Can non UK citizen buy property?

Non UK citizens can absolutely buy property in the UK.

Thanks to online property sites like Zoopla and Rightmove, choosing a property you like can be done wherever you have access to the internet.

This guide details the key steps you need to take as a non UK citizen no matter whether you are inside or outside the UK.

Key steps you need to take

• Search for the property you like using an online property portal such as Zoopla or Rightmove.
• Use Google to conduct research into the local area around your property.
• The property portal will give you the option to contact the estate agent responsible for the property. Contact them and ask as many questions about the property as you can.
• If you are in the UK ask the estate agent to arrange a viewing for you. If you are located elsewhere a viewing of the property still makes sense. You could ask somebody you know to view the property on your behalf or pay somebody to do it for you.
• If you are sure you have found the right property you need to decide how you are going to pay for it. If you are paying by cash you can move onto the next step. But if you are paying with a mortgage now is the time to arrange the amount you intend to borrow. We’ve looked at the best mortgage brokers here.
• When the funding is secured on your chosen property it is time to make a formal offer. Though some people prefer to call there is no reason why you can’t use text message or email. And in fact this method is preferred by many. That is because you then have a written record just in case you need it in the future.
• Once an offer is accepted you need to recruit the services of a lawyer. Unless you already have a favoured lawyer it makes sense to ask the estate agent to recommend one to you. In fact, if you ask them to recommend two or three you can contact them yourself individually and compare pricing.
• With the lawyer on board you can start to focus on other things and let your lawyer handle all things property related. Of course there is no reason why you can’t contact them or the estate agent from time to time to get progress updates.
• Over the course of time everything will be completed. One day in the not too distant future your lawyer should contact you to say the property is now yours.
• If you are letting your property out, don’t get fined by HMRC! Make sure you sign up to the Non Resident Landlord Scheme (You can read more about that here).

Non resident mortgages

Though a non-UK citizen can easily buy property in the UK, getting a mortgage may be a little more complicated.

Typically you would either get a mortgage from a lender in your country of citizenship or you may be able to get a mortgage from a UK institution.

Even if you are located overseas you can still get a mortgage with a UK lender. Just make sure you find a good mortgage broker to help you.

The only difference for non residents being that you will have to provide documents using a courier service like DHL .

Most people should be able to cope for a few weeks without their passport.

The Bottom Line

Non-UK citizens can buy UK property easily these days.

Using sites like Rightmove and Zoopla alongside a little Google research should be enough for most people to find their ideal property.