You can certainly secure a mortgage in the UK even if you live in the US. UK mortgage lenders will look at how much money you earn in USD and convert it into GBP. They will make sure that the rental income you expect to receive (for buy-to-let property only) can more than cover the monthly mortgage payments at a stress rate. Lenders will also need to check other key items such as your ID, credit history, address and bank statements etc. If your income is steady and your paperwork is all in order, then getting a UK mortgage for expats living in the US is certainly achievable – especially with the right help and support!
Different lenders have different rates and rules for lending. Some lenders are better at handling applications involving British expats and foreign nationals than others. They might want a bigger deposit than people who live in the UK.
A 25% deposit for a UK buy-to-let mortgage is quite typical. If you’re living in the US and want to get a UK mortgage, start by checking your basic affordability and making a list of the documents you’ll need.

US and UK tax: the basics you must know
If you own a rental property in the UK, HMRC (the UK tax authority) will want to know about the income you earn from it. You can usually deduct legitimate costs such as letting agent fees, repairs, and mortgage interest, which helps lower your UK tax bill.
But because the U.S. taxes you on worldwide income, you’ll also need to report that same rental income on your U.S. tax return. Don’t worry – you can typically use the taxes you’ve already paid in the UK as a credit on your U.S. return. In many cases, that wipes out most (if not all) of the extra tax you’d otherwise owe in the U.S.
Now, if you decide to sell your UK property, you could face Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK on any profit you make. The IRS will also want to tax that gain since it counts as part of your worldwide income. However, the tax treaty and foreign tax credits once again help you avoid being taxed twice on the same money.
One thing to keep in mind: for U.S. tax purposes, your gain or loss is calculated in U.S. dollars, not British pounds. That means currency exchange rate changes between when you bought and sold the property can actually affect your U.S. tax result – sometimes in unexpected ways.
Practical steps to make your mortgage application smooth
Gather your documentation together and get started early – you can never be too early! Some of the best expat mortgage lenders may ask for your passport and visa or residence documents, as well as bank statements from the last three months that shows you have an income, proof of address, and proof of employment. If you want a UK mortgage while living in the US, you should also think about the time zone difference and give yourself time to get certified copies ready for when you need them.
Consider the risk of currency fluctuations. Your mortgage will be in GBP, but your income will most likely be in USD. When the USD is weaker, payments can feel higher. A lot of expats choose a fixed rate so that their payments stay the same in GBP for a set amount of time. Try out your budget at different rates of exchange just to make sure you don’t over-stretch yourself. This can help you feel sure that a UK mortgage will still be affordable for you as an expat living in the US, even if the exchange rate changes.
If you’re seeking a expat buy-to-let mortgage, make sure to check the rental income cover. A rent coverage test is used by UK mortgage lenders. You might need a bigger deposit, a lower rate, or a longer mortgage term in order to pass the test if the rental income isn’t sufficient to pass at the stress rate.
This is where specialist help from an expat mortgage broker can really help you find the right lender that fits your personal needs and ensure your rental property will generate sufficient income to make the numbers work. A UK Mortgage for Expats in the USA can be achieved when you find the right lender, pass all the lender checks and move on to a mortgage offer swiftly.
Choosing the right support and staying compliant
When you apply for a UK mortgage from abroad, it’s important to get clear and transparent help from the start. A dedicated mortgage adviser, direct phone and email support, and 24/7 access to real-time updates really helps keep things moving swiftly. This kind of service is part of a great UK mortgage for expats living in the USA that we provide to our clients. It cuts down on stress and delays caused by missing paperwork or slow responses.
Conclusion: simple, specialist help for US-based expats
If you live in the US and need help with a UK mortgage, choose a specialist mortgage broker who works with expats and foreign nationals all over the world for Buy-to-Let and Residential mortgages. They should also work with all of the lenders and be available to help you at any time of day. Expat Mortgage UK has a UK Mortgage Service for Expats Living in the USA that includes a personal mortgage advisor, case manager, and access to all lenders, including the specialists. They also have a Free Expat Mortgage Calculator that you can use to see how much money you might be able to borrow.
Their team can help you with full applications online and over the phone 24/7, which makes securing a expatriate mortgages UK as a British expat living in the USA so much easier. If you want a smooth and stress-free mortgage process from first contact to completion, contact UK Expat Mortgage for transparent and reliable advice on getting a UK mortgage for British expats living in the USA and a full UK mortgage service for US Residents.

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