UK Mortgages for Expats Living in the Middle East

We can help British expats living in the Middle East to secure a mortgage on a UK property. Contact us today to speak with our experienced expat broker team.

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UK Mortgage Advice for Expats Living in the Middle East

Dolphin Finance is an independent mortgage broker, offering expert advice on the entire range of mortgage and property financing products available in the UK.

We specialise in a broad range of mortgage lending, from more straightforward mainstream mortgages to high-value complex and specialist property finance in both the residential and commercial space.

Whether you are a landlord looking for a specialist buy-to-let mortgage, a first time buyer or a developer looking for property development finance, you will benefit from our extensive market knowledge and unrivalled professional service.

Our team of experienced advisers will provide expert mortgage advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Whatever your property financing requirements, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

The Kuwait Towers lit at dusk, above the Gulf coast

How can we help Expats in the Middle East get a UK Mortgage?

Dolphin Finance has extensive experience in helping both UK expats living in the Middle East obtain a mortgage to purchase or refinance their existing property.

We can advise clients with the following types of mortgages and scenarios:

  • Residential mortgage for a UK expat living in the Middle East
  • Remortgage of an existing property
  • Expat buy to let mortgage for a resident of the Middle East
  • Mortgage for an expat in the Middle East planning to return to the UK

Dolphin Finance is a mortgage broker which specialises in securing finance for expats and foreign nationals across the globe.

An initial 15-minute consultation with one of our brokers will enable us to determine your position and present you with a range of detailed options to consider, with no obligation.

Applying for a UK mortgage for an expat living overseas can be a challenging and daunting prospect. As an expat, your choice of lenders will be more limited, as many major banks and lenders will not consider applications from non-UK residents or foreign nationals.

However, much will depend on your personal circumstances, and we maintain an extensive network of relationships with specialist lenders and private banks who have a lot of experience in more complex cases.

UK Expat Mortgage Guide

If you are looking for a UK expat mortgage, then you need to understand their unique features compared with a regular mortgage. With more and more people choosing to work overseas, expat mortgages are becoming increasingly common.

However, there are some significant differences to regular mortgage products. This comprehensive guide will set out all of the essential details you will need to know if you are looking to apply for a mortgage as an expat.

We will cover how the mortgage application works, lender criteria, eligibility, deposit requirements, interest rates, what documents you will need, and how to find the right expat mortgage for your situation.

Keep reading for a complete guide on UK expat mortgages, or click one of the links on the right to go directly to the relevant section.

UK Mortgages for Expats in Dubai

Dubai has one of the largest British expat communities in the world, and more of our enquiries begin here than anywhere else in the Gulf. Lenders have settled, well-tested positions on Dubai-based applicants, so the question is rarely whether a UK mortgage is possible.

It is the detail that decides the outcome: a dirham salary that has to be converted and discounted, a UK credit file thinned by years away, and a lender working three to four hours behind you. Handled properly, none of that is an obstacle.

UK mortgages for expats living in Dubai

The Dubai skyline at sunrise, with the Burj Khalifa rising above the Sheikh Zayed Road interchange

Expat Mortgages for Residents of Abu Dhabi

The British community in the capital is smaller than the one in Dubai and shaped differently. Work clusters around government entities, the national energy companies, healthcare and education, usually on long contracts with a substantial allowance element.

Lenders respond well to that profile once it is presented properly. The variable worth getting right is how much of a housing and travel allowance a particular lender will count as income, because the answer moves what you can borrow considerably.

UK mortgages for expats living in Abu Dhabi

The perforated dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on the Saadiyat Island waterfront at dusk

UK Expat Mortgages in Saudi Arabia

The British community in the Kingdom has grown well beyond oil and gas, and now takes in construction, consulting, healthcare, aviation and technology. Contracts tend to be long, and packages are among the most allowance-heavy anywhere.

Lenders differ more here than in any other Gulf market over how much of an allowance they will count as income. Matching your contract to a lender whose policy suits it usually matters more than the headline rate.

