UK Mortgages for Expats & Foreign Nationals Living in Hong Kong
For people in Hong Kong, buying a place in the UK isn’t always straightforward. The time difference makes it tough to speak with lenders, currency changes can throw plans off and getting hold of the right people in the UK isn’t easy. On top of that, British expats often struggle to show proof of income or deal with UK tax rules while they’re living abroad.
This is why it’s so important to get professional help with your mortgage. To get the right expat mortgage from Hong Kong, you need to know about UK property finance and the unique needs of each foreign borrower. At Expat Mortgages UK we are experts at helping British expats and Hong Kong residents secure UK mortgages. We make the process as easy as possible from start to finish.
We are a trustworthy middleman for UK expats living in Hong Kong looking for either a UK residential or Buy-to-Let mortgage because we have years of experience and strong connections with all the lenders, including the specialists.
Who Can Apply for a UK Mortgage from Hong Kong?
Most people who apply for a UK mortgage for expats in Hong Kong will be able to secure one, under the right circumstances. These are:
- British people living in Hong Kong who want to buy property in the UK.
- Foreign nationals living in Hong Kong who want to invest in UK real estate.
- People who work for themselves or for a company in any field.
- People who make money in HKD or GBP, since lenders can look at both.
- People who do or do not have a credit history in the UK.
We can help you find lenders who will be happy to lend to you, even if you haven’t lived in the UK for a long period.
Types of UK Mortgages for UK Expats in Hong Kong
Depending on their needs, UK expats living in Hong Kong can secure the following types of UK mortgages:
Expat Buy-to-Let Mortgage
An expat buy-to-let mortgage enables people living in Hong Kong make money from the UK property market by buying buy-to-let properties. Rental income can be a good way to make money over time, especially in cities in the middle of the UK which provide great rental yields.
Expat Residential Mortgage
A UK residential mortgage for expats living in Hong Kong is the best choice if you want to buy a home for your family or move back to the UK. It helps you buy a home to live in instead of to invest in.
Remortgaging UK Property
A lot of people who live in Hong Kong also look into remortgaging their UK property. This can lower monthly payments, free up equity, or secure you the best UK mortgage rates for expats living in Hong Kong.
Challenges Expats in Hong Kong Face – And How We Solve Them
Getting a mortgage for property in the UK from Hong Kong usually involves a lot of steps:
- Hard to secure mortgages from lenders: Many UK banks won’t lend to people who live outside the UK. We put you in touch with lenders who specialise in mortgages for expats and foreign nationals.
- Currency exchange and income verification: International borrowers need to be able to clearly prove their income in HKD. We check income against GBP to make sure it’s correct.
- Time differences: Our secure online service and knowledgeable expat mortgage advisors keep you up to date in real time.
- No UK credit history: If you’ve lived in Hong Kong for a few years, we can still present your case to lenders even if you don’t have a full UK credit history.
- Tax implications: We help you understand UK tax rules on property so that you can stay in compliance while living abroad.
Tax Considerations for British Expats Living in Hong Kong
When planning to remortgage UK property from Hong Kong, it is very important to include tax obligations in the calculation:
- In the UK, rental income from property is subject to income tax.
- The Non-Resident Landlord Scheme automatically collects taxes unless you choose to be exempt.
- Non-residents have to pay Capital Gains Tax when they sell property.
- Mortgage interest relief rules have an effect on how much tax you might have to pay.
Helping Expats Across Hong Kong
We are proud to work with clients from all over Hong Kong:
Central Hong Kong
Central Hong Kong is a busy place with a lot of international residents, finance companies and high-end apartments. A lot of expats here buy flats or family homes in the UK, either as an investment or just to stay connected to home while they build their careers in Hong Kong.
Kowloon
Kowloon has a different vibe than Central. The streets are busier, the markets are livelier, and there are a lot of different neighbourhoods. Many families and professionals here look into buying property in the UK as a way to make sure they have a stable future. Some people want to buy a place to rent out, while others want to move back into it later.
Sha Tin
Families looking for a quieter place to live are drawn to Sha Tin because of its open spaces and good schools. We often meet people from other countries who want to settle down in the UK, either for their kids’ education or their retirement. We help you shape your expat mortgage to fit your needs in each case.
Kwun Tong
Kwun Tong has changed quickly, with new offices and homes attracting young professionals. A lot of them want to start investing early and UK property is often part of their plans. It is our job to put them in touch with lenders who can properly understand income from abroad.
Yuen Long
Yuen Long has a mix of old villages and new buildings, and life there is slower than in the central districts. People from here often see the UK market as a safe place to invest, especially when they are making plans for the future. We help the UK mortgage process go smoothly even though there is distance and a lot of paperwork.
How to Get a UK Mortgage from Hong Kong: Step-by-Step
As an expat residing Hong Kong, we make it easy and stress-free for you to secure a UK mortgage:
- First meeting: Find out what you want and what your financial situation is.
- Market-wide mortgage search: Search for mortgages across the whole market to find the best deal from lenders.
- Getting ready for the documents: Gather payslips, bank statements, and proof of income etc.
- Choosing a lender and applying: Choose the best lender and we submit the application for you.
- Property valuation & solicitor coordination: We take care of the property valuation and all the coordination and liaison with the solicitor for you.
- Mortgage offer & approval: Offer and approval of the mortgage: Secure the formal “Mortgage Offer”.
- Completion: The legal checks and conveyancing is all completed and the property is now legally owned by you.
Why Work with Expat Mortgages UK?
When you work with us, you don’t just get a service; you get an experienced expat mortgage partner who has the specialist knowledge and experience and understands the full A–Z process inside-out.
We provide our clients with:
- Access to ALL mortgage lenders who work with expats and foreign nationals and are happy to lend to these clients under almost all circumstances.
- A personal Case Manager and Mortgage Advisor who will help you every step of the way throughout your application.
- Direct communications with no waiting on the phone.
- A client portal that lets you access your application 24/7.
- Assistance with checking your HKD to GBP income so that lenders will accept your financial documents.
- Assistance with all the paperwork you need, like tax returns, company accounts, and pay stubs.
- Full management of your mortgage from application to legal completion.
- A service directly regulated and authorised by the FCA, giving you complete peace of mind.
FAQs: UK Expat Mortgages Hong Kong
Is it possible to get a mortgage in the UK while living in Hong Kong?
Yes, indeed – there are many lenders that provide expats and foreign nationals living in Hong Kong UK mortgages.
Do I need to have a credit history in the UK to apply?
UK mortgage lenders look at both foreign credit and proof of income, so having one will certainly help, but it’s always not necessary.
How much money do you need to put down for a UK expat mortgage?
Most of the time, deposits are between 25% and 40%, but this depends on the type of mortgage.
Can I get a UK mortgage with money I make in Hong Kong?
Yes absolutely – our UK mortgage lenders will accept HKD income as long as it is properly evaluated and converted to GBP.
What kinds of property in the UK can I buy from Hong Kong?
Overseas buyers can buy both residential and buy-to-let property in the UK.
Do I have to go to the UK to get a mortgage?
No, we can help you do the whole thing from a distance and this is the usual way we work with all of our international clients.
Start Your UK Mortgage Journey from Hong Kong Today
We can help you whether you live in Hong Kong and want to invest in the UK property market or you are a British expat who wants to move back home and secure a new residential mortgage. As a leading expat mortgage broker, at Expat Mortgage UK we make it easy by connecting you with the best lenders and getting you the best mortgage deal.
Get in touch with us to get professional help at every stage of your search for the best mortgage rates in the UK for expats from Hong Kong.