How to Secure a Mortgage on a Visa

If you are living and working in the UK on a visa, you may wonder whether you can apply for a mortgage and what additional requirements may apply. Many people assume that having a visa automatically prevents them from buying property in the UK, but this is not always the case.

Securing a mortgage on a visa can be more complex than applying as a UK citizen or permanent resident, but it is often possible depending on visa type, length of residency, income, and lender criteria. This guide explains how mortgage lenders typically assess visa holders, what factors matter most, and what to be aware of before applying.

This article provides general information only and does not offer regulated mortgage advice.

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Can You Get a Mortgage in the UK on a Visa?

In general terms, it may be possible to get a mortgage on a visa, but lender choice is usually more limited. UK mortgage lenders assess visa holders as higher risk due to potential uncertainty around long-term residency.

Approval depends on several factors, including:

• Type of visa
• Time remaining on the visa
• Length of UK residency
• Employment and income stability
• Deposit size
• Credit history in the UK

Some lenders specialise in or are more open to applications from non-UK nationals, while others restrict lending to permanent residents only.

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Visa Types Commonly Considered by Lenders

Not all visas are assessed in the same way. Lenders often differentiate based on the perceived stability and duration of the visa.

Common visa types include:

Skilled Worker Visa

Often accepted by a number of UK lenders, particularly where the applicant has:

• A permanent or long-term employment contract
• A clear route to extension or settlement
• Several years remaining on the visa

Spouse or Partner Visa

These visas are often viewed more favourably, especially where the applicant’s partner has UK citizenship or settled status.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

ILR is typically treated in the same way as permanent residency and usually provides access to a wider range of lenders and higher loan-to-value options.

Student and Short-Term Visas

These visas are usually more challenging, as lenders may view them as temporary. Mortgage options are often very limited or unavailable.

Each lender applies its own criteria, and policies can change over time.

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How Much Time Needs to Be Left on the Visa?

Most lenders require a minimum amount of time remaining on a visa at the point of application.

Common requirements include:

• At least 12 months remaining on the visa
• Some lenders require 2 years or more remaining
• Others assess whether the visa is renewable or leads to settlement

The more time remaining on the visa, the more comfortable lenders tend to be.

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Length of UK Residency

In addition to visa status, lenders often look at how long you have lived in the UK.

They may assess:

• Continuous UK residency
• Employment history in the UK
• Address history and stability

Applicants who have lived and worked in the UK for several years may be viewed more favourably than recent arrivals, even if their visa type is the same.

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Employment and Income Requirements

Stable income is a key factor when applying for a mortgage on a visa.

Lenders typically assess:

• Employment type (permanent, fixed-term, contract)
• Length of time with current employer
• Industry stability
• Income consistency

Permanent employment with a UK-based employer is often viewed more positively than short-term or overseas contracts.

Self-employed visa holders may face additional scrutiny and are usually required to provide accounts or tax documentation.

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Deposit Requirements for Visa Holders

Deposit requirements are often higher for applicants on a visa.

While UK citizens may access mortgages with 5–10% deposits, visa holders may be required to provide:

• 10% to 25% deposit, depending on circumstances
• Larger deposits for certain visa types or shorter residency

A larger deposit reduces the lender’s risk and can improve access to mortgage products.

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Loan-to-Value (LTV) and Visa Applications

Loan-to-value plays an important role in visa-based mortgage applications.

Lower LTVs:

• Increase lender confidence
• Broaden product availability
• May improve interest rates

Higher LTV options are often more restricted for visa holders, particularly those without permanent residency.

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Credit History in the UK

UK credit history is important, even for non-UK nationals.

Lenders typically review:

• UK credit report activity
• Electoral roll registration (where applicable)
• Existing UK credit commitments
• Payment history

Applicants new to the UK with limited credit history may find lender options reduced. A clean but limited credit file is often assessed differently from one with adverse credit.

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Bank Statements and Financial Conduct

Mortgage lenders review bank statements to assess spending behaviour and affordability.

They may look for:

• Regular salary payments
• Consistent outgoings
• Overdraft usage
• Evidence of saving behaviour

Clear and well-managed bank statements can help demonstrate financial stability, particularly where residency is temporary.

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First Time Buyers on a Visa

First time buyers on a visa face the same core assessments as other buyers, with additional focus on residency status.

Some first time buyer schemes may not be available to non-UK nationals, and eligibility rules vary. Being a first time buyer does not override visa-related criteria.

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Buying with a Partner

Some visa holders apply jointly with a partner who is a UK citizen or has settled status.

In joint applications:

• All incomes are assessed
• All credit histories are reviewed
• Both applicants are jointly responsible for the mortgage

Having a partner with permanent residency may improve lender choice, but approval is not guaranteed.

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Property Types and Visa Mortgages

Lenders may also assess property type carefully.

Considerations include:

• Standard residential properties vs non-standard construction
• Lease length for flats
• New-build properties, which may have stricter criteria

Some lenders apply additional restrictions for visa holders purchasing certain property types.

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Common Challenges for Visa Holders

People applying for a mortgage on a visa may face:

• Fewer lender options
• Higher deposit requirements
• Longer underwriting times
• More documentation requests

Understanding these challenges in advance can help manage expectations.

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Common Misconceptions

“You Must Be a UK Citizen to Get a Mortgage”

This is not always true. Many lenders consider visa holders, depending on circumstances.

“Any Visa Is Accepted”

Lender acceptance varies significantly by visa type and duration.

“A High Income Guarantees Approval”

Income is important, but visa status, residency length, and deposit size also matter.

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Preparing to Apply for a Mortgage on a Visa

People often prepare by:

• Understanding their visa expiry and renewal options
• Reviewing UK credit reports
• Saving a larger deposit
• Ensuring employment stability
• Gathering clear documentation

Preparation can reduce delays and uncertainty during the application process.

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Buy-to-Let Mortgages on a Visa

Buy-to-let mortgage options for visa holders are usually more limited than residential options. While some lenders consider applications, higher deposits and stricter criteria often apply.

Buy-to-let lending is not a workaround for residential mortgage restrictions.

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Summary

Securing a mortgage on a visa is often possible, but it involves additional considerations around residency, visa length, and stability. Lenders assess visa type, time remaining, income consistency, deposit size, and UK credit history as part of their decision-making.

Understanding how lenders view visa applications and preparing thoroughly can help applicants approach the process with realistic expectations.

This article provides general information only. For personalised guidance, regulated mortgage advice is required.