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Expats in Dubai:
How to Secure a UK Mortgage

Are you living and/or working abroad in the UAE and looking to purchase or remortgage a property in the UK?

Check your eligibility in 2 mins.

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Looking to secure an expat mortgage? We can help.

Boost Your Borrowing

Specialist Expat Lenders

Through our extensive network, we can secure financing from UK banks that provide tailored mortgages products specifically designed for people residing in the UAE. Including, exclusive products at reduced interest rates.

Flexible Service

We can assist outside of normal working hours to reduce the impact of time zones (4 hours between UK and the UAE). We review your financial profile and assess the options available to you. 

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Experienced Advisors

We can assist in remortgaging a former residence, arranging finance for a buy-to-let or purchasing a new home in the UK. We have a long history of helping expats in the UAE, especially those based Dubai.​

Let's Get Started

3 Simple Steps.

Sourcing Lenders

1. Initial Assessment

We swiftly assess your eligibility and affordability across our expat lenders. 

Complete our 2 minute mortgage availability check to get started.

Initial Consultation

2. Schedule Your Pre-application Consultation
 

Once we've reviewed your initial details, a qualified mortgage advisor will contact you to schedule an initial consultation. During this session, your mortgage expert will take a closer look at your application and discuss the options available to you.

Personalised Plan

3. Receive a Personalised Recommendation  

Your mortgage expert will build a personalised plan to meet your requirements. As an expat, securing a mortgage can be challenging, but there are specialised mortgage products available. You may need a larger deposit, typically around 20-25%, and a strong credit history. 

For UK Nationals Living in Dubai: Key Points to Consider:

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1. Who Qualifies?


As a UK national residing in Dubai, you’ll be classed as an expat borrower for UK mortgage purposes. Many lenders apply different rules for expat applications compared to standard UK-based applicants.

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2. Deposit Expectations


Expat mortgage deposits are generally higher—often 15–25% of the property’s purchase price. You must also show proof of where these funds originated to meet anti-money laundering requirements.

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3. Credit Background

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  • UK Credit Score: A strong UK credit record is critical. Lenders will review your UK credit history to gauge your reliability as a borrower.

  • International Credit Reports: Some lenders might take your credit history in Dubai into account, though this is less common.


4. Required Documents


Prepare the following paperwork before applying:

  • Proof of Identity: A valid UK passport.

  • Proof of Address: Recent utility bills or bank statements from your address in Dubai.


5. Income Evidence:

 

  • Employed: Up-to-date payslips.

  • Self-Employed: Tax returns or other relevant financial statements.

  • Bank Statements: Typically, three months’ worth to confirm your income and outgoings.


6. Handling Currency Fluctuations


Because your earnings are in a different currency, lenders may apply a ‘stress test’ to account for exchange rate changes. They often use historical exchange rates—such as the two-year low of GBP to AED—to estimate how fluctuations could impact your repayments.

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7. Legal and Tax Factors

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  • Dual Tax Responsibilities: Know your tax obligations in both the UK and Dubai, particularly if you plan on renting out the UK property.

  • Stamp Duty for Non-Residents: As an expat, you may face higher Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates in the UK.

  • Legal Advice: Use a solicitor who has experience with expat transactions to navigate legal paperwork and ensure full compliance.


8. Purpose of the Property

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  • Residential Mortgage: Designed for a home you or your family will occupy when in the UK.

  • Buy-to-Let: For properties you intend to rent out. In this case, lenders will look at projected rental earnings to evaluate affordability.


9. Other Costs to Budget For

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  • Valuation: A professional property valuation (physical or virtual) required by the lender.

  • Application and Product Fees: Various lender fees can apply, depending on the mortgage product.

  • Legal Fees: Solicitor costs for handling the property purchase.

  • Currency Exchange: Charges for converting AED to GBP (and vice versa), which can add up over time.


10. Maintaining Financial Ties to the UK

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  • UK Bank Account: Keeping one open can help with mortgage repayments and might be a lender requirement.

  • Electoral Roll: Staying registered (if eligible) can boost your UK credit score.


11. Strategies for a Smooth Application

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  • Clean Up Debt: Reduce existing debts and consistently pay bills on time to improve creditworthiness.

  • Increase Your Deposit: A larger deposit may secure better interest rates and higher chances of approval.

  • Stay Informed: Keep in close touch with your mortgage advisor for updates on regulations or market shifts that could influence your application.

 
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