Quanti container ci stanno su una nave? Dalle navi feeder alle mega-navi
By Steve Joury / 23 ottobre 2026
Quanti container ci stanno su una nave? Dalle navi feeder da 1.000 TEU alle mega-navi da oltre 24.000 TEU, cos’è un TEU, come...
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Ultimo aggiornamento: 23 ottobre 2026
Many British expats want to keep a foot on the UK property ladder, whether to rent out their home, buy an investment or have somewhere to return to. Getting a mortgage while living abroad is possible, but fewer lenders offer it, and the rules differ from standard mortgages. This guide explains UK expat mortgages in 2026.
This is general information, not financial advice. Mortgage products and criteria change often. Speak to a regulated mortgage adviser about your situation. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.
Types of UK expat mortgage| Type | A chi è adatto | Punti chiave |
|---|---|---|
| Expat buy-to-let | Expats buying or remortgaging a UK property to let | The most common type; rent must cover the payments by a set margin |
| Expat residential | Expats buying a home they or family will live in | Fewer lenders; often for people planning to return |
| Consent to let | Homeowners moving abroad who want to let their existing home | Permission from your current lender to let, sometimes for a fee or higher rate |
| Holiday let | Expats buying a UK holiday home to let | Specialist lenders; income and location rules |
| Foreign-currency income mortgage | Expats paid in dollars, euros, dirhams and so on | Lenders may cap borrowing to allow for exchange-rate risk |
What lenders look for
- Deposit: usually 25% or more for buy-to-let, sometimes less for residential.
- Income: proof of earnings, and lenders may only accept certain currencies or countries.
- Country of residence: some countries are restricted or excluded.
- Credit history: a UK credit history helps; keep a UK bank account and address if possible.
- Rental cover: for buy-to-let, the expected rent usually needs to cover 125%–145% of the mortgage payment at a stress-tested rate.
- Age: many lenders have maximum ages at the end of the term.
Keeping your home: consent to let
If you already have a residential mortgage and plan to let your UK home while abroad, you must tell your lender. Letting without permission can breach your mortgage terms. Options:
- Consent to let: a short-term permission, often 6–24 months, sometimes with a fee or a higher rate
- Remortgage to an expat buy-to-let: a longer-term solution if you are staying away
Tax and costs to plan for
- Rental income is taxed in the UK under the Non-Resident Landlord scheme. See Imposte nel Regno Unito per gli espatriati.
- Stamp Duty: non-UK residents pay a surcharge on top of standard Stamp Duty in England and Northern Ireland, plus the additional property surcharge if you own other homes.
- Capital gains: non-residents must report UK property sales to HMRC within 60 days.
- Letting agents: most expat landlords use a managing agent, typically 10%–15% of rent.
How to get the best expat mortgage
- Use a specialist expat mortgage broker, because many products are only available through brokers.
- Prepare documents: passport, proof of overseas address, 3–6 months of payslips and bank statements, tax returns and employment contracts.
- Consider currency: match your income currency to your payments, or plan how you’ll move money.
- Compare total cost, not just the rate: fees, early repayment charges and the reversion rate.
- Plan for your return: check if the product can move to a residential mortgage when you come back.
Related: moving back to the UK e moving abroad checklist.
Domande frequenti
Can I get a UK mortgage if I live abroad?
Yes. A number of lenders offer expat residential and buy-to-let mortgages, usually through specialist brokers.
How much deposit do I need for an expat mortgage?
Often 25% or more for buy-to-let. Residential expat deposits vary by lender.
What is consent to let?
Permission from your mortgage lender to let your home, often used when you move abroad temporarily.
Can I get a mortgage with foreign-currency income?
Yes, with some lenders, but they may cap borrowing to allow for exchange-rate risk.
Do non-residents pay extra Stamp Duty?
Yes. Non-UK residents pay a surcharge on top of standard Stamp Duty in England and Northern Ireland.
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Steve Joury
Consulente di viaggio Cargo at Cargoholidays
Appassionato di viaggi lenti e di mare. Steve conosce la maggior parte delle rotte di navigazione e le procedure per scoprire il nostro bellissimo mondo dal mare su una nave container. Ha partecipato a molti viaggi, da 7 giorni di viaggio in cargo a 140 giorni a bordo.
