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How to Get a Joint Mortgage with a Non-UK National Partner or Spouse
Getting a joint mortgage where one partner is not a UK national can be challenging. We have a strong track record in matching international clients with the lending they need.
Buying a home together is an exciting milestone, but for couples where one partner is not a UK national, securing a joint mortgage can be more complex. High street lenders will have strict rules and minimal room for flexibility, so if your partner or spouse doesn't have a prominent UK credit history, this could cause some roadblocks.
The good news is that if you've both lived in the UK for a few years and have established financial records to prove it, the process of getting a mortgage should be relatively simple. And if one of you doesn't have this - for example, if they've only lived in the UK for a short period of time, or they still live overseas - there are lenders available who can accommodate your circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- The main hurdle in obtaining a joint mortgage is not nationality but UK residency duration and visa status.
- Generally, the stronger you or your partner's ties to the UK, the simpler the application process will be.
- Most high street lenders will want to see that you've both lived in the UK for at least 3 years, but working with a specialist mortgage broker could get you more flexibility.
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Residential History in the UK
To the surprise of some of our clients, the nationality of your non-British partner will be almost immaterial when applying for a mortgage. Instead, lenders will want to know how long you’ve both been living in the UK and your visa status.
Spouses and civil partners of UK citizens are eligible to apply for British citizenship by "naturalisation" after they have lived in the UK for three years:
- With settled status under EU regulation
- With indefinite leave to remain
- Or permanent residence status
Most mainstream lenders stipulate a minimum of at least three years’ established residence in the UK.
Related: Check out our complete guide on mortgages for expats
If you or your partner have settled in the UK recently, it's understandable that you may want to progress with purchasing a home, and you're wondering how your partner's visa status will affect getting a mortgage.
You don't need permanent residence to be eligible for a UK mortgage. However, if one of you has lived in the UK for less than 3 years, your mortgage options might be less favourable. x
Some high street lenders will flat out reject your application if you've spent less than 3 years in the UK. While this does narrow your lending pool, there are still a range of lenders who may be able to offer you a mortgage.
Before coming to us, a number of our clients have been turned down at the outset for their lack of residency qualification. We have the experience and facilities to understand the bigger picture. If you have other circumstances that lenders may find favourable - such as a large deposit, strong credit footprint or steady income - it's likely you could still be eligible for a mortgage.
UK mortgage finance for mixed-nationality couples
- For clients where one partner does not have a permanent "right to reside", we can source property finance up to 70% of the property value on a Capital and interest repayment basis only.
- For clients on a Tier 1 General Visa/Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, we can access lending up to 90% of the property value.
- For joint mortgage applications where only one party has a permanent right to reside, the application should be treated as if both applicants have the permanent right to reside. We will be looking for finance for up to 95% of the property value.
A Ceiling on Lending
Some high street lenders will cap international borrowing partnerships at 75% LTV (Loan to Value).
This can be problematic if you’re looking to buy in London, the Southeast, or other major cities around the country, where property can be a bit more pricey.
If the non-UK spouse is the main or only earner, cases are typically sent for review by the lender’s panel.
We may still be able to source the finance you need, but clients often need guidance through tighter credit policies for lending over 75% LTV.
Your Credit History
Unfortunately, British lenders are only concerned with your UK credit footprint.
You may have a settled residency and substantial financial resources in Sydney, Singapore or Seattle, but that’s of little reassurance to a mortgage provider committing to finance on a UK property with a co-owner who looks more able to "disappear" overseas in adverse financial circumstances than a settled UK national.
Your residential status is a key factor in your UK credit history, relating as it does to your employability, your ability to open a bank account, sign a tenancy agreement and take out credit.
We advise all our foreign-national clients to check their credit ratings with all three UK credit agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
We have access to the same credit analysis software many lenders use. We also often spend considerable time advising clients on proactive steps they can take to improve their credit ratings.
Not Including Non-Resident Spouses On Mortgage Applications
Some clients ask us if it's best to submit an application in just the British partner’s name - leaving out the foreign national spouse.
In fact, lenders are less comfortable if both partners are not included on the mortgage documents, even if the UK citizen is the primary earner.
The reasoning is that their lending is more secure if both the main tenants of the property bear joint responsibility for the mortgage finance. In the unfortunate circumstance of a default, a forced sale to recoup their lending will be much more complicated if a spouse not a party to the finance has the right of residency in the home.
We can source finance for single-name mortgages, but the greater degree of risk is reflected in the lower LTV lenders are willing to commit to, usually a ceiling of 70% (compared with the up to 95% we can otherwise source).
How to Apply for a Joint Mortgage
Our international client brokers have seen and solved the trickiest mortgage situations. At Clifton Private Finance, we have a dedicated team of brokers who can guide you through your options. As a whole-of-market brokerage, we have relationships with high street, private, and specialist lenders and access to market-leading rates.
We offer tailored advice on the best route to take and find you the best deal for your circumstances.
To see what we can do for you, call +44 203 900 4322 or book a free consultation below.
