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James Wong Mortgages
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Find A Mortgage
    • First Time Buyer
    • Re-Mortgaging
    • Buy To Let
    • Self-Employed
    • Bad Credit
    • Capital Raising
  • Mortgage Protection
    • Life Insurance
    • Critical illness Cover
    • Income Protection
    • Buildings And Contents
  • Contact
  • Mortgage Broker London
  • Tier 2 Visa Mortgage
  • CIS Mortgage
  • Daily Rate Contractor

Tier 2 Visa Mortgage in London

With London being the favourite city for close to 40% of all highly skilled foreign workers in the UK, it has the highest concentration of Tier 2 visa holders and the largest mortgage market for this visa type. For London-based foreigners who earn well but are unsure whether being on a Tier 2 visa disqualifies them from applying for a mortgage in London, we provide access to specialist lenders and visa-specific expertise that guides you to confidently buy a home in London despite being on a visa, without overpaying or getting rejected.

Speak to an Expert

How a Mortgage for a Tier 2 Visa Works

 To apply for a mortgage as a foreigner in the UK with a Tier 2 visa, you must have been a legal UK resident for at least three years, and your Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa must have at least 6 to 12 months remaining before it expires (some lenders may require more).


To confirm your financial stability, your lender will assess your current financial standing, and request a signed contract and latest payslips from your employer. Working for a credible employer and having a good credit score improves your chances of approval.


Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to get up to a 90% loan-to-value mortgage with an initial deposit of at least 10%. In some cases, you may be required to pay between 15% to 25% as a deposit depending on the lender.


This process may sound complex at first, but when you work with trusted mortgage brokers like James Wong, who can improve your approval odds, potentially reduce your deposit requirement, and give access to niche lenders, you should be able to secure a UK home with a competitive mortgage despite being on a temporary visa.

Benefits of a Mortgage on a Tier 2 Visa

Possibility of a Low Deposit

Possibility of a Low Deposit

Possibility of a Low Deposit

 Although many high street lenders require deposits as high as 25% from Tier 2 visa holders, working with specialist brokers can give access to mortgages with deposits as low as 5% to 10%.

Standard Interest Rates

Possibility of a Low Deposit

Possibility of a Low Deposit

By meeting certain criteria, such as two or more years of residency or a good credit profile, you may be able to access standard interest rates and fees similar to those paid by British citizens.

Stability and Control

Possibility of a Low Deposit

Possibility of Conversion to an Investment Property

For professionals who have relocated under the Skilled Worker route, securing a mortgage can free you from landlord restrictions and sudden rent increases, while also giving you the opportunity to personalise your home.

Possibility of Conversion to an Investment Property

Possibility of Conversion to an Investment Property

Possibility of Conversion to an Investment Property

Over time, your property may increase in value. When this happens, you may be able to rent it out with your lender's approval, turning it into a buy-to-let investment.

Access to Competitive UK Mortgage Rates

Possibility of Conversion to an Investment Property

Access to Competitive UK Mortgage Rates

 Depending on the lender and your profile, you may still access fixed or variable interest rates similar to UK residents, with deposits ranging from 5% to 25%.

Property Appreciation Potential

Possibility of Conversion to an Investment Property

Access to Competitive UK Mortgage Rates

 Properties in high-demand areas such as London often see steady growth, allowing you to benefit from capital appreciation while living in your property.

Risks and Considerations

Visa Status

Credit History

Visa Status

 Tier 2 visa holders are generally considered high-risk borrowers by lenders because of their temporary residency status. This is why lenders give priority to borrowers with 6 to 24 months remaining on their visa or visas that are more likely to be renewed.

High Costs

Credit History

Visa Status

As a Tier 2 visa holder, you may pay higher interest rates compared to UK citizens and may have limited access to competitive deals. These higher rates are especially impactful in London, where property prices are already high.

Credit History

Credit History

 If you have not been in the UK long enough to build a strong credit profile, your application may not be considered. Although some lenders accept around one year of credit history, many prefer to see between two to five years.

Deposit Requirements

 Most mortgage lenders will not approve applications from Tier 2 visa holders who cannot provide a deposit of around 25%. However, some lenders may offer options as low as 5%, depending on your profile and credit history.

Lender Restrictions

 Mainstream banks and building societies often do not consider foreign nationals due to limited experience in processing Tier 2 visa mortgages. This is why specialist lenders are usually the best option.

Limited Lender Options

 Not every lender will consider a Tier 2 visa holder due to the temporary nature of their residency. As a result, options are often limited to specialist lenders and selected high-street banks.

Application Process

Initial Consultation & Financial Assessment

Initial Consultation & Financial Assessment

Initial Consultation & Financial Assessment

 This is where we meet with you to discuss your goals, review your income, expenses, and credit profile, and assess affordability so we can understand your financial position and what is realistically achievable.

Mortgage in Principle (AIP)

Initial Consultation & Financial Assessment

Initial Consultation & Financial Assessment

 This is where we help you secure a preliminary approval from a lender so you become a credible, ready-to-buy buyer with proof of borrowing capacity.

Property Search & Offer Accepted

Initial Consultation & Financial Assessment

Full Application, Valuation & Mortgage Offer

 This stage involves helping you find a suitable property, making an offer, and getting it accepted.

Full Application, Valuation & Mortgage Offer

Full Application, Valuation & Mortgage Offer

Full Application, Valuation & Mortgage Offer

 

We submit a full application with all required documents for the lender to carry out valuation and underwriting.

Conveyancing & Completion

Full Application, Valuation & Mortgage Offer

Conveyancing & Completion

 This is the final stage, involving legal checks and finalising the contract so that you can complete your purchase and own the property.

London Tier 2 Mortgage Questions, Simplified

 Yes, you can. Many lenders in London consider applications from borrowers on a Tier 2 visa. What matters is knowing which lenders offer suitable options based on visa length, deposit, and income structure.


 Depending on your visa status and credit profile, your deposit can be as low as 5% or as high as 25%.


 No, you do not. As long as you have a valid visa and stable employment, many lenders will consider your application.


 It depends on the lender. Some accept visas with 6 to 12 months remaining, while others require 12 to 24 months.


 Yes, you can. However, the outcome depends on the lender’s criteria, your country, currency, and job stability.


 Yes, it can be. Your creditworthiness plays a major role in determining whether lenders will approve your application for such a high-value investment.


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James Wong Mortgages

07445 354 945

 

A Specialist mortgage broker who go above and beyond expectations, recommending the most suitable mortgage solution tailored to you. 

 

   we typically charge a fee for arranging a mortgage. The actual fee will be dependent on your overall circumstances, however a typical fee would be £595 

 Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage 


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James Wong Mortgages is a trading style of James Ling Wong, who is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.


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