Published 2 May 2017 · Last reviewed 1 May 2026

UK lending criteria for Foreign National Mortgage Applicants with a Visa

There are two main ways UK Mortgage Lenders look at underwriting around foreign national mortgage applicants living and working in the UK looking to buy a property:

1. Qualify based on Length of time in UK OR
2. Qualify based Length of time left on your current Visa

You can may be able to qualify under Rule 1 OR Rule 2, alternatively a combination of both Rules.

Bear in mind in the case of Rule 1 the greater you active credit record is the better your chances.

The mortgage guidelines below relate to conventional house purchases on a Visa. If you are after shared ownership, shared equity, New Build or Help-to-Buy please call us to discuss further.

Deposit Requirements

Min time In UK Min time left on Visa Tier 1 Tier 2 Entrepreneurial & Ancestry

6 months 6 months 10% 30% 30%

2 years None** 10% 10% 10%

None 2.5 years 10% 10% 10%

None 2 years 20% Professionals only N/A N/A

* Must be buying with a person(s) who have permanent rights to reside in the UK.

** House purchase must complete before your Visa expires.

For more information on getting a Mortgage with a Visa please click here

For more information on our range of mortgages for foreign nationals with a UK Visa please complete our enquiry form on the right-hand side of this page alternatively you can