Is There a Minimum UK Stay Required to Get a Mortgage on a Visa?

For many visa holders in the UK, one of the first questions when considering home ownership is simple but important:

Do I need to live in the UK for a minimum period before I can get a mortgage?

Traditionally, the answer was yes. However, the reality today is more nuanced, and in some cases, far more flexible than many people expect.

This article explains how UK lenders assess minimum stay requirements for visa holders, what really matters behind the scenes, and how specialist lenders can sometimes offer solutions even when you have been in the UK for less than a year.

Traditional Lender Expectations for Visa Holders

Historically, most mainstream UK mortgage lenders expected visa holders to have lived in the UK for around two to three years before applying for a mortgage.

This requirement was particularly important for applicants seeking:

• Lower deposits such as 5% or 10%
• Standard high-street mortgage products
• Higher loan-to-value borrowing

The shorter the UK residency, the higher the perceived risk for lenders, especially when limited UK credit history is involved.

How Deposit Size Changes the Picture

Deposit size plays a significant role in how flexible lenders can be.

Lower Deposits (5% to 10%)

• Higher risk for lenders
• Usually requires longer UK residency
• Strong UK credit history becomes critical
• Fewer lender options available

Higher Deposits (Around 25% or More)

• Significantly lower risk for lenders
• Opens access to specialist lenders
• Residency requirements can be more flexible
• Greater scope for case-by-case assessment

In practical terms, a 25% to 30% deposit can change the conversation entirely, even for applicants who have been in the UK for less than a year.

Are There Lenders With No Minimum UK Stay Requirement?

Yes, increasingly so.

Some lenders now state that there is no formal minimum UK stay requirement for visa holders. However, this does not mean applications are assessed in isolation.

In reality, lenders still look closely at several underlying factors before approving a mortgage.

What Really Matters If There Is No Minimum Stay Requirement?

1. UK Credit Score and Credit Behaviour

Even when there is no stated minimum stay, applicants still need a usable UK credit profile.

Building a credit score takes time and consistency. It cannot be achieved overnight.

Key steps include:

• Registering on the electoral roll if eligible
• Opening a UK bank account quickly after arrival
• Using a credit card responsibly, even with a low limit
• Setting up direct debits for utilities, phone contracts, or subscriptions
• Avoiding missed or late payments

Starting these steps from the moment you arrive in the UK can make a measurable difference within months.

2. Deposit Size and Source of Funds

The higher the deposit, the more comfortable lenders tend to be.

A 25% to 30% deposit demonstrates commitment, reduces lender exposure, and can offset:

• Short UK residency
• Limited credit history
• Visa-related uncertainty

The source of funds must also be clear, traceable, and compliant with UK anti-money laundering rules.

3. Income Stability and Profession

Income level and profession can play an important role, especially with specialist lenders.

Some professions are viewed more favourably due to:

• Stability of income
• Ongoing demand in the UK
• Clear career progression

Examples include:

• Doctors and NHS professionals
• IT professionals and engineers
• Skilled professionals working for large multinational organisations

Real Case Study: Mortgage Approved With Less Than One Year in the UK

Client Profile

• Married couple on UK visas
• Time in the UK: Just over six months, under one year
• Deposit: 30%
• Occupations:
  • Husband: Doctor working within the NHS
  • Wife: IT professional, main visa holder, employed by a large multinational company
• Combined income: Strong and stable

The Challenge

Most mainstream lenders required at least one year of UK residency, despite the high deposit.

Although the clients had no long UK credit history initially, they took early steps to understand and build their credit profile as soon as they arrived in the UK, following guidance provided at an early stage.

The Solution

Rather than relying solely on high-street lenders, WIS Mortgages explored the specialist lending market.

A specialist lender with:

• No formal minimum UK stay requirement
• A more holistic underwriting approach
• Flexibility around visa status and residency

was identified as a suitable fit.

The lender assessed:

• Deposit size
• Profession and employment stability
• Employer background
• Overall financial profile
• Early but positive UK credit behaviour

The Outcome

The mortgage was successfully approved, despite the clients being in the UK for less than one year.

This case highlights how specialist lenders often look beyond rigid criteria and instead assess the full financial and professional picture.

Why Specialist Lenders Can Make a Difference

Unlike traditional lenders, specialist lenders:

• Do not rely purely on automated scoring
• Consider profession, employer reputation, and future earning potential
• Assess risk on a case-by-case basis
• Offer solutions where standard criteria fall short

For visa holders, this flexibility can be crucial.

Key Takeaways for Visa Holders

• There is no single rule that applies to all visa holders
• A higher deposit significantly improves options
• UK credit behaviour matters, even without a formal stay requirement
• Income stability and profession can strengthen applications
• Specialist lenders can offer solutions that mainstream banks cannot

How WIS Mortgages Can Help

Every visa holder’s situation is different. What works for one applicant may not work for another.

WIS Mortgages specialises in:

• Visa holder mortgages
• Specialist and complex cases
• First-time buyers with non-standard circumstances
• Tailored lender selection based on real underwriting criteria

Early advice can make a meaningful difference, especially when building credit and planning deposits strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum UK stay required to get a mortgage on a visa?

Traditionally yes, but some lenders now have no formal minimum stay requirement. Practical factors such as deposit size, credit history, and income still apply.

Can I get a mortgage if I have been in the UK for less than a year?

Yes, in some cases, particularly with a higher deposit and strong income profile. Specialist lenders are often key.

Does profession matter for visa holder mortgages?

Yes. Certain professions such as doctors, NHS staff, and IT professionals can be viewed more favourably by lenders.

How important is a UK credit score?

Very important. Even without a minimum stay rule, lenders expect responsible UK credit behaviour.