UK Mortgage on a Visa
Your visa type is one of the most important factors in determining which UK lenders will consider your mortgage application, what deposit they require, and what rate they will offer.
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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.
About UK Mortgage on a Visa
The journey from a new-arrival visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain is also the journey from specialist-lender-only access to full mainstream mortgage market access. The brokers we work with advise on the right approach at every stage of your UK residency.
The options available
Skilled Worker Visa
The most mortgage-accessible work visa. Mainstream lenders including Halifax, Nationwide, HSBC UK, and Santander all consider Skilled Worker visa holders. Typical requirements: 1-2 years UK residency, 12-24 months remaining on visa, UK employment income, UK credit history.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
ILR holders have near-identical mortgage access to UK citizens. Full mainstream mortgage market. No specific deposit premium. All products and LTV ratios accessible. The most significant mortgage eligibility upgrade in the foreign national journey.
BNO Visa (Hong Kong Nationals)
British National (Overseas) visa holders under the scheme launched January 2021. Mainstream and specialist lenders now have growing experience with BNO applicants. 2+ years UK residency significantly improves the application profile.
Spouse and Family Visa
Typically joint application with a UK citizen or ILR partner. The UK partner's income and credit history anchor the application. Spouse visa remaining validity still assessed. Lender appetite varies - your specialist broker identifies those with consistent approval rates.
Graduate and Student Visa
Very limited options. Students on Tier 4 / Student visas typically cannot qualify without significant overseas assets or a parental guarantor. Graduate visa holders (post-study work) may qualify with specialist lenders if employed full-time. The brokers we work with advise honestly on what is realistic.
Pre-Settled and Settled Status (EU Nationals)
EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Pre-settled status is treated similarly to a time-limited visa. Settled status (equivalent to ILR) opens full mainstream market access.
How We Help
Visa type and residency check
The specialist broker confirms your visa category, remaining validity, UK residency duration, and whether you have an established UK credit profile. This maps directly to your mortgage eligibility tier.
eVisa share code
The specialist we introduce you to walks you through generating and using the gov.uk share code to verify your immigration status to the lender. Most lenders now accept this but the process varies.
Lender matching
Mainstream lenders for ILR, settled status, and established Skilled Worker visa holders. Specialist lenders (Aldermore, Kensington) for thinner profiles or complex visa situations.
Application to completion
The specialist we introduce you to manages the full application. Visa-holder applications require additional identity verification steps - your specialist broker prepares you for these before the process starts.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Introductions to specialist expat brokers · All expat locations
Frequently asked questions
Which visa types can get a UK mortgage?
Almost all UK visa types can potentially access a mortgage, though the lender pool and terms vary significantly. Skilled Worker visa holders access most mainstream lenders after 1-2 years UK residency. ILR holders access the full market on the same terms as UK citizens. BNO visa holders have growing lender acceptance. Student visas are the most restricted. The specialist broker assesses your specific visa type and provides honest guidance on what is realistically achievable.
How much time must I have left on my visa to get a mortgage?
Most lenders require at least 12-24 months of remaining visa validity at the point of application. Some specialist lenders require 2-5 years remaining. The mortgage term can usually extend beyond the current visa period - lenders accept that visa renewals are normal and expected, not a sign of uncertainty.
Does my visa type affect my mortgage rate?
Yes, in most cases. ILR and settled status holders pay standard market rates. Skilled Worker visa holders with established UK profiles pay comparable rates to UK citizens from mainstream lenders. Newer arrivals or less common visa types may access higher rates from specialist lenders, reflecting the smaller pool of lenders competing for the business.
What is the share code and why do I need it?
Since January 2025, the physical BRP card has been replaced by a digital eVisa. To prove your right to remain in the UK for a mortgage application, you generate a share code on the gov.uk website. This code allows the lender (or their verification service) to electronically confirm your immigration status. The process takes a few minutes online. Have your share code ready before your mortgage application starts - some lenders require it at the very beginning of the process.
Can I buy a property in joint names with my UK citizen partner while on a visa?
Yes - and this is the most straightforward scenario for many visa holders. The UK citizen partner's credit history, employment, and residency anchor the application. Your income can be included if evidenced. Most mainstream lenders accept joint applications where one borrower is a UK citizen. Your visa type and remaining validity are still noted and assessed.