FAQ's

Yes, absolutely. Getting a mortgage on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa is possible and we arrange them regularly. Not every lender will consider you, but many will, including some high street banks, building societies and specialist lenders. The key is knowing which lenders to approach and presenting your application correctly. Going to the wrong lender wastes time and leaves a footprint on your credit file. That is exactly what a specialist broker helps you avoid.

For most Tier 2 applicants, 10% is the realistic minimum deposit. A small number of lenders will consider 5% but only in very specific circumstances, typically strong income, a clean credit profile and at least two years of UK residency. A 15 to 25% deposit opens up a significantly wider range of lenders and better rates. If your application is more complex, a larger deposit can compensate for other factors such as limited credit history or shorter visa time remaining.

Most lenders want to see a minimum of 12 months UK residency. Some prefer two years or more, and the longer you have been here the more options are available to you. That said, some specialist lenders will consider applications from those who have been in the UK for less than 12 months, though the criteria is tighter and the deposit requirement is typically higher. We know which lenders are flexible on this and will match you to the right one for your situation.

Most lenders want to see at least 12 months remaining on your visa at the point of application. Some prefer 24 months. However, some lenders will consider applications with less time remaining, particularly if you can provide a letter from your employer confirming that your sponsorship will continue and a visa renewal is expected. In some cases lenders have even considered applications with as little as three months remaining where there is clear evidence of renewal. The key is knowing which lenders will take a practical view.

Most lenders start at 4.5 times your annual income as a starting point, the same as for any other applicant. Some lenders will go to 5.5 or even 6 times income for higher earners in professional roles with a strong overall application. The important thing is that your full income is assessed correctly. If you have bonuses, shift allowances or variable pay, these can be included with the right lender. Our 5x and 6x income mortgages page covers the criteria for higher income multiples in more detail.

This is one of the most common challenges for Tier 2 visa holders and one we deal with regularly. UK lenders rely on your UK credit file and if you arrived recently your file may be thin even if your finances are strong. The best thing you can do is start building your credit profile as early as possible. Open a UK bank account, register on the electoral roll if you are eligible, take out a UK credit card and use it responsibly, and make sure all your bills and direct debits are in your name and paid on time. Even six to twelve months of consistent activity can make a meaningful difference to the lenders and rates available to you.

No. Your visa status does not directly affect stamp duty rates. Standard rates apply based on the purchase price and whether you are a first-time buyer. First-time buyers purchasing a property under £300,000 pay no stamp duty regardless of their visa status. The 5% additional property surcharge only applies if you are purchasing a second property, not because of your visa.

Yes. Shared ownership is available to Tier 2 visa holders in most cases. You will typically need at least a 10% deposit of the share you are purchasing and most schemes require at least 12 months of UK residency. It can be a practical route if your deposit is limited or if property prices in your area make a full purchase difficult to achieve. Our shared ownership mortgages page has more detail on how the scheme works and which lenders we recommend.

Yes, most lenders accept gifted deposits from family members for Tier 2 visa applicants. Some lenders may want the deposit to have been held in a UK bank account for a period of time, and all lenders will require a signed gifted deposit letter confirming the funds are a gift and not a loan. Our gifted deposit mortgages page explains what lenders need to see and how to document it correctly.

Yes, and this can significantly improve your options. If your partner is a UK citizen or has indefinite leave to remain, some lenders will disregard your visa status entirely and assess the application on standard terms. This can open up better rates, lower deposit requirements and a wider choice of lenders. It is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a Tier 2 visa mortgage application. Our joint borrower sole proprietor page covers another option for buying with a family member where ownership stays in one name.

Yes, though the criteria is stricter than for a residential mortgage. Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 25% for a buy-to-let purchase on a Tier 2 visa, and the rental income will need to cover the mortgage payment by a set percentage. You will also need to satisfy the lender's visa and residency criteria on top of the standard buy-to-let assessment. Our buy-to-let mortgage advice page covers the full criteria.

Once you have indefinite leave to remain, most lenders will treat you the same as a UK citizen. Your mortgage options expand significantly, rates become more competitive, and deposit requirements fall in line with standard residential mortgages. If you are already on a mortgage when you receive ILR, it may be worth reviewing your existing deal to see whether you can access better rates. Our remortgage page covers how that process works.

Not necessarily. The timeline for a Tier 2 visa mortgage application is broadly similar to any other mortgage, typically one to two weeks for a mortgage offer with high street lenders and potentially a little longer with specialist lenders. The key to keeping things moving is having all your documents ready upfront. Passports, biometric residence permits, payslips, bank statements, employer confirmation letters and deposit source documentation should all be prepared before you apply. Being organised at the start avoids delays later in the process.

Possibly yes. Past credit issues do not automatically rule out a Tier 2 visa mortgage. Some lenders will consider applicants with missed payments, defaults or other credit history, particularly where there is a larger deposit and stable, provable income. The nature and age of the credit issue matters, as does your current financial position. Our adverse credit mortgages page explains what is achievable and how we approach these situations.