from your UK property.

Specialist Lending – Solutions for complex income, credit history, or property types

Development Funding – Specialist funding for ground up developments or conversions.

Interest only or capital repayment

Buy-to-let mortgages are available on an interest only or capital repayment basis. With an interest only mortgage, the monthly payments are lower as you just pay the interest on your loan each month, but not the capital. This option may be suitable if you have a means to pay back your loan at the end of the term. On a capital repayment mortgage, the monthly payments are higher as you pay the interest and capital back each month, so your loan is paid off at the end of the term if you’ve not missed any payments.

Fixed, tracker, discount and variable rates

The different interest rates available on mortgages can be confusing. There are fixed, tracker, discount and variable rates. With fixed rates the payments are the same each month while with tracker, discount or variable rates the monthly payments could vary. Tracker rates are tracked at a percentage rate above either, the Bank of England base rate or ‘SONIA’ swap rates which can go up or down. Discount rates are at a percentage discount off the lenders Variable Rate which they may put up or down if the Bank of England base rate or SONIA rates change. variable rate is the rate you’ll move onto at the end of your fixed, tracker or discount rate period if you decide not to remortgage.

No, everything can be done via email, scanning documents, e-signatures and the post.

The amount required for an ex-pat mortgage or specialist finance will vary dependant on the specific lender or product. Typically 20-30% will be required as a deposit on a purchase transaction.

Typically, it takes 6 weeks to obtain a mortgage Offer for an expat mortgage, which includes application, valuation and full underwriting. It will then go to your solicitor to complete the final work required to move to exchange/completion.

To apply for an expat mortgage in the UK, you’ll need to provide a range of documents to help lenders assess your eligibility and financial stability. While exact requirements vary between lenders, you can typically expect to supply the following:

  • Proof of identity: a valid passport or national ID card
  • Proof of address: recent utility bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements from your country of residence
  • Proof of income: payslips, employment contracts, or tax returns if self-employed
  • Bank statements: usually covering the last 3 to 6 months
  • Credit report: from your current country of residence and/or the UK
  • Details of the property: including the purchase price and intended use (residential or Buy-to-Let)
  • Proof of deposit: showing the source and availability of funds

Additional documentation may be requested depending on your location, currency of income, or the specifics of the mortgage.

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How can we help?

Contact us today to learn more about our mortgage and loan product services and how we can help you achieve your financial goals.