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Dreaming of buying a property in the UK? As a non-UK resident, buying a UK property from abroad might seem daunting — navigating the UK mortgage market can be complex, but with the right information on your side, it’s entirely achievable. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the basics to navigating the paperwork. Let’s get into it.

Assess your financial situation

The first and most important step towards getting a UK mortgage is taking a realistic look at your financial health. This involves understanding your income, credit score, and savings.
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Income

While the criteria for mortgage applications will vary between lenders, generally as a non-UK national you’ll need to have a “minimum basic income” (currency equivalent of around £75,000) to apply for a mortgage from abroad. You’ll also need to be able to provide solid evidence of this income. Documentation will help lenders assess your financial reliability when they consider your mortgage eligibility.

Credit score

Having a healthy UK credit score will demonstrate to mortgage brokers that you will be able to make your repayments on time, giving you a higher chance of getting the mortgage you need. One way to increase your UK credit score is by opening a UK bank account and making periodic payments into it. This will give you a traceable credit history you can show lenders.

Savings

To buy a UK property, you’ll need a fair amount of savings to pay the minimum deposit on the property you’re looking to purchase. This is usually at least 5% of the property’s value, but it can vary depending on the property price, your budget, and whether this is your first or second home.
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If you have a property in mind, you begin your mortgage application process by working out the maximum mortgage you would be able to receive using a mortgage calculator.

Find a mortgage broker

UK mortgages are confusing at the best of times, so for non-UK nationals, your best bet is to partner with a reliable mortgage broker. A skilled broker will:

  • Understand your specific needs
  • Research the market and find the best deal
  • Negotiate on your behalf
  • Guide you through the application process

While finding a broker can be a little more tricky for non-UK residents, many high street banks will offer expat mortgages (such as HSBC, Barclays and NatWest).

Get a mortgage in principle (MIP)

A mortgage in principle (MIP) is a formal document from a lender stating the maximum amount they’re willing to lend you. It’s like a pre-approval letter that confirms your borrowing capacity. Obtaining a MIP can significantly strengthen your position as a non-UK national making an offer on a property.

To get an MIP, you can speak to your mortgage broker and discuss the mortgage deals available that you’ll be eligible for. They’ll usually be able to sort out a MIP for you straight away.

Benefits of an MIP

  • Sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously when you have an MIP as it demonstrates your financial readiness.
  • An MIP can expedite the offer acceptance process as it signals to sellers that you’re a serious buyer.
  • In a competitive market, having an MIP can give you an advantage over other potential buyers.

Find a property

With your finances in order and your mortgage pre-approved, you can begin property hunting. If you’re not able to physically be in the UK for your search, there are a few ways you can still effectively find that perfect property.

Online property portals

A great way to peruse the UK property market is to utilise the selection of online property portals available. Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket all allow you to search for properties by location, price range, and property type.

Estate agents

Another nice option is enlisting the help of a local estate agent. This can be especially helpful if you already have your heart set on a specific part of the UK. They can provide invaluable insights into the local market and amenities, as well as any potential challenges.

Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer

Once you’ve found your dream property, you’ll need to appoint a qualified mortgage solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of your purchase. Companies like Experts for Expats and Lawhive can help you find a conveyancing solicitor for your specific needs.

Equally as important is finding a Process Agent who will liaise with your legal representation. Rule 6.1.1 of the Civil Procedure Rules states that all legal documents must be personally delivered to those trying to obtain a mortgage. For non-UK nationals, this can be tricky. 

Let Point Processing handle the complexities of this offer condition. Our specialised mortgage service ensures your financial transactions meet lender requirements effortlessly. We're trusted by a wide range of UK lenders, from big banks to niche providers.

Exchange contracts

The exchange of contracts is a crucial step in any property-buying process. Once both parties have signed the contracts, the sale becomes legally binding.

What happens during the exchange

  • Firstly, you’ll pay the deposit. This is transferred from your solicitor or conveyancer to the seller’s legal representative.
  • You’ll agree upon a completion date, which is the day you’ll officially become the property owner.
  • You and the seller will make a legal commitment to complete the transaction on the agreed-upon date.

It's important to note that after the exchange of contracts, pulling out of the deal can result in financial penalties. Therefore, it's essential to be fully prepared and confident in your decision before proceeding to this stage.

Complete the purchase

Completion is the final step. Completion day is the day you officially become the owner of your UK property. On this day, the remaining balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller’s legal representative, and the property ownership is legally transferred to your name.

What happens on completion day

  • The remaining balance of the purchase price is transferred from your solicitor’s account to the seller’s solicitor’s account.
  • With the funds transferred, you’ll receive the keys to your new property.
  • Your solicitor will register the property in your name with the Land Registry.

Conclusion

Taking the leap and purchasing a UK property as a non-resident can be daunting, but with careful planning and the right guidance you can complete the process with confidence.

For any advice on how to appoint a process agent for your mortgage transaction, feel free to get in touch with our experienced team.