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.

If you’re an EU citizen

You can get a mortgage just like a UK citizen if you have:

  • lived in the UK for at least 3 years
  • a UK bank account
  • a permanent job in the UK

If you were born outside the EU and have permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain

Lenders will want evidence that you have:

  • lived in the UK for at least 2 years
  • a permanent job in the UK
  • a UK bank account
  • a sizeable deposit (as much as 25%)

If you don’t have permanent residency

You might still be able to apply for a mortgage as a non-EU national if you have a:

More about visas