Yes, you can get a UK mortgage as a new migrant, but the terms depend on your visa, how long you have lived in the UK, your income, your credit history and the size of your deposit. There is no law stopping a foreign national from buying UK property. The barrier is lender policy, and it varies widely. Broker guides typically report deposits of 10% to 25% for visa holders, with the lowest deposits reserved for people with settled status or a longer UK track record.
This guide explains what lenders look at, the deposit and taxes to budget for, and the main home loan routes. It reflects market conditions in September 2026, when the Bank of England held Bank Rate at 3.75% on 17 September, with three of nine members voting to raise it. Nothing here is financial advice or a promise of approval. Lender criteria change often.
Can a New Migrant Get a UK Mortgage?
Often yes, though options narrow the newer you are to the UK. Some lenders accept applicants with no minimum UK residency, while many mainstream lenders expect around 12 months’ UK address history and at least six to 24 months of visa remaining. Applicants on visas such as Skilled Worker are usually the most widely accepted. Student and short-term visas are much harder to place. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up mortgage repayments.
What Lenders Look At
Visa type and time remaining
Lenders want evidence that you can stay and earn. Broker sources report minimums ranging from none to two years remaining, with 12 months a common benchmark. A visa with more time left widens your choice, and lenders may ask about renewal if your permission is close to expiry.
UK residency and address history
Many lenders want at least a year at a UK address, partly because they need data to assess you. Some will consider shorter periods with a larger deposit or higher income.
Credit history
A “thin file” is the most common obstacle for new arrivals. Broker guidance suggests that 6 to 12 months of clean UK credit history is often enough for mainstream applications. To build it:
- open a UK current account and use it for salary and bills;
- register on the electoral roll if you are eligible;
- put utilities and a phone contract in your name and pay on time;
- consider a credit-builder card used lightly and repaid in full.
Income and employment
Standard lenders typically lend about four to four and a half times income, subject to affordability checks. Expect to provide payslips, bank statements and an employment contract. Probationary periods, self-employment and overseas income can all complicate an application.
The deposit
Your deposit affects your interest rate and your chances of approval. Lenders will also check where the money came from.
Home Loan Options for New Migrants
| Option | Typical deposit reported | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainstream high-street lender | 15%–25% | Stable salaried workers with 12+ months in the UK | Strict visa and credit rules; some accept only own-funds deposits |
| Specialist lender or building society | 5%–25% | Thin credit files, shorter visas, less standard income | Manual underwriting; rates can be higher |
| Joint application with a UK-resident or settled co-applicant | Sometimes lower | Couples with one settled partner | Both parties are liable for the full debt |
| Shared ownership | Deposit on your share, often 5%–10% | First-time buyers priced out of full ownership | Provider and lender must both accept your visa; you pay rent and service charges |
| Higher deposit, mainstream product | 25%+ | Very recent arrivals with savings | Ties up more cash, but usually widens choice and pricing |
Broker guides often name lenders such as HSBC, NatWest, Barclays and Nationwide, plus several building societies, as having specific visa-holder policies. Because criteria change frequently, check each lender’s current rules or use an FCA-authorised mortgage broker who can see the whole market.
Common Reasons Applications Are Declined
Most refusals for new migrants trace back to a handful of avoidable issues. Applying to several lenders in quick succession can leave multiple credit searches on your file, so it is better to get a broker’s shortlist first. Other common problems include a visa with too little time left for that lender’s policy, an unexplained deposit, missed payments on a UK phone or utility account, and income that cannot be evidenced with UK documents. Address history gaps also cause delays, so keep tenancy agreements and council tax or utility bills to show where you have lived. If one lender says no, a different lender’s criteria may still fit, which is why whole-of-market advice matters.
Deposit, Taxes and Other Costs
Deposit
On a £300,000 home, a 15% deposit is £45,000, and a 25% deposit is £75,000. A smaller deposit generally means fewer lenders and higher rates. If part of your deposit is a gift from family abroad, note that some lenders accept gifted deposits and others require your own funds only.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (England and Northern Ireland)
Standard rates from April 2025 are 0% up to £125,000, 2% to £250,000, 5% to £925,000, 10% to £1.5 million and 12% above that. First-time buyers pay 0% up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000, but only if they have never owned residential property anywhere in the world.
