Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

Securing a home loan when you do not hold a British passport is very possible once you already live and work here. Lenders focus on visa type, length of UK residency, credit footprint, income stability and the size of your deposit. With good preparation, many borrowers obtain the same products offered to UK nationals.

Key eligibility factors at a glance

Visa and residency status

Mainstream lenders will often accept applicants who have lived in the UK for as little as 12 months on a Skilled Worker visa, although your choice of lender is wider after 24 to 36 months of continuous residency. Applicants with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status are assessed almost the same as citizens.

Deposit size

If you have lived in the UK for under 3 years or still hold a temporary visa, several lenders my ask for a larger deposit. 20% is a common starting point, though a 25 percent stake can unlock better interest rates. It’s worth talking to a mortgage adviser as depending on my application type and credit report you can use 5% deposit.

Employment and income

You will need a permanent or contracted UK job and usually at least 3 to 6 months of payslips. Self-employed applicants normally show 2 years of UK accounts, though some specialist lenders accept one strong year plus projections.

Credit footprint

A UK bank account, active credit commitments paid on time and current bills registered to your address help prove you are financially settled. Lenders may check your international record but will prioritise your UK credit score.

Loan-to-value and affordability

Some lenders cap loan-to-value at 75 % for temporary visa holders. Others will go to 95% if you can demonstrate strong affordability and a long visa term remaining. Criteria vary, so a broker who regularly places foreign national cases is invaluable.

Which visas are usually accepted?

· Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2)

· Global Talent and Innovator

· Health and Care Worker

· Spouse or Family

· Student (with strong guarantor or large deposit)

· Pre-Settled or Settled Status for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Short-stay or visitor visas will not qualify because you must show the right to reside during the full mortgage term.

Documents lenders will request

· Passport and biometric residence permit or share-code

· Proof of visa with at least 6 months validity remaining

· Latest 3 to 6 payslips and a recent P60, or 2 years of SA302s if self-employed

· Recent bank statements covering salary credits and daily spending

· Proof of deposit source

· Address history for the last 3 years

Practical tips to improve your chances

1. Build a credit file Register on the electoral roll if eligible, use a small credit card and pay it off each month. Check your credit report here

2. Save a larger deposit Moving from a 5% to a 15% deposit can open many more banks.

3. Apply early Start the paperwork 6 months before your current rate expires or your rental notice period ends.

4. Use a broker They know which lenders welcome your specific visa and how to package the case clearly.

5. Keep visa valid If your permission to stay is due to renew within 6 months, complete the extension first or choose a lender that will accept renewal evidence.

Bottom Line

Living in the UK on a foreign passport does not stop you buying a home. The stronger your UK footprint, deposit size and visa security, the wider your lender choice will be. Gather the right documents early, build a clear credit history and lean on a broker who places non UK citizen mortgages every day. With those steps in place you stand an excellent chance of securing a competitive deal and turning your UK home plans into reality.

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