Content Writer
Mortgage Advisor & Director
If you’re not a UK citizen but want to invest in property, you may be wondering whether you can get a buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage. Here, we’ll explain how buy-to-let mortgages work for foreign nationals, what lenders look for in the criteria, and how to find the best deals and rates.
Can foreign nationals get a buy-to-let mortgage?
Yes, certain UK lenders will accept buy-to-let applications from foreign nationals. However, your chances of approval depend on your residency status, visa type, size of your deposit, income structure, and the type of property you’re looking to buy.
The process is usually more complex than it is for naturalised British citizens, and not all lenders are willing to consider borrowers who don’t hold UK citizenship. Working with a specialist broker can significantly enhance your chances of success and allow introductions to lesser-known lenders that can be more flexible.
BTL lending criteria for foreign nationals
The exact criteria will vary across lenders, but for buy-to-let applications from foreign nationals, stricter rules often apply, including some unique requirements specific to this type of application:
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Residency status: Permanent residents with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or those with settled status usually have better access to mainstream lenders. Temporary residents can still apply, but may have fewer options and higher deposit requirements.
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Visa type and length: Most lenders require at least two years remaining on a visa, with Skilled Worker, UK Ancestry, family, or spouse visas being the most commonly accepted. Student visas are generally excluded for obvious reasons. How long you’ve been living in the UK will also have an impact.
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Citizenship: Where you hold your citizenship can have a significant influence. For example, if you’re from within the EU, this can simplify the process compared to applicants from further afield.
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Your deposit: Foreign nationals are typically required to provide a deposit of at least 25%, meaning a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 75%. Although this may increase to 30% or 40% (or higher) for non-residents or applicants with a limited UK address history.
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Income and affordability: Some lenders require a minimum annual income for buy-to-let applicants (often over £25,000), while others are happy to rely purely on the potential rental coverage. Proving income sources from outside the UK can be more complex.
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Credit history: A strong UK credit profile and history can make the process easier. With a limited credit history, lenders may require higher deposits or impose stricter affordability criteria. Bad credit will further narrow the pool of available lenders, and you will likely need a specialist bad credit lender.
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Property type and investment potential: Standard single-unit houses and flats are generally acceptable, but HMOs, short-term lets, and unusual properties (or those of non-standard construction) are more challenging to finance for foreign nationals.
How to get a buy-to-let mortgage
If you want to get a buy-to-let mortgage as a foreign national, the process is broadly similar to a standard BTL mortgage but with extra checks. Here are the typical steps:
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Speak with a broker: They’ll confirm which lenders accept your nationality and visa type and will be able to guide you on potentially viable properties.
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Find a property: You’ll need to pick out a property that’s a suitable investment and one capable of generating enough income to satisfy lenders.
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Prepare your documents: You will need your passport, proof of residency, your UK address details, visa information, income evidence, and bank statements. The more paperwork you can provide, the better.
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Submit your application: Your broker will assist you with getting everything in order and presenting your buy-to-let application in the most attractive way to the right lender.
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Valuation and underwriting: The buy-to-let lender will assess the rental income potential of the property you want to buy and ensure affordability.
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Offer and completion: Once approved, you’ll receive your BTL mortgage offer and then complete the purchase using a solicitor for the legal paperwork.
Begin your mortgage journey
Available UK mortgage lenders
Here are some examples of popular UK lenders that may consider buy-to-let mortgages for foreign nationals:
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HSBC: The bank’s global presence means HSBC will consider lending to non-UK residents and foreign nationals through its HSBC Expat business arm. You may be able to access a BTL mortgage if you reside in one of their approved countries, can show a minimum income of £50,000, have at least a 25% deposit, and can complete everything in English.
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Accord: Considers EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and those with indefinite leave to remain or settled/pre-settled status for BTL mortgages, on standard terms up to 75% LTV. Applicants with Accord who don’t have settled rights may still qualify up to 75% LTV if you can prove you currently reside in the UK.
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Foundation Home Loans: Foundation offers a specialist BTL product range tailored to foreign nationals, potentially even those without UK credit history or address. You may be able to borrow up to 75% LTV, and they consider applicants from over 60 countries including EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the UAE (with some exceptions).
The best way to see all your realistic borrowing options as a foreign national is to have a discussion with a specialist buy-to-let mortgage broker with direct experience working with applicants similar to you.
Are the rates different for foreign nationals?
Yes, rates can be higher for foreign national applicants, particularly if you’re a non-resident, applying on a visa, or requiring a specialist lender. However, competitive rates are still available, especially if you have a solid deposit, strong application, and clear repayment plan.
Use our free comparison tool below to check today’s buy-to-let rates from over 90+ UK lenders to get an idea about how much you could borrow and what your repayments could look like with various lenders:
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Why choose Teito for your buy-to-let mortgage?
Securing a buy-to-let mortgage as a foreign national can be more complex than a standard application. That’s where we can help.
Our brokers have a proven track record helping overseas investors and non-UK citizens secure the right mortgage for their property.
Here are some more reasons why international property investors trust us to help them get a buy-to-let mortgage:
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Access to 90+ UK mortgage lenders, including BTL specialists
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Free initial consultation with a buy-to-let expert
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Our advisors are 5-star rated on leading review sites
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Fast, tailored recommendations to match your residency and visa status
Ready to compare rates or take advantage of a free, no-obligation chat with a broker who specialises in buy-to-let mortgages for foreign nationals? Get started here.
FAQs
Yes, foreign nationals can get UK buy-to-let mortgages, but you’ll need to meet lender criteria around income, deposit size, and residency status.
Choosing an Adviser
Selecting a qualified and experienced mortgage adviser is of great importance. To choose a suitable adviser, evaluate their qualifications, experience, and reputation, and ensure they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Read reviews from previous clients and make sure they provide a clear explanation of the products and services they offer, as well as the fees and charges associated with them.