Two surcharges matter for migrants:
- Non-UK resident surcharge (2%). It applies if you were not in the UK for at least 183 days in the 12 months before purchase. A refund may be available if you become UK resident within a set period after buying, so keep your travel records.
- Higher rates for additional dwellings (5%). If you still own a home abroad, you may face this surcharge, with limited exceptions for replacing a main residence.
On a £300,000 purchase, standard SDLT is £5,000. A non-resident pays £11,000 after the 2% surcharge, or £6,000 if first-time buyer relief applies. Scotland and Wales use different taxes, and you should confirm figures with your solicitor or HMRC’s calculator.
Other costs
Budget for legal fees, a valuation or survey, lender arrangement fees and moving costs.
What Will It Cost Each Month?
Average two-year fixed rates in mid-September 2026 were reported at roughly 5% to 5.8%, depending on the data provider, above levels earlier in the year. As an illustration, a £255,000 repayment mortgage (85% loan-to-value on £300,000) over 25 years costs about £1,490 a month at 5% and £1,610 at 5.8%. Migrants often pay a modest premium over headline rates. Markets expect further rate rises, and the next Bank of England decision is on 5 November 2026, so do not assume rates will fall.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Check your timeline. Note your visa end date, your months in the UK and any renewal plans.
- Build your UK credit footprint. Start now, even if you are not ready to buy.
- Save the deposit and document its source. Keep bank statements, sale proceeds or gift letters.
- Speak to an FCA-authorised broker. Ask specifically about visa-holder policies.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle. This shows what a lender may offer before you make an offer on a home.
- Make an offer and instruct a solicitor. Tell them about your residency status for stamp duty.
- Submit the full application. Expect valuation, identity checks and affordability review.
- Complete. Your solicitor handles exchange, tax payment and registration.
Compliance and Practical Considerations
Source of funds. UK lenders and solicitors must run anti-money-laundering checks, so overseas savings and gifts need a clear audit trail.
Immigration status. Buying a home does not grant residency or a visa extension. If your visa expires during the mortgage term, you will need to renew or provide proof of your right to stay, and lenders may restrict further borrowing.
Settlement rules may change. The government has proposed lengthening the route to indefinite leave to remain for many work routes, but the latest information we found indicated this was not yet confirmed in law. Check GOV.UK before planning around a settlement date.
Tax residency. Your SDLT and income tax position may differ. Ask a qualified adviser.
Affordability. Include service charges, insurance and repairs, not just the mortgage payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage as soon as I arrive in the UK?
Sometimes, but options are limited. A few specialist lenders may consider new arrivals, usually with a larger deposit or strong income. Most mainstream lenders prefer some UK history first.
How much deposit do I need as a visa holder?
Broker guides report roughly 10% to 25%, and 5% is possible with some lenders where criteria are met. A larger deposit usually helps with a short visa or thin credit file.
Do I need indefinite leave to remain?
Not always. Many lenders accept visa holders, but ILR or settled status can unlock lower deposits and more lenders.
Can I use a deposit from overseas?
Often yes, if you can prove its source. Some lenders do not accept gifted deposits, so ask before applying.
Will I pay the 2% non-resident stamp duty surcharge?
If you have not been in the UK for 183 days in the 12 months before purchase, you may. A refund may be available if you later meet the residency test, so keep records and take advice.
Does buying a home help my visa or settlement application?
No. Property ownership does not create immigration rights.
Conclusion
Getting a UK mortgage as a new migrant is realistic if you plan ahead: build a credit file, save a deposit you can evidence, and use a broker who knows visa-holder criteria. Compare lenders carefully, budget for stamp duty and legal costs, and confirm every rule with official sources and a regulated adviser before you commit.
Sources
- Stamp Duty Land Tax for residential property: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates
- Non-UK residents and SDLT surcharge: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/stamp-duty-land-tax-buying-a-residential-property-if-you-are-not-a-uk-resident
- Bank of England Bank Rate: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/the-interest-rate-bank-rate
- MoneyHelper mortgage guidance: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home
- FCA register (check broker authorisation): https://register.fca.org.uk
- UK visas and settlement: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
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