Getting a UK mortgage while on a visa

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Check the individual lender's criteria first

A temporary visa does not by itself mean that a mortgage will be refused or approved. Lenders assess immigration permission, residence history, earnings, credit records and the deposit separately. One lender's criteria cannot be treated as market-wide requirements.

For example, Nationwide ↗ specifies conditions concerning remaining visa validity, residence and income for relevant applicants without indefinite leave, together with a loan-to-value restriction. These are an example of lending policy, rather than universal UK legal requirements. Check the current criteria for your circumstances before paying non-refundable charges.

Prepare information for an initial assessment

Tell the adviser your permission category and expiry date, extension history, expected settlement timetable, every applicant's nationality and the countries from which the deposit originates. A joint application needs information about both partners.

Gather passports, eVisa evidence, address history, employment contracts, payslips, statements and details of outstanding borrowing. Self-employed applicants may need tax calculations, tax year overviews and several years of accounts. The lender determines the exact evidence period; a recently established business requires specific discussion.

Do not disclose bank passwords or UKVI login codes. Use the status-verification method officially accepted by the lender. An agreement in principle can help establish a realistic budget, but the final decision also depends on the property and document checks.

Compare products and the broker's service

Ask whether the broker handles your immigration route and which lenders they consider. MoneyHelper explains ↗ that bank advisers normally offer their own bank's products, while brokers' market coverage varies. Obtain written information about adviser fees and commission.

Compare the interest rate, product fee, valuation charge, fixed-rate period, early repayment terms and the payment after the initial deal ends. A lower rate accompanied by a substantial fee is not necessarily cheaper. Request affordability illustrations for a higher future rate and a temporary reduction in household earnings.

Budget for costs and plan the purchase

In addition to the deposit, allow for legal work, searches, a possible survey, moving and property purchase taxes. MoneyHelper lists the main buying costs ↗. The applicable tax depends on the UK nation, value, previous property ownership and other circumstances; immigration permission is not a substitute for the tax assessment.

First establish the available lender range and deposit provenance, then agree a budget and look for properties. Update the lender when your employment, immigration permission or significant financial commitments change. Disclose gifted funds and family loans: their structure matters to the mortgage application and the conveyancer's checks.