Around 700,000 British citizens live in the US in 2025, however many of them still want to either buy or rent a property in the UK. It’s normal for this to happen, and indeed it is very possible to achieve with via an expatriate mortgage.
In the US, you have to follow IRS rules, and in the UK, you have to follow the individual mortgage lender’s rules. If you want a UK mortgage for expats living in the US, having good tax records and easy-to-understand paperwork will certainly help your case. Plan ahead if you want to get a UK mortgage while living in the US so that your money, credit and paperwork are all in order for smooth and stress-free application.
Why IRS rules matter for a UK mortgage
The IRS requires all US residents to declare all of their income – no matter where it comes from. This includes all money you earn in the UK – including all monies from UK rental income and also savings. Each year, you’ll need to file a U.S. tax return, and if your foreign assets or bank balances exceed certain thresholds, you’ll also need to report those accounts.
Keeping your tax records clean and clear makes it easier to show potential mortgage lenders your financial history. If you’re a British expat living in the U.S. and want to get a mortgage in the UK, your lender will want to see clear proof of stable income and well-documented finances. Your U.S. tax returns are a big part of proving that.
Simple IRS steps linked to your UK plans
Most expats living in the US use Form 1040 to report all of their income. If you have money in accounts outside of the US and the total is above a certain threshold during the year, you may need to file an FBAR. Some people also complete a FATCA form which provides more details of their foreign assets. Having clean, complete papers and tax records will make things much easier when applying for a UK mortgage for expats.
Income and documents Required for a UK mortgage while living in the US
UK Mortgage Lenders will need to know how you earn your income and if it secure and consistent. If you have a job, recent pay stubs and a letter from your boss can help. If you work for yourself, your most recent accounts and tax returns are helpful. The source of income you use to pay for your British mortgage is also important. Your UK mortgage will be in British pounds, but your income may be in US dollars.
Lenders will look at how your pay is affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate and any potential impact this might have on your mortgage affordability. Your IRS filings help your case because they prove your overall income. If you want to get a mortgage in the UK while living in the US, make sure you have all of your US and UK paperwork ready before you start.
As an expat, you need to pass UK checks
If you live in the UK but are not a British citizen, your credit file may be thin – however, you can still secure a mortgage though, don’t worry. You just need to show that your documentation are clear and that your money paths are clean. Keep bank statements that show where your money comes from. If you own a buy-to-let property in the UK, keep proof of your rental income. Keep records of any debts you have in the US and how you pay them. As a UK expat living in the US, keeping simple, well-organised records for a UK mortgage will help you avoid questions and delays.
Taxes, rent, and cash-flow
If you own and rent out a house in the UK, you might have to pay taxes there and also tell the IRS about the rental income you receive. The US and UK Tax Treaty helps lower the amount of taxes that people have to pay twice. You might be able to get relief so that the same income isn’t taxed twice. Your rent after taxes is what you use to pay your mortgage and other bills. If you’re a UK expat living in the US and want to get a mortgage in the UK, make sure to base your plan on your net income after taxes, not just your gross income.
How to Pick a UK Mortgage Service for Expats in the US
The process can feel complex when you are abroad. A specialist team that works with expats every day can save time, money and a lot of stress! Look for a UK Mortgage Service for Expats Living in the USA that understands US income, US tax papers and currency issues. They can guide you on what lenders want, when to apply, and how to present your case. They can also help if you need a remortgage later.
Common tips for timing and planning
Start early. Gather US tax returns, payslips or accounts, bank statements, and ID documents. Keep copies of any UK tax letters if you have UK rent. Check your US credit and your UK credit to make sure all looks correct. Think about exchange rates and rate rises when you set your budget. If you plan to remortgage, avoid doing it at the same time as a big tax bill if you can. A UK Mortgage for Expats in the USA is simpler when you plan your dates and your cash buffer.
Conclusion: who can help and next steps
If you live in the US and want a UK mortgage or if you need help with a UK mortgage service for expats living in the US, it helps to talk to a team that works with expats. Expat Mortgage UK is a broker that specialises in helping expats and people from other countries. We’re experts in securing a mortgage for expats in UK can help with remortgages and new UK residential mortgages and buy-to-let mortgages.
We can help you get a UK expat mortgage across the entire UK market, including all the specialist lenders. We have dedicated expat mortgage advisers, a client portal for updates and useful tools like an expat mortgage calculator. If you need a UK mortgage for expats living in the US or you are looking for a UK mortgage as an expat living in the US, our team can help you throughout the entire process, including expat investment advice.
Need Help Getting a UK Mortgage from the USA?
Expat Mortgages UK is a specialist broker that helps US expats get UK mortgages quickly and easily.
Contact Expat Mortgages Brokers today to talk about your mortgage options and start your application with peace of mind.