UK mortgages for expats living in Saudi Arabia

A white mosque with a domed roof and palm trees, in Saudi Arabia

UK Mortgage Advice for Expats Living in Qatar

Doha's British community is built around liquefied natural gas, energy services, engineering, aviation, healthcare and education. Contracts are typically fixed-term and allowance-rich, and how a lender reads that structure decides what you can borrow.

End-of-service gratuity is worth planning around. For a good number of clients here it becomes the deposit, and a lender will want to see clearly where it came from. Timed well, it does the work of several years of saving.

UK mortgages for expats living in Qatar

The crescent-shaped Katara Towers in Lusail, Qatar, reflected in the water at dusk

Expat Mortgages in Kuwait

Kuwait's British community is concentrated in oil and gas, defence, engineering and education, and a good deal of it is on rotational or contractor terms rather than a standard permanent contract.

Lenders assess those contracts on renewal history and the employer behind them, not on the end date alone. Kuwait is also the one Gulf currency not held against the US dollar alone, because the dinar tracks a basket, and some lenders price for that where others do not.

UK mortgages for expats living in Kuwait

The Kuwait Towers lit at dusk, with Kuwait City behind them

Mortgage Advice for Expats Living in Oman

Oman's British community is centred on Muscat and spread through energy, logistics, engineering and education. Postings here tend to be longer and more settled than elsewhere in the Gulf, which lenders view favourably.

A long, unbroken employment history carries an application from Oman a long way, and it often offsets the thin recent UK credit file that comes with years spent abroad.

UK mortgages for expats living in Oman

The Mutrah waterfront in Muscat at dusk, with a blue-domed mosque against the mountains

Mortgage Advice for Expats Living in Bahrain

Bahrain has one of the oldest British communities in the Gulf, built first on oil and the naval connection and now largely on Manama's banking and financial services sector.

The dinar's long-standing peg makes it a currency lenders treat as stable, which helps at the affordability stage. Many of our clients here have been on the island a decade or more, and that length of residence reads as strength rather than risk to a specialist lender.

UK mortgages for expats living in Bahrain

Bahrain Bay and the Manama skyline lit at dusk, seen from above

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UK Mortgage Process for Expats Living in the Middle East

The main criteria that expats need to be aware of when applying for a UK expat mortgage are as follows:

The maximum LTV ratios are generally lower for expat mortgages, with most lenders setting a maximum cap of 90% LTV on a residential purchase and 80% on buy-to-let. This means that a borrower will need to put down a deposit of at least 10% of the property on a residential purchase, or 20% on buy-to-let. Some lenders will also offer reduced LTVs for mortgages above a certain amount.

Where you live can affect your expat mortgage application, with many lenders preferring applications from residents of countries offering political and financial stability. Most lenders will have lists of 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' countries they will accept expat mortgage applications from.

Whilst expat lenders will accept applications from expats earning a salary in a currency other than sterling, they will often restrict the currencies they will accept. Stable currencies such as euro and US Dollar are generally accepted by expat lenders. However even for these currencies, lenders will often apply a 'haircut' to reflect the risk of fluctuating exchange rates affecting the affordability of the mortgage repayments.

Some lenders will only accept applications from expats who are in full time employment, although some will accept self-employed expat borrowers, provided their accounts are prepared and signed off by an internationally recognised accounting firm.

It is often a requirement that you have an existing UK bank account when you apply for an expat mortgage. It is highly recommended to keep your existing UK bank account when moving overseas, or open one in anticipation of applying for a mortgage.

Most lenders will still require a credit history for borrowers, notwithstanding that they are not resident in the UK. For this reason, it is advisable to keep some ties to the UK, such as being on the electoral roll, keeping a mobile phone contract, credit card and bank account in the UK. Specialist expat lenders will take into account that an expat will have a reduced footprint compared to a UK resident borrower when assessing their application.

Every lender has their own specific lending criteria when it comes to UK expat mortgage applications. This is why it is crucial to work with a specialist expat mortgage broker, who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate lender and product for your particular circumstances.

Why use Dolphin Finance for your Expat Mortgage in the Middle East?

Dolphin Finance understand that buying a property in the UK can be a complicated and challenging process for an expat or foreign national, especially if you live in a different time zone.

Whether you are an expat living in the Middle East looking to buy an investment property in the UK, or to refinance an existing property, we will guide you through the mortgage financing process.

