Can You Get a Mortgage on a Visa? Everything Foreign Nationals Need to Know
If you’re here on a visa, you might think securing a mortgage is complicated. The good news? It’s absolutely achievable—and at Mortgage Wala, we guide clients through this regularly.
📌 Can Non-Citizens or Temporary Residents Get Mortgages?
Yes! Many lenders regularly offer mortgages to visa holders. The key is finding the right match.
📄 Which Visa Types Are Accepted?
Commonly accepted visas include Skilled Worker, Partner, Ancestry, and Innovator visas.
🧐 What Do Lenders Look at Apart from My Visa?
Lenders assess your full financial profile:
- Employment stability
- Income
- Credit history
- Deposit size
💷 Minimum Deposit Needed on a Visa?
Typically:
- Residential mortgage: 5%–10%
- Bad credit cases: from 10%
- Buy-to-let: 25%
📅 Is Minimum Time in the Country Required?
Not always. While some lenders prefer 12 months+, others consider you even if you’re recently arrived.
🔒 Limited Leave to Remain or Near Expiry—Is it a Problem?
Not necessarily. Some lenders accept short visa periods, especially if renewable.
📊 Self-employed on a Visa—Can I Get a Mortgage?
Yes, typically with 1–2 years’ accounts.
🚩 Bad Credit on a Visa—Is it Still Possible?
Definitely—specialist lenders regularly accept applicants with adverse credit.
🏘️ Buy-to-Let on a Visa—Is it Possible?
Yes, typically with a 25% deposit.
📑 Key Documents Needed:
- Passport & visa
- Income proof (payslips/accounts)
- Bank statements
- Credit report
- Deposit source details
🔄 Declined Previously—Can I Try Again?
Yes, often a decline simply means you approached the wrong lender.
✅ How Do I Start?
Just contact us—we’ll discuss your situation honestly and clearly outline your options.