A: Yes, British expats can purchase property in the UK, whether as an investment to rent out or as a future residence upon returning. However, the type of mortgage available, such as expat buy-to-let or residential expat mortgages, will depend on your specific circumstances. Consulting with an expat mortgage broker like Fitch & Fitch can clarify your options and streamline the process.

A: Absolutely. Expats working abroad can obtain a mortgage to purchase UK property. Lenders generally require assurance that the property will be occupied, either by tenants or family, or that you plan to return to the UK soon.


A: Expat mortgage rates are typically slightly higher than those offered to UK residents due to the perceived increased risk associated with lending to individuals residing overseas.

A: At Fitch & Fitch, we are accustomed to working across different time zones, ensuring our services align with your schedule, no matter where you are in the world.


A: The timeframe to secure an expat mortgage varies based on individual circumstances. Fitch & Fitch strives for efficiency to meet your timelines and facilitate your property purchase.

A: If your current lender denies consent to let due to extended overseas work, Fitch & Fitch can assist in remortgaging to an expat buy-to-let mortgage with lenders who specialize in expat circumstances.


A: For expats returning to the UK and looking to purchase a home, Fitch & Fitch leverages its extensive network to find lenders who specialise in handling complex cases, including income earned in foreign currencies or when employment is pending commencement in the UK.


A: An expat mortgage is designed for UK nationals living abroad who wish to purchase property in the UK, whereas an overseas mortgage is for properties located outside the UK, regardless of the buyer’s residency.


A: Traditional mortgages typically cater to UK residents with straightforward financial profiles, ensuring minimal risk for lenders. Expat mortgages, however, involve additional considerations such as proving foreign income and navigating international laws, which may require higher deposits and involve more complex credit assessments.

A: The FCA requires lenders to conduct thorough affordability assessments for all applicants, including expats. This includes verifying income, whether it's earned domestically or abroad, and ensuring that borrowers can manage mortgage repayments alongside their other financial obligations. Expats must also meet specific criteria to demonstrate their creditworthiness, even if their financial history is primarily from outside the UK.

A: Expats need to provide comprehensive documentation to pass AML checks, such as proof of identity, proof of address, and detailed evidence of the source of their funds. This is particularly important for funds accumulated or transferred from overseas, to ensure compliance with UK AML regulations.

A: Lenders may require alternative forms of financial history documentation from expats, such as credit reports from their current country of residence, proof of rental payments, or bank statements showing consistent income and expenditure patterns. Some lenders may also accept references from financial institutions with whom the expat has had previous dealings.

A: Post-Brexit, EU citizens no longer have the same automatic rights to live and work in the UK, which can affect their eligibility for a mortgage. Expats from the EU may need to provide additional documentation proving their residency status or work permits in the UK, which was not as stringent before Brexit.

A: Expats buying property in the UK may be subject to several taxes, including Stamp Duty Land Tax, which varies depending on the property value and whether it's their first UK property. Additionally, international buyers should consider potential double taxation – paying tax in both the UK and their home country – and seek advice on treaties that might mitigate this issue.