Can I get a mortgage in the UK on a visa?

Yes. There is no legal restriction on visa holders getting a UK mortgage. However, many lenders have internal policies that restrict lending to applicants on certain visa types or with limited remaining visa duration. You will likely need a larger deposit and may have fewer lenders to choose from.

How much deposit do I need as a visa holder?

Most lenders require a minimum 25% deposit for visa holders, compared to 5-10% for UK citizens. Some specialist lenders may accept 15-20%. The larger deposit compensates for what lenders perceive as the additional risk of lending to someone whose right to remain may be time-limited.

Which visa types can get a mortgage?

ILR holders and those with EU Settled Status are treated the same as UK citizens by most lenders. Skilled Worker visa holders with at least 1-2 years remaining can get mortgages from several high street and specialist lenders. Spouse visa holders can also get mortgages, though options are more limited. Student visa holders and those on short-term visas will find it very difficult.

Do I need ILR to get a mortgage?

No. You do not need ILR to get a mortgage. However, having ILR makes the process significantly easier as most lenders treat ILR holders the same as UK citizens. On a temporary visa, you will have fewer lender options and may need a larger deposit.

Should I use a mortgage broker as a visa holder?

Strongly recommended. A broker who specialises in visa holder mortgages will know which lenders accept your visa type, what documentation you need, and how to present your application. They can save you time and potentially get you a better deal than approaching lenders directly.

Getting a Mortgage as a Visa Holder in the UK 2026

Visa holders can buy property and get mortgages in the UK, but the process is more complex than for British citizens. Lenders assess visa holders differently, typically requiring larger deposits and imposing conditions around visa length. This guide covers which lenders accept visa holders, what deposit you need, how your visa type affects your options, and practical tips for navigating the mortgage market in 2026.

Can Visa Holders Buy Property in the UK?

Yes. There is no legal restriction on anyone — regardless of nationality or immigration status — buying property in the UK. You do not need a visa, residency, or any particular immigration status to own property. You do not even need to live in the UK.

The challenge is not buying property but financing it. Getting a UK mortgage on a visa is more difficult than for British citizens, though it is certainly possible. Many visa holders successfully buy property in the UK every year.

How Lenders View Visa Holders

Mortgage lenders assess risk. Their concern with visa holders is straightforward: if your visa expires or is not renewed, you may leave the UK, and the lender wants to know they can recover their money. This leads to stricter lending criteria:

Larger deposit. Most lenders require 25% or more, reducing their exposure if they need to repossess and sell the property.
Visa duration. Many lenders require at least 1 to 2 years remaining on your visa at the time of application, or require that your visa extends beyond the mortgage term.
Limited product range. You may not be eligible for the most competitive rates or deals that are available to citizens.
Additional documentation. Expect to provide your visa, BRP, passport, and evidence of your right to work and live in the UK.

Mortgage Options by Visa Type

ILR or Settled Status

If you have ILR or EU Settled Status, most lenders treat you the same as a British citizen. You can access the full range of mortgage products with standard deposit requirements (typically 5-10%). This is the easiest position to be in.

Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker visa holders can get mortgages from several high street lenders (including HSBC, Barclays, Halifax, and NatWest, subject to their current policies) and specialist lenders. You will typically need:

At least 1 to 2 years remaining on your visa
A minimum 25% deposit
Proof of employment and salary from your sponsor
Evidence of your right to work (BRP or digital status)

Spouse Visa

Spouse visa holders can get mortgages, often using their partner's income as the primary earner on a joint application. If your British citizen or settled partner is the main applicant, lenders may be less concerned about your visa status. A joint application is usually the strongest approach.

Student Visa

Getting a mortgage on a student visa is extremely difficult. Most lenders will not consider student visa applicants due to limited income and the temporary nature of the visa. If you are on a student visa, you may need to wait until you move to a work visa or obtain ILR.

The Deposit Question

The deposit is often the biggest hurdle. While British citizens can buy with as little as 5% deposit, visa holders typically need 25%. On a £300,000 property, that is £75,000 compared to £15,000.

Sources of deposit that lenders will accept:

Savings. Your own savings, held in a UK bank account for at least 3 months. See our bank account guide.
Gifted deposit. Money gifted by a family member, with a signed gift letter confirming it does not need to be repaid.
Overseas funds. Money transferred from your home country. You will need to show the source and provide evidence of the transfer. Anti-money laundering checks will apply.

Using a Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker who specialises in visa holder or international mortgages is strongly recommended. Benefits include:

They know which lenders accept your specific visa type in 2026.
They can access deals not available to direct applicants.
They understand how to present your application to maximise approval chances.
They can advise on timing (for example, applying after a visa extension rather than before).

Ask your broker specifically about their experience with visa holder mortgages. A generalist broker may not know which lenders accept your visa type.

Stamp Duty Considerations

If you are buying a residential property in England and Northern Ireland and you are not a UK resident for tax purposes (or have not been resident for the preceding 12 months), you may be liable for the 2% non-resident stamp duty surcharge on top of the standard rates. This applies based on tax residency, not visa status.

If you are living and working in the UK on a visa and are UK tax resident, the surcharge typically does not apply. If in doubt, consult a tax adviser or solicitor before completing your purchase.

What Happens If Your Visa Is Not Renewed?

If your visa expires and is not renewed, you still own the property. Property ownership is not dependent on immigration status. However, you would need to decide whether to:

Continue paying the mortgage from abroad (your obligation to the lender continues regardless of where you live).
Sell the property.
Let the property (you would need to inform your lender and may need to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage).

Your lender will not automatically repossess your property if you leave the UK, as long as you continue making payments.

Next Steps

Start by checking your deposit savings and understanding your visa timeline. If you have less than 2 years remaining on your visa, consider whether it makes sense to wait until after an extension or ILR application. Contact a specialist mortgage broker to understand your options.

For help with other aspects of settling in the UK, see our guides on opening a bank account, National Insurance numbers, and employment rights. For official guidance on stamp duty, see the GOV.UK stamp duty page and the non-resident surcharge guidance.