Expat Wanting to Buy a Property in the UK?

Who needs an expat mortgage and what are the typical reasons?

Britons living abroad, either temporarily or permanently. Expats will need to obtain a mortgage from a lender that has chosen to lend to expats.

Typically, expats are looking to invest in buy-to-let property whilst living overseas. As such perhaps to provide an income in retirement or even to live in upon their return. 

Whilst fluctuating exchange rates can, at times, provide a good opportunity for investors, it is also true to say that many expats earn better salaries abroad. Often much more than they would do here in the UK. A lower cost of living means they have more disposable income and want to invest in UK property.

As an expat you will be aware there are not manty other countries in the world that offer such potentially good long term returns on property as the UK does.

Aside from investors, enquiries from individuals looking to buy properties for their families to live in. They are frequently where children are involved, and the preference is for them to be schooled in the UK.

Selecting a mortgage to suit your needs.

Securing an expat mortgage doesn’t have to be difficult. It is always recommended to get expert professional help. Using a specialist expat broker will without doubt give you the edge as they will be experienced in this type of mortgage process.

Can we help?

If you are looking for an expat new or re-mortgage, please do make contact. One of our fully qualified independent advisers will be happy to assist.

Buying Property in the UK when living abroad.

Expat buy-to-let investments will continue to offer attractive rates of return compared to other asset classes, expat investors have increasingly searched out cheaper and higher yielding properties, research has found.

Living abroad and buying a UK flat, apartment or house doesn’t have to be a tedious task, the best way to proceed is to engage an independent expat mortgage adviser as they will have access to all deals available. They also will be local and able to deal with question as they arise.

 As an expat thinking of entering the Buy-to-Let market.

More and more expat investors are considering entering this market for various reasons. What can a buy-to-let investment offer you? Buying property in the UK when livinga broad may be easier to finance than you realise.

Interest only mortgages

Good potential returns on capital invested.

Tax efficiency

Attractive mortgage interest rates

Potentially better returns than on offer at high street banks

Nearly half of 25 to 34-year-olds live in the private rented sector (46%), almost double the percentage in 2006 (24%). There has also been a considerable increase in the proportion of 35-44-year-olds in the private rented sector over the past decade, rising from 11% to 29%.

Expat buy-to-let mortgages play a vital role in supporting housing supply in the private rented sector, with the market representing nearly 13% of new UK mortgage lending.

Can we help?

If you are looking for an expat mortgage or re-mortgage, please do make contact and one of our independent advisers will be happy to assist.

Positive Expat Market. The Expat buy-to-lets remain positive.

 The expat buy-to-let market has remained stable as more people turn to the private rented sector out of both choice and need.

This news is keeping expat landlords on a very positive footing for the long-term future, research shows more young couples will have to rent due to spiralling house prices.

The debate amongst expat landlords goes on but the latest research points very firmly to a stable and well performing market. Despite the uncertainty around the economy the overwhelming message coming out of the private rented sector is positive and encouraging.

Rents continue to increase at a steady pace which has been the story of 2023, and it really looks like continuing into 2024 and beyond.

Many expat landlords in the private sector are seeking advice on how to proceed with all the new tax changes. Again, the news we are hearing is very positive indeed and it seems the Limited company route is favourite to the majority.

Expat buy-to-let limited company.

Half a decade ago, there would have been few in the mortgage market who might have predicted limited company expat buy-to-let as one of the major growth areas in the years ahead.

But that’s exactly what has happened in the expat buy-to-let sector. The market has shifted to accommodate how expat landlords might wish to take their portfolios forward and how they can try and secure the mortgage interest tax relief which has been steadily cut for those holding properties in their own names.

Can we help?

 If you would like assistance with your expat buy-to-let mortgage, please do contact or call one of our expert independent advisers. We have years of experience in this market and look forward to being of assistance to you.

 

Expat Buy To Let. As an expat are you thinking of entering the buy-to-let market in the UK?

With UK property prices easing all the time if you are contemplating entering the market this could well be a profitable time.

Positives:

Property prices are falling.

Potential bigger gains on a later sale.

Experts are predicting property price increases will return in middle to late 2024.

Regular monthly income from rental income.

Increasing waiting list of tenants looking for value in the renting market.

Expats, there are bargains to be had at the auctions!

Auctions are a great way to add to a buy-to-let portfolio or start one. With a wide range of bargains often going under the hammer.

Among the many attractions of buying property at auction is that purchasers avoid the conventional drawn-out process of property buying. As such the property is sold in a matter of minutes as soon as the hammer falls.

Preparation is key.

But before attending and bidding on property at auction, investors must conduct all necessary due diligence. Ask yourself ……

Have you carefully read the conditions printed in the catalogue?

Have you made financial arrangements to ensure you have a 10% deposit ready for payment on auction day? When the contracts are signed and access to the remaining 90% within 28 days?

Need financial help?

If you are looking for a new or re-mortgage, please do make contact and one of our qualified independent advisers will be happy to assist.

Holiday Let Mortgages. Weaker pound encourages expats to the holiday let market.
New research reveals that expats and foreign nationals are snapping up UK property, while the pound is weak, and prices remain affordable outside London and the Southeast.
The new figures show that there has been a 23% year on year increase in expats and foreign nationals investing in UK property. These buyers are investing in both buy-to-lets and Holiday lets.
The research also reveals that in 2023, 60% of expats and foreign nationals buying property in the UK, opted for the Manchester area, while 25% choose Birmingham.
However, London has seen a 60% drop in buyers, this is the result of high property prices and poor rental yields, compared with other regions of the UK.
What may surprise many is that in real terms, property prices in the UK have fallen compared with a decade ago and there is a huge North-South divide. In London, the average property value has risen by nearly 70% in 10 years, whereas some other areas have fallen as much as 40% in real terms.
This growth in investors is partly down to the availability of a wider selection of mortgages designed for working expats and foreign nationals.
Investors are also attracted by the UK’s robust legal system for property acquisition, which makes it one of the easiest places in the world to buy property.
Can we help?
If you would like to know more about the range of mortgages available to expats, both new and re-mortgage please do make contact. We have a fully experienced and qualified independent team waiting to assist you.