Dolphin Finance are one of the leading independent expat mortgage brokers, and our team is ready to help you at every stage of the property financing process, wherever you may be located.

We don't work a typical 9 to 5. Our expat broker team are experienced expats themselves and understand the challenges and needs of good communication throughout the mortgage application process.

Our goal is to find the right mortgage for your particular needs and requirements, and to be by your side from the start to finish.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

The white marble domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

What is the Process to apply for a UK Expat Mortgage if I'm living in the Middle East?

1

Enquire online via our website - you can either call or email us, or arrange a callback at a time convenient for you.

2

Initial consultation - after a thorough understanding of your needs, we will find the perfect mortgage for you.

3

We'll arrange all of the paperwork for you - we will work efficiently and proactively all the way to completion.

Applying for a UK mortgage as an expat in the Middle East can be a challenging and daunting prospect. As an expat, your choice of lenders will be more limited, as many major banks and lenders will not consider applications from non-UK residents or foreign nationals.

This where Dolphin Finance comes in. We are a leading independent expat mortgage broker, and our team is ready to help you at every stage of the property financing process, wherever you may be located. All of our mortgage advisers are CeMAP qualified, with experience of advising expats obtain financing for their UK property.

Whether you are a British expat living in the Middle East or a Middle Eastern national looking to purchase UK property, our goal is to help you to obtain a mortgage that is right for you.

Why Expat Clients Choose Dolphin Finance

Specialist knowledge that the high street simply cannot offer.

We know which lenders to approach

Most expat application declines happen before they even reach an underwriter - automated systems flag overseas addresses and non-UK income. We match cases to lenders with manual underwriting who understand international clients, so your application goes to the right place first time.

We work around your time zone

Our clients are based everywhere from Dubai to Sydney to New York. We communicate by email, video call and WhatsApp at times that work for you, and we keep you updated throughout the process without you chasing us.

Extensive lender panel

We are independent and not tied to any lender. That means we search the full specialist expat lender panel - including private banks and offshore lenders for more complex cases - and recommend the most suitable product for your specific circumstances.

We handle the complexity

Overseas income documentation, foreign currency conversions, enhanced AML requirements, Power of Attorney for completion - we have dealt with all of it before and guide you through every step, so you are not navigating unfamiliar territory alone.

Expat Mortgages in the Middle East - Your Questions answered

Can I get a UK mortgage as an expat living in the Middle East?+

Yes, it is certainly possible to get a UK expat mortgage in the Middle East. The Middle East has been a popular location for British expats for many years, with a large expat community. Brits move there from the UK for lifestyle reasons, a lower cost of living, and excellent public services.

Many expats living in the Middle East choose to buy a property in the UK, either as an investment, or to have a home to return to in the UK. And, whilst it is possible to obtain a UK expat mortgage in the Middle East, it is not without its difficulties and challenges.

This is where Dolphin Finance comes in. We help find the best UK mortgage deals for British expats and foreign nationals living around the world. Luckily, the UK expat mortgage market is well developed, with several lenders who are prepared to lend to expats living in long established expat destinations such as the Middle East.

If you are a UK expat living or working in the Middle East, then our specialist team of brokers can help you get a mortgage to purchase or refinance a UK property.

How do I find the right mortgage broker as an expat in the Middle East?+

Finding the right mortgage broker can be difficult as an expat in the Middle East, as it is a very specialised field. Not many brokers will have the necessary experience, expertise, or the network of specialist lenders to help you secure your mortgage.

Most online mortgage brokers and comparison websites do not offer expat mortgages for non-residents, or non-UK citizens. Similarly, most High Street banks and lenders will not consider applications for non-UK residents or nationals.

Dolphin Finance specialises in expat mortgage advice, it's what we do best, and we know the market inside out. We have access to specialist expat lenders and exclusive offers from private banks that other brokers simply do not have access to.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let our team help you secure financing for your new home or investment property.

Are UK mortgage interest rates higher for expats in the Middle East?+

In general, mortgage interest rates will be more expensive for an expat living in the Middle East than for a UK resident borrower. However, our team of qualified and experienced mortgage brokers will work to find you the best possible expat financing for your circumstances.

