Mortgage advice for applicants on UK visas
Visa Holder Mortgages in the UK
Specialist UK mortgage guidance for Skilled Worker visa holders, spouse visa applicants, family visa holders, BNO visa holders and other eligible foreign national applicants.
Reviewed by: Mark Rea: Director and qualified Mortgage Broker
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026
Last updated: 21 July 2026
Can you get a UK mortgage on a visa?
Yes, it may be possible to get a UK mortgage while living in the UK on a visa. Lenders usually assess your visa type, how long remains on it, your UK address history, income, deposit, credit profile and the property you want to buy.
Some lenders are more flexible with visa holder applications than others. The key is finding a lender whose criteria match your immigration status, income and deposit position before submitting an application.
Common visa holder mortgage routes
These are the main applicant types and visa routes commonly reviewed for UK mortgage applications.
Skilled Worker Visa Mortgages
For applicants employed in the UK under the Skilled Worker visa route.
- Employment stability is important
- Time remaining on visa may be reviewed
- UK income can support affordability
Spouse Visa Mortgages
For applicants living in the UK on a spouse or partner visa.
- Joint applications may be possible
- Partner income can be assessed
- Visa duration and deposit still matter
Family Visa Mortgages
For applicants with UK residency rights through eligible family visa routes.
- Lenders review status and income
- Address history may help
- Deposit and affordability are key
BNO Visa Mortgages
For Hong Kong BNO visa holders buying or refinancing UK property.
- UK income or overseas income may be reviewed
- Residency history can affect options
- Deposit evidence is important
Settled or Pre-Settled Status
For applicants with EU settled or pre-settled status in the UK.
- Status evidence may be needed
- UK credit history can help
- Income and deposit are assessed
Indefinite Leave to Remain
For applicants with ILR who may have wider lender choice.
- Often viewed more favourably
- Still subject to affordability
- Deposit and credit profile matter
How lenders assess visa holder mortgage applications
Lenders usually assess the overall strength of the application, not just the visa type. Your income, deposit, UK history and credit conduct all matter.
| Assessment area | What lenders look at | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Skilled Worker, spouse, family, BNO, settled status, ILR or other route | Some lenders only accept certain visa categories |
| Time remaining | How long is left before renewal or expiry | Some lenders want a minimum period remaining on the visa |
| UK address history | How long you have lived in the UK and whether your address history is clear | Longer UK history can improve lender confidence |
| Income | Employment, salary, bonuses, self-employed income or foreign income | Used to calculate affordability and borrowing potential |
| Deposit | Deposit size, source of funds and whether money came from overseas | Clear deposit evidence helps avoid underwriting delays |
| Credit profile | UK credit file, commitments, missed payments and financial conduct | Limited UK credit history may reduce lender choice |
Need a visa holder mortgage route that fits?
Tell us your visa type, time remaining, income, deposit and property plans. We can help you understand which UK mortgage routes may be realistic before you apply.