How to get a mortgage as a foreign national
You can get a mortgage in the UK even if you’re not a UK citizen. It’s less about where you born, and more about your credit history and your work.
Last updated on
Mar 17, 2025 10:48
Credit history is country-specific: there’s no such thing as, for example, “a European credit score”. Lenders will want to see you have a good credit history in the UK before they agree to give you a mortgage.
So as soon as you arrive in the UK, you should build up your credit score: register to vote, open a bank account, set up some direct debits, and make sure you pay your bills on time. If you’ve only recently moved to the UK, you might find it takes a while before you can be considered for a mortgage.
You can get a mortgage just like a UK citizen if you have:
Lenders will want evidence that you have:
You might still be able to apply for a mortgage as a non-EU national if you have a:
The size of your mortgage loan, alongside your deposit, will determine the maximum property value you could afford, so, understandably, it’s important to know from the outset.We look at how the size of your loan is calculated by lenders, how to use a mortgage calculator and what to do if you can’t borrow as much as you’d hoped.
How do you prove you’re eligible for a mortgage? Learn how lenders assess your eligibility, and how to strengthen your mortgage application.
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