Expat Mortgage - Italy
Italy - particularly Milan and Rome - hosts British expats in financial services, fashion, luxury goods, manufacturing, technology, and food and beverage industries.
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What happens next
- Fill in the form (2 minutes).
- We'll match you with the right specialist for your situation.
- A specialist independent broker will contact you to discuss your options.
UK mortgages from Italy
CRD VI (effective March 2026) caused Skipton International to withdraw from Italian-resident mortgage applications. However, HSBC Expat (Jersey) and Molo Finance remain active for Italian-resident expats, and EUR income is well-accepted with a modest haircut.
The options available
Post-CRD VI Lender Options
Following Skipton's withdrawal, the primary lenders for Italian-resident expats are: HSBC Expat (requires HSBC Expat account, minimum income approximately £75,000), Molo Finance (no account required, BTL 5-year fixes from 5.02%), and specialist channel lenders available through the brokers we introduce.
EUR Income Treatment
EUR income is well-accepted by UK specialist expat lenders - the Euro is a major, widely-traded currency. UK lenders apply a 10-20% haircut to EUR income. Well within the normal specialist expat lending range.
Milan Financial and Fashion Sector
Milan hosts major financial services employers (UniCredit Italy, Mediobanca, HSBC Italy, Goldman Sachs Italy) and luxury/fashion employers (LVMH Italy, Kering Italy, Armani, Prada). International employer income in EUR or GBP is well-recognised.
Rome, Turin, and Other Centres
Rome-based government and international organisation employees (EU agencies, UN Rome agencies, international law firms), Turin automotive sector (Stellantis, Ferrari), and other Italian city expats all considered on their specific income and employer profiles.
Sterling Income from Italy
UK nationals employed by UK companies with Italian operations (BP Italy, Shell Italy, BAE Systems Italy) receiving sterling salaries - no currency haircut. Treated identically to UK-resident income.
Specialist Broker Comparison
The specialist we introduce you to compares HSBC Expat, Molo Finance, and all specialist channel lenders currently active for Italian-resident applicants. Post-CRD VI, this comparison is more important than ever.
How We Help
CRD VI and current lender position
Your specialist broker confirms the current lender shortlist for Italian-resident applicants - this has changed in 2026 and continues to evolve. Do not assume your previous lender is still available.
HSBC Expat vs Molo Finance comparison
The two primary alternatives to Skipton for Italian-resident expats compared directly for your income, loan amount, and property purpose.
Documentation
Italian payslips, banca statements (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, HSBC Italy), employer letter in English, passport, Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) if non-Italian, or Italian address evidence.
Completion
Remote management. CET (UTC+1) timezone managed electronically.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Introductions to specialist expat brokers · All expat locations
For current pricing, lender appetite and how income is assessed, see our guide to expat mortgage rates for Italy residents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a UK mortgage while living in Italy in 2026?
Yes - but the lender options changed in 2026 due to CRD VI. Skipton International withdrew from Italian-resident applications in March 2026. The alternatives are HSBC Expat (Jersey) and Molo Finance - both remain active for Italian-resident expats as of August 2026. The specialist broker confirms the current lender shortlist at the time of your enquiry.
What happened to Skipton International for Italy-based expats?
CRD VI (EU Capital Requirements Directive VI, effective 11 July 2026) imposed new compliance requirements on non-EU financial institutions serving EU-resident clients. Skipton International (Guernsey-based) determined that the compliance cost exceeded the commercial value of their EU-resident business and withdrew from new EU-resident mortgage applications from 31 March 2026. Existing Italian-resident Skipton customers are unaffected - but new applications are not available.
Is HSBC Expat available for Italian-resident expats post-CRD VI?
Yes - HSBC Expat operates from Jersey (a Crown Dependency, not a EU member state). HSBC Expat has not announced withdrawal from Italian-resident applications as of August 2026. However, their account requirement (HSBC Expat account must be opened before the mortgage application) and minimum income (approximately £75,000) apply.
What are current mortgage rates for Italy-based UK expats?
Following Skipton's withdrawal, the effective rate range for Italian-resident expat BTL applications has narrowed slightly - less competition means less rate pressure. Lenders repriced upward in September 2026: Molo's BTL 5-year fixes now start from 5.02%, and expat 2-year fixes typically run 5.25%-6.5%. The specialist we introduce you to obtains live rate comparisons at the time of every application.
I had a Skipton International mortgage as an Italian resident - what happens at renewal?
Your existing Skipton mortgage continues. However, when your fixed rate expires, Skipton cannot offer you a product transfer (new rate) as an EU/Italian resident. You need to remortgage to an alternative lender at expiry. Plan this 6-12 months before your rate end date. Contact us and we will introduce you to a specialist broker who can identify the best available alternative and manage the transition.