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Visa Holder Mortgage Specialist

Mortgages for Visa Holders

Your visa type matters, but it does not have to stand in the way of owning a home. We navigate the lender criteria for every major visa type and find the right mortgage for your situation.

Skilled Worker visa acceptedSpouse visa consideredILR & settled status10% deposit from some lenders
Prefer to call? 0844 884 9748 (Mon-Sat 9am-7pm)
Step 1 of 3Type Selection

What type of mortgage do you need?

Select the option that best describes your property financing requirement. Our brokers specialise in complex London and international structures.

Roger Cooper

"Our goal is to understand your unique situation. Select a category and we'll match you with the right product and lender."

— Roger Cooper, Senior Mortgage Adviser

Why visa holders need specialist mortgage advice

Lender criteria for visa holders varies enormously. Going to the wrong lender wastes time and creates unnecessary marks on your credit file.

Skilled Worker visa mortgages arranged

Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) is one of the most common routes to a UK mortgage for non-EU nationals. Many lenders accept Skilled Worker visa holders, particularly when income is strong and the visa has a reasonable amount of time remaining. We know exactly which lenders work well for this visa type.

Spouse and family visa applications handled

Spouse and family visas add complexity because they depend on the sponsor's circumstances. Some lenders treat spouse visa holders similarly to UK citizens, others are more restrictive. We navigate this carefully and find lenders who take a pragmatic view of your specific situation.

ILR holders treated like UK citizens by most lenders

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is the strongest position a non-UK citizen can be in when applying for a mortgage. Most lenders treat ILR holders the same as UK citizens, with no additional deposit requirements or restrictions. We confirm this is the case for your application.

EU settled status fully accepted

EU citizens with full settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are in a strong position. Settled status is accepted by virtually all mainstream lenders. Pre-settled status has more limited options but is still workable with the right lenders who understand the scheme.

Time remaining on visa considered carefully

Lenders often want to see a minimum amount of time remaining on your visa, typically at least 2 years for the mortgage deal period. We advise on timing and, if your visa is up for renewal soon, how to handle this in your application.

Low deposit options from 10% with some lenders

While many visa holder mortgage products require a 25% deposit, some specialist lenders will accept as little as 10% deposit depending on your visa type, income, and UK residency period. We identify the lowest deposit options available for your specific situation.

How it works

From first enquiry to mortgage offer, we handle everything. Most visa holder applications complete within 4-6 weeks of mortgage offer.

01

Tell us your visa type, residency period, and income

We review your visa type, how long you have been in the UK, your employment status and income, and your deposit. This gives us what we need to identify the right lenders and set realistic expectations from the outset.

02

We find lenders suited to your visa type

Different lenders have very different criteria for different visa types. We search 90+ lenders and identify those whose criteria match your visa type and residency situation, avoiding wasted applications and unnecessary credit checks.

03

We explain your options and make a recommendation

We present the best mortgage options available to you, with rates, deposit requirements, and monthly costs clearly explained. We advise on whether to proceed now or whether waiting would improve your options.

04

We handle the full application

From submission to mortgage offer, we manage the process. Visa holder applications require careful documentation and we know exactly what each lender needs. Most applications complete within 4-6 weeks of mortgage offer.

Visa holder mortgage FAQs

Which visa types are accepted for UK mortgages?
The most widely accepted visa type is Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2 General). Spouse and family visas, indefinite leave to remain (ILR), and EU settled status are also accepted by many lenders. Student visas are rarely accepted for residential mortgages. Pre-settled status is accepted by some specialist lenders. The key factors alongside visa type are deposit size, income level, and how long you have been in the UK.
How much deposit do I need on a Skilled Worker visa?
It varies by lender. Some specialist lenders will offer Skilled Worker visa holders mortgages with a 10% deposit, provided income and credit history are strong. Others require 15%, 20%, or 25%. The amount of time remaining on your visa also affects this: lenders generally want your visa to cover at least the initial deal period. We advise on the exact deposit requirements based on your specific circumstances.
I have a spouse visa. Can I get a mortgage in my own name?
Yes, some lenders will offer mortgages to spouse visa holders applying individually. Others prefer joint applications where the sponsor is a UK citizen or settled resident. The visa must typically have sufficient time remaining and your income must be sufficient to support the mortgage on its own. We advise on whether to apply individually or jointly based on what will give you the best outcome.
How long does my visa need to have left for lenders to accept it?
Most lenders want to see at least 2 years remaining on your visa at the time of application, or in some cases want it to cover the full initial mortgage deal period. If your visa is due for renewal within the next 6-12 months, we advise on whether to wait for the renewal before applying, as a fresh visa significantly improves your position with most lenders.
I have indefinite leave to remain. Am I treated the same as a UK citizen?
In most respects, yes. ILR holders are accepted by virtually all mainstream lenders with no additional deposit requirements or restrictions compared to UK citizens. The main difference is that lenders may ask to see your biometric residence permit confirming ILR status. From an affordability and income perspective, you are assessed identically to a UK citizen.
I have EU pre-settled status, not full settled status. Is a mortgage possible?
Yes, with the right lenders. Pre-settled status has more limited options than full settled status, but there are specialist lenders who will accept pre-settled status applicants, typically with a slightly larger deposit of 15-25%. If you are approaching the five-year mark and likely to qualify for settled status soon, we advise on whether to apply now or wait for full settled status, which opens up many more options.

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Ready to find your visa holder mortgage?

Get your free consultation today. We understand visa criteria and find lenders who will approve your application.

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