How Foreign IT Professionals Can Secure a UK Mortgage in 2026

Buying a property in the UK as an IT professional on a visa can feel intimidating. Many are earning strong salaries, often combined with contract work and additional income streams. But lenders still assess visa status, length of stay, credit history and deposit size very carefully.

At WIS Mortgages, a large proportion of successful applications come from IT consultants, developers, data engineers and cyber security professionals. Many apply jointly with their spouse, which can significantly strengthen affordability.

This guide explains exactly what IT professionals on visas need to prepare for in 2026, based on real client cases.

Real Case Study: £700,000 Property With Just 10 Percent Deposit

An IT consultant recently approached WIS Mortgages to purchase a £700,000 home in Greater London. Property prices in this area are high, and their situation was far from straightforward.

Here is what made the case complex:

• The applicant had been in the UK for only 18 months
• Main income was from a fixed-term IT contract
• Annual contract income was around £50,000 to £60,000
• Additional part-time employment income
• Credit profile was still building
• Deposit available was only 10 percent
• Property price was high for a relatively short UK residency

On top of this, many lenders prefer applicants to have 2 to 3 years UK address history before considering large loans.

However, one major strength was that the spouse was employed by a UK-based accountancy firm, earning a stable salary. When both incomes were combined, the affordability position became much stronger.

Despite the short UK stay, moderate credit history and a relatively low deposit for the loan size, WIS Mortgages successfully secured a mainstream lender approval at 90 percent loan to value. The couple completed their purchase and moved from renting into homeownership.

Interestingly, their monthly mortgage payment ended up being lower than their previous rent, while also building long-term equity.

How IT Professionals Can Prepare for a UK Mortgage in 2026

If you are an IT professional on a visa planning to buy in 2026, preparation is everything.

1. Build a Strong UK Credit Profile Early

Even high earners can be declined if their credit profile is weak. Simple actions make a big difference:

• Register on the UK electoral roll
• Set up direct debits for utilities and mobile contracts
• Use a credit card lightly and repay in full every month
• Avoid taking unnecessary loans
• Keep all payments on time

These steps help lenders build trust in your financial behaviour within the UK system.

2. Length of Stay Matters But Income Matters More

Many people believe they must live in the UK for three years to qualify for a mortgage. This is not always true.

High income can significantly offset short UK residency, especially where:

• Employment is with a reputable UK firm
• Contract income is consistent
• Spouse income is included
• Credit behaviour is sensible for the length of stay

In the real case above, just 18 months of UK address history was enough when all strengths were considered together.

3. Deposit Size and What Is Possible in 2026

Many lenders still prefer:

• 25 percent deposit for foreign nationals
• Some accept 15 percent
• A limited number still offer 10 percent
• There are even rare 5 percent and specialist 0 percent schemes, though criteria is strict

The key point is this: Even if your deposit is small, it is still worth speaking to an adviser. Specialist lenders and schemes change constantly, and many buyers assume incorrectly that they are not eligible.

4. Why Spouse Income Makes a Big Difference

Joint applications are one of the most powerful ways to improve affordability for visa holders.

In the real case:

• The IT consultant income alone was not enough for £700,000
• Once the spouse’s employed income was added, the affordability passed comfortably
• This also improved lender confidence and reduced perceived risk

Spouse income is especially valuable when one applicant is on contract.

5. Multiple Jobs and Mixed Income Can Be Used

Many IT professionals work:

• Full-time contract roles
• Plus part-time PAYE employment
• Or freelance side projects

These income streams can often be combined, as long as:

• They are provable
• They show consistency
• Tax records support the figures

This was a major factor in making the £700,000 purchase work.

Why Buying Can Be Better Than Renting for IT Professionals

In many parts of London and the South East:

• Rent often exceeds the cost of owning
• Mortgage payments include capital repayment
• Property ownership builds long-term wealth
• Fixed-rate mortgages protect against future rent increases

In the case above, the client’s mortgage payment was lower than their rent, while also turning monthly payments into ownership.

Government Schemes and Specialist Routes to Watch in 2026

Depending on eligibility, IT professionals on visas may access:

• Shared Ownership
• Regional developer incentives
• Local authority schemes
• Specialist new-build deposit contributions

These can significantly reduce the upfront cash required.

Can Friends and Spouses Buy Together?

Yes. WIS Mortgages has arranged applications where:

• Two IT professionals purchased jointly
• With both spouses included
• Four applicants on one mortgage
• Mixed visa and permanent residence status

This route can dramatically increase borrowing power when structured correctly.

Why Speaking to a Specialist Adviser Matters

Visa mortgages are not standard. Lenders differ hugely in how they treat:

• Visa type
• Length of stay
• Contract income
• Multiple jobs
• Credit file size
• Deposit source

An experienced adviser can build a strategy around your exact situation rather than forcing you into generic lender criteria.

IT Professional Visa Mortgage FAQs – 2026

Can IT professionals on a visa get a UK mortgage?

Yes. Many mainstream lenders now lend to skilled visa holders, especially those in IT and tech sectors.

How long do I need to live in the UK before applying?

Some lenders will consider applications from 12 months upward if income and credit conduct are strong.

Can I use contract income for a mortgage?

Yes. Both daily rate contracts and fixed-term contracts can be accepted by many lenders.

Can I combine my spouse’s income?

Yes. Joint applications are extremely common and often crucial for larger purchases.

What deposit do I need?

Deposits typically range from 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on lender, visa type and credit profile.

Is poor UK credit history an automatic decline?

Not always. Thin files are common with recent arrivals and can still be approved with the right structure.