Can I get a mortgage with ILR?

Yes. Having ILR significantly improves your mortgage options. Most mainstream UK lenders will treat ILR holders similarly to British citizens. You will have access to a wider range of products and generally better rates than applicants on temporary visas.

Can I buy property before getting ILR?

Yes, there is no legal restriction on buying property in the UK regardless of your visa status. However, getting a mortgage on a temporary visa is more difficult, with fewer lenders willing to offer terms and larger deposit requirements. Many people wait until they have ILR to get better mortgage deals.

Do I need a larger deposit with ILR?

With ILR, most lenders will offer standard deposit requirements, typically 5% to 10% for first-time buyers. On a temporary visa, lenders often require 25% or more. ILR removes this barrier and gives you access to the same products as British citizens.

Does buying property help my ILR application?

Owning property does not directly affect your ILR application. It is not a requirement and does not give you extra points. However, it can serve as evidence of your ties to the UK and your intention to settle permanently.

ILR and Getting a Mortgage: Buying Property in the UK

ILR significantly improves your mortgage options. Most UK lenders treat ILR holders the same as British citizens, offering standard deposit requirements and competitive rates. While you can legally buy property on any visa, having ILR opens up mainstream mortgage products that are often unavailable to temporary visa holders.

How ILR Changes Your Mortgage Options

Having ILR is a significant milestone for property buying. When you hold indefinite leave to remain, most UK mortgage lenders view you as having permanent status, which dramatically changes their risk assessment. Where temporary visa holders may be limited to specialist lenders with higher rates, ILR holders can access mainstream products from all the major high street banks.

The key difference is certainty. Lenders need to know you will be in the UK for the duration of the mortgage (typically 25 to 35 years). A temporary visa does not provide that certainty, but ILR does. For more on what ILR gives you, see our ILR rights and benefits guide.

Mortgage Requirements with ILR

With ILR, lenders will assess your mortgage application based on the same criteria as any other permanent resident:

Income: Your salary and any other income sources. Self-employed applicants typically need 2 to 3 years of accounts. See our self-employment evidence guide for what documentation to prepare.
Credit history: UK credit history is crucial. If you have been in the UK for 5 or more years (the typical qualifying period for ILR), you should have built up a reasonable credit file. Check your credit report with all three agencies before applying.
Deposit: Standard deposits of 5% to 10% are available. A larger deposit will get you better rates.
Proof of status: You will need to prove your ILR status. If you have an eVisa, you can share your immigration status digitally through the GOV.UK view and prove your immigration status service.

Building Your Credit History

If you are planning to buy property after receiving ILR, start building your UK credit history well in advance. Key steps include:

Register on the electoral roll at your current address
Use a UK credit card responsibly and pay it off in full each month
Make sure all bills are in your name and paid on time
Avoid making multiple credit applications in a short period
Check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies

Lenders typically want to see at least 3 years of UK credit history. If you have been in the UK for the 5 years required for most ILR routes, this should not be a problem.

Buying Property Before ILR

There is no legal requirement to have ILR before buying property. Anyone can purchase property in the UK regardless of immigration status. However, the practical reality is that getting a mortgage on a temporary visa is harder:

Fewer lenders: Many mainstream lenders will not offer mortgages to applicants with less than 3 years remaining on their visa.
Higher deposits: Specialist lenders who work with visa holders often require deposits of 25% or more.
Higher rates: The interest rates offered to temporary visa holders are typically higher than those available to ILR holders.

For more on buying property on a visa, see our dedicated property buying guide for visa holders.

Government Schemes

ILR holders can access the same government home-buying schemes as British citizens. In 2026, these include:

First Homes scheme: Discounted homes for first-time buyers with a local connection.
Shared Ownership: Buy a share of a property and pay rent on the rest.
Lifetime ISA: Save up to £4,000 per year towards your first home with a 25% government bonus.

Check the GOV.UK homeownership page for the latest schemes and eligibility criteria.

Stamp Duty Considerations

ILR holders pay the same stamp duty rates as British citizens. If you are buying your first home and it costs less than the relevant threshold, you may qualify for first-time buyer stamp duty relief. The rates and thresholds are set by HMRC.

If you own property abroad, be aware that the additional property surcharge may apply to your UK purchase. This is an extra 5% on top of standard stamp duty rates and applies regardless of where your existing property is located.

Planning Ahead: From ILR to Homeowner

If you are currently working towards ILR and planning to buy property afterwards, use the qualifying period to prepare:

Build your credit history and improve your credit score
Save for a deposit (aim for at least 10% for better rates)
Reduce any existing debts
Keep your employment stable (lenders prefer applicants who have been with their employer for at least 6 months)
Get a mortgage in principle once you have ILR to understand your budget

For information on the ILR application itself, see our ILR requirements guide and cost breakdown.