Which lender will be right for me?+

Every client is different, and the right lender for you will depend on your particular circumstances, as each lender will have different lending criteria for expat and non-resident mortgages. These criteria include variables such as minimum and maximum loan size, employment status, income, and the currency of that income (for example whether you are paid in Sterling, Euro or Dollars).

What documentation will I need to provide with my application?+

As a resident of the Middle East, you will need to provide the following documentation to accompany your mortgage application:

  • Employment contract with your employer in the Middle East
  • Bank statements going back 6 months showing your income and expenses
  • If self-employed, proof of earnings for at least 12 months

In addition, every lender will have different lending criteria and requirements. For example, some lenders will require these documents to be certified by a local lawyer or notary in the Middle East. We will be able to guide you on the exact requirements of the lender once we obtained a Decision in Principle for your mortgage.

What costs should I budget for when buying a UK property?+

When budgeting for a UK property purchase as an expat in the Middle East, a buyer needs to consider the following costs:

  • Stamp Duty - depending on the purchase price of the property, stamp duty will be payable at the prevailing rate. In addition, if it is a second home, then additional tax will be payable.
  • Deposit - generally expats in the Middle East will be required to put down a deposit of at least 10% of the price of the property on a residential purchase, or 20% on buy-to-let, although this amount varies from lender to lender.
  • Legal fees - you will require a lawyer to handle the legal aspects of your property purchase. If you do not already have a UK based lawyer, then Dolphin Finance can recommend a lawyer who has experience of advising expat clients.
  • Land registry fees - your lawyer will arrange payment of the appropriate land registry fees.
  • Local notary fees - depending on the lender, you may be required to get certain documents notarised by a local notary in the Middle East. Again, these requirements vary from lender to lender, and we will advise you of these requirements after we have recommended the most appropriate mortgage for your circumstances.
  • Survey costs - depending on the type of property you are purchasing, you may be advised to get a more comprehensive house survey, as the survey carried out by the lender will only cover the basics, to ensure that the property is adequate security for the loan being offered.
  • Associated mortgage expenses - these will include all the costs associated with arranging your expat mortgage from the Middle East, and may include application fees, booking fees and legal and/or valuation fees. We also charge a fee and will let you know how much this will be prior to you engaging our services.
What if I have a limited UK credit history?+

If you are an expat who has been living in the Middle East for several years, then you may have a limited UK credit history. Dolphin Finance works with specialist expat lenders who will be aware that borrowers living in the Middle East will not have the same 'footprint' as a UK resident borrower and will take this into account when assessing your application.

Can I apply for a UK expat mortgage if I am self-employed in the Middle East?+

Yes, it is possible to apply for a UK expat mortgage if you are self-employed in the Middle East. Most expat lenders will require that you are in full time employment overseas, however there are some lenders who will consider an application from a self-employed expat in the Middle East provided that they can show steady and consistent revenue backed up by accountants signed off by an accountant whose qualifications are recognised by the lender.

Can I remortgage my existing UK property from the Middle East?+

Yes, as an expat living in the Middle East, you can remortgage your existing UK property. Remortgaging your existing property can be used to lock-in to a better interest rate, or to release funds from the existing equity in your home. Your Dolphin Finance adviser will advise you as to whether a remortgage is suitable, and if so, recommend the best deal for your circumstances.

How much deposit will I need as an expat in the Middle East?+

Lenders will require a larger deposit for UK non-resident borrowers, and expats living in the Middle East looking to buy property in the UK are no exception. In general, residential lending reaches 90% loan-to-value, so most lenders will require at least a 10% deposit, and buy-to-let runs to 80%, so plan on at least 20% for an investment purchase. However, each case is different, and our advisers will recommend the most suitable mortgage for your circumstances.

How do I find the best UK expat mortgage deal from the Middle East?+

As an expat in the Middle East, in order to find the best UK expat mortgage deal for your specific circumstances, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist mortgage broker. Dolphin Finance has access to over 30 expat lenders and can help you find suitable options based on your circumstances. Most mortgage comparison websites do not cater to the Middle East residents, and so you will need the help of a specialist broker.

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