Expat Mortgages
Purchase, buy-to-let and remortgage finance for US citizens, green card holders and British expats living in the United States — placed with lenders that already onboard US persons under FATCA.
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Last updated Reviewed by our Clifton International finance team.
In short
Yes. US citizens and US-resident buyers can typically borrow up to 75% of value on UK property, with USD income accepted by specialist lenders. Applications are income assessed, and a well-documented case usually completes within six to ten weeks.
At a glance
Figures reviewed:
Indicative figures for guidance only, correct as at July 2026. Rates, costs and timelines vary by lender, borrower profile, asset and jurisdiction, and are not an offer of finance. How we derive these figures.
Last reviewed . Read the full Key facts methodology, or speak to our team for a quote based on your circumstances.
Why clients choose us
A working panel of UK private banks and specialist lenders that accept US citizens and green card holders as a matter of course.
Salary, bonus, RSU and partnership income in US dollars assessed with sensible conversion haircuts rather than declined.
Underwriting on documented income, assets and US banking references where there is no UK credit footprint.
LLCs, revocable trusts and family partnerships placed with lenders that already review US beneficial-ownership documentation.
Clear guidance on the 2% non-resident and 5% additional-property surcharges before you commit to an offer.
Advisers available across Eastern and Pacific hours, with scheduled calls and document handling that fits your working day.
Borrower eligibility
Typical lending criteria
Indicative only. Actual terms depend on borrower profile, asset and lender criteria.
Recent transactions
Published transactions from our own case study library — select any to read the full brief.
International · Expat
£2m · 65% LTV · interest-only remortgage
£2m interest-only expat remortgage on a prime UK residence for a HNW client with multi-currency income across three jurisdictions — placed with a private bank on preferential terms.
Cirencester · Expat BTL
£2.2m · 70% LTV · 25-year expat BTL
£2.2m expat buy-to-let mortgage for a Dubai-based UK national acquiring a prime Cirencester rental — arranged with a specialist lender comfortable with UAE income.
Hertfordshire · Mortgage
£809k · 60% LTV · 25-year term
£809k residential mortgage against a non-standard Hertfordshire countryside home — placed with a private bank willing to underwrite the unusual construction and refinance the existing bridge in full.
Frequently asked
Yes. US citizens, green card holders and US-resident British expats can arrange UK residential and buy-to-let mortgages. The panel is narrower than for UK residents because some lenders decline US persons on FATCA grounds, but several UK private banks and specialist lenders onboard US clients routinely.
Under FATCA, financial institutions must report accounts held by US persons to the IRS. Some UK lenders have chosen not to build that reporting capability, so they decline US citizens and green card holders outright. It is a policy decision, not a credit judgement — the answer is to approach lenders that already report.
Plan on 25–35% for a residential purchase and 25–40% for buy-to-let. Private banks may consider 20% or lower where there is a wider banking relationship or assets under management, typically on larger loans above £2m.
Yes. USD is one of the most widely accepted foreign currencies on the UK lender panel. Expect a 10–25% haircut applied to the converted sterling figure to allow for exchange-rate movement, which affects affordability rather than eligibility.
No. Mainstream high-street lenders rely on UK credit files, but international divisions and private banks underwrite documented income, assets and US banking references instead. We route thin-file cases to those lenders from the start.
It is possible but adds complexity and cost. A UK SPV limited company is usually the cleaner route for investment property. US LLCs, revocable trusts and family partnerships can be accommodated by private banks with full beneficial-ownership disclosure, at higher pricing.
You pay standard SDLT plus a 2% non-UK resident surcharge if you have not spent 183 days in the UK in the 12 months before completion, and a further 5% surcharge if you already own residential property anywhere in the world. Take specialist tax advice before exchange.
US persons remain taxable on worldwide income and gains regardless of residence, so UK rental income and disposals must be reported to the IRS, with UK tax generally creditable under the US–UK treaty. Mortgage interest and FX gains on the loan can create unexpected US tax outcomes — coordinate UK and US advisers early.
Yes. Expat remortgages and capital raising against existing UK property are routine, whether you moved to the US after buying, want to release equity, or are coming off an expiring fixed rate onto a better product.
Typically six to ten weeks. The extra time versus a domestic case comes from notarised identity documents, US-format bank statements and time-zone coordination. Bridging finance can complete in two to four weeks where a deadline is tight.
US passport, proof of US address, three to six months of US bank statements, the last two years of federal tax returns (Form 1040) plus W-2s or K-1s, employment contract or CPA-prepared accounts if self-employed, and source-of-deposit evidence. Most lenders require certified or notarised ID copies.
Yes. Short-term bridging is often used by US buyers for auction purchases, chain-free acquisitions and refurbishment projects, then refinanced onto a term mortgage. Lenders underwrite the asset and exit route, so US residency is less of an obstacle than on term lending.
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A discreet, no-obligation conversation with a UK-based adviser who understands the full UK lending landscape — residential, bridging, development and commercial.