Don’t Apply for a UK Mortgage on a Skilled Worker Visa Before Watching This!

I’ve only been in the UK for a few months or a year. Can I still get a mortgage as a skilled worker visa holder?

Yes, it is possible. However, the options are a little restricted. Not all banks will offer a mortgage, especially if you have a smaller deposit. That said, there are lenders who will consider applications from skilled worker visa holders, even with a smaller deposit. The larger the deposit, the easier it becomes—but it is not impossible with less.

What is the typical minimum deposit required for foreign nationals?

Deposit requirements vary between lenders:

• Many lenders prefer a 25% deposit.
• Some will accept 15% or 10%.
• A handful of lenders offer 5% deposit mortgages.
• There is even one lender with a 0% deposit scheme, but the criteria are extremely strict, and very few applicants qualify.

Are the required documents for foreign nationals different from those for British nationals?

In most cases, the documents are very similar. For employed applicants, lenders will usually ask for:

• Pay slips
• Bank statements
• Proof of address
• Proof of ID

For foreign nationals, there are additional checks: lenders will look at your visa, when you arrived in the UK, and how much time remains on your visa. Other than this, the requirements are much the same.

What documents are required if I am bringing money from overseas for my deposit?

Lenders are strict about the source of funds, especially money from outside the UK system. They require an audit trail that shows clearly how the money moved from your overseas account into your UK account.

You may need to provide bank statements from both your overseas and UK accounts.

Lenders will want to see the money leave your overseas account and arrive in your UK account.

If your situation is more complex, it is best to get advice to ensure the transfer process is acceptable to lenders.

Can I use a gifted deposit from family members?

Yes, most lenders accept gifted deposits, but conditions apply:

• Gifts from immediate family members—such as parents, siblings, or in-laws—are generally acceptable.
• Gifts from extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles) may be more complicated. Some lenders will reject them, treating them as loans.
• Friends providing deposits are usually not accepted, though there are rare exceptions with certain lenders.

Always check with an adviser to ensure the gift will be accepted.

Can I borrow money temporarily from a friend while waiting for overseas funds to arrive?

This is very unlikely to be accepted. Lenders and solicitors want to see the money already in your account and properly traceable. Temporary loans from friends usually do not meet this requirement.

If you are in such a situation, consult an adviser who can check directly with lenders, but in most cases the answer will be no.

How long must the money sit in my account before applying for a mortgage?

There is no fixed rule. If your parents transfer money today, you can apply for a mortgage today.

The confusion comes from the fact that banks usually ask for 3–6 months of bank statements. This doesn’t mean the money must sit in your account for that long—it means the lender may also want to see the donor’s account history (such as your parents’ statements) to trace the funds.

Are there schemes to help skilled worker visa holders on low incomes get on the property ladder?

Yes, there are several schemes:

• Help to Buy: Still available in certain parts of the UK.
• Shared Ownership: Allows you to buy a portion of a property. For example, if a home is worth £100,000 and you purchase a 25% share (£25,000), you only need a deposit on that portion (e.g., £2,500 if 10% of your share).

These schemes can make it easier to get started on the property ladder with a lower initial deposit. As your income grows, you can move into a standard mortgage or expand your share.

How much time should be left on my visa when applying for a mortgage?

Requirements vary by lender:

• Some lenders want at least 6 months remaining on your visa.
• Others require 12 months.
• In some cases, 6 months may be acceptable if you have already lived in the UK for a certain period.

As a rule of thumb, expect at least 6 months’ validity to be required.

Are 5% deposit mortgages really available for foreign nationals?

Yes, but they come with stricter requirements. Since banks take on higher risk with smaller deposits, they will:

• Examine your credit score very closely.
• Review your commitments and spending habits in more detail.
• Expect you to keep your credit report clean, with no unnecessary spending, loans, or excessive credit card balances.

To succeed with a 5% deposit mortgage, you need to show financial discipline and a strong credit profile.

How can I build a credit footprint in the UK within 6 months?

Here are some effective steps:

• Register on the electoral roll – this is often the first step to establishing your presence.
• Open a proper current account (not just a basic account) – ensure it supports direct debits.
• Set up utility bills in your name and pay by direct debit – this creates reliable payment history.
• Get a credit card with a small limit – use it for small purchases (like groceries) and always pay the balance in full.
• Never miss a payment – missing direct debits or repayments can damage your score and take years to recover from.
• Check your credit report regularly – if your score is low, seek expert advice to improve it.

Doing these basics right will steadily build your credit footprint within a few months.