Mortgages for Overseas Property
Expert Specialist Advice For Buying Foreign Property
Find The Mortgage You Need Via Our Specialist
Looking to purchase a home abroad? Our partner Simon Conn specialises in identifying finance for overseas property, with access to international lending sources that cover more than 40+ countries. Through local and international lenders, his lending sources raise finance secured against a potential property – subject to your financial status and property valuation.
Why Choose Us For Overseas Mortgages
Homesgofast.com has been helping buyers since 2002, building extensive expertise in identifying the most reliable mortgage advisors for purchasing property abroad.
We proudly partner with Simon Conn, one of the UK’s leading experts in overseas property finance, who has decades of experience involved with foreign property mortgages across a wide range of countries.
Simon offers:
- Access to residential mortgages in more than 40+ countries, including popular destinations such as Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Dubai, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA.
- High-value, case-by-case lending for loans over £1 million—even in countries not on the standard list (excluding high-risk or war-torn regions), subject to property valuation and the client’s financial circumstances.
Overseas Mortgage Advice
Experienced Trusted & Confidential
Simon Conn, a leading authority in international property finance, has been featured in the past in/on:
The Telegraph
Wall Street Journal
Daily Mail
BBC Radio
Mortgage Strategy
Expat Mortgages – Designed for Those Abroad
A foreign property mortgage (or overseas/international mortgage) refers to a loan taken out for a property in another country—either a holiday home, investment, or permanent residence
Options include:
- Securing a mortgage from a lender based in your target country, often arranged via a local broker .
- Releasing equity from an existing residential or commercial property to fund the purchase
- Possibly borrowing via Private Bank for properties €2 million plus
Benefits of using a local lender, they may offer lower interest rates, country specific expertise and better local terms
Considerations:
- Foreign currency mortgages carry FX risk—the monthly mortgage payments may fluctuate during the mortgage term in comparison to your local currency
- Deposits amounts range depending on country and lender
- Lenders may require acceptable proof of income and higher deposits than borrowing in your own/host country
If you’re living overseas or planning to, expat mortgages are tailored for non‑residents. Simon Conn works closely with these expat lending sources and can coordinate from application to completion.
Mortgages for Buying Abroad – Your Step‑by‑Step Guide
Buying abroad involves several stages; here’s how the process typically works, streamlined by Simon:
1. Confirm Eligibility & Location
Some countries may restrict foreign ownership— others may limit buy-to-let type of ownership and whether they take rental income received into account.
Simon can assess whether your dream destination is available and guide you toward the optimal route.
2. Choose the Right Financing Method
Consider these options:
Foreign lender .
Remortgage UK property (check with your own local Broker/existing Lender): Raise capital via equity release, avoiding entirely separate overseas mortgage
Cash or developer financing: Useful for quick or off-plan projects, as suggested by US News and at investopedia.com..
Simon’s lending sources assist evaluating which path suits your profile and financial goals.
3. Prepare Documents & Deposit
Expect to provide proof of income, credit history, financial statements, and possibly local appraisal of the foreign property.
Country/lender-specific documents may include legal certifications, visa status, tax compliance, and translation of official paperwork.
4. Engage Local Experts
Simon recommends partnering with local agents, lawyers, and surveyors. Mortgage rules, purchaser rights, and property laws vary—local knowledge is vital .
5. Application & FX Strategy
Mortgages denominated in foreign currency mean repayments swing with exchange rates. Simon’s lenders assist with mitigation—e.g., offset accounts, multi-currency structuring .
6. Completion & Ongoing Support
Simon’s lending sources coordinate the final signing, payment, and post-completion wrap-up, including future advice on remortgaging, buy-to-let management, or refinancing if needed.
Country Coverage
Homesgofast current most popular overseas mortgage destinations include:
Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Dubai, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, USA.
Beyond this list? Our lending sources have often been able to secure financing for loans over £1 million on a case-by-case basis—just enquire. Exclusions apply for high-risk countries or properties failing valuation criteria.
Is This Right For You?
If any of the following scenarios apply, we are well placed to help:
You want a mortgage for overseas property, but aren’t sure whether to borrow via UK or local lender.
You’re an expat living abroad and need local buy-to-let or resident-friendly financing.
You’re buying abroad—whether for holidays, investment, retirement, or relocation.
You’d like to release equity in your UK property to fund overseas investment.
You’re considering a high-value mortgage (over £1 million) internationally.
Can't Get On The Property Ladder?
At Homesgofast.com, we’ve seen a growing number of younger UK buyers exploring overseas mortgages to purchase property abroad.
With UK house prices out of reach for many first-time buyers, purchasing a home overseas is becoming an increasingly attractive way to get onto the property ladder. When you compare property prices in popular destinations like France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Florida, it’s easy to see why more buyers are looking beyond the UK for better value and lifestyle opportunities.
Don’t Forget Local Taxes and Charges
When buying abroad, it’s important to understand the full financial picture—including local taxes and ownership costs:
Rental income tax: If you rent out the property, you must declare the income. You could be taxed in both the host country and the UK, but most countries have double taxation agreements in place to prevent being taxed twice. See our guide on how rental income is taxed.
Capital gains tax: If the property isn’t your main residence, you may owe capital gains tax when selling. Some countries reduce or waive this tax depending on how long you’ve owned the property.
Inheritance tax: Your heirs may be liable for inheritance tax upon your death. However, some countries (e.g., Italy) have now removed this tax for certain heirs or under specific conditions.
Local property taxes: Most countries have a version of council tax or municipal property tax. Make sure to factor this into your annual costs. Learn more in our guide to tax on overseas property.
Upfront buying costs: Don’t overlook fees such as mortgage arrangement costs, legal fees, property taxes, and insurance. These can add significantly to your initial outlay and should be budgeted for from the start.
Mortgage Terms – Glossary Jargon Buster
Entering the world of mortgages, mortgage brokers and lending companies that help secure an overseas mortgage can mean being presented with terms that many professional take for granted as everyday language. In fact some mortgage-related jargon can be misleading and complicated. We provide a useful list of mortgage terms in our glossary .
Agreement in principle (AIP)
A document from a mortgage lender confirming that you will be able to borrow a certain amount. You can use this to prove to a seller that you can afford to buy their property.
APR
Annual percentage rate: the overall cost of a mortgage, including the interest and fees. It assumes you will have the mortgage for the whole term, so may not be a useful way to compare deals.
Arrangement fee
A set-up fee for your mortgage. Most mortgage lenders will allow you to add this fee to the loan, but this will mean you pay interest on it for the whole mortgage term. Read more on mortgage fees.
Base rate
A rate of interest set by the Bank of England, which tracker mortgages and standard variable rate mortgages usually follow.
Booking fee
A type of mortgage set-up fee. Read more on mortgage fees.
Broker
An adviser who can help you arrange a mortgage. Be aware that some brokers will get paid more commission for recommending certain deals than others; also, some of the best mortgage deals are only available if you apply directly.
Capital
The amount of money you borrow to buy a property.
Cashback mortgage
Your lender gives you a certain amount of cash on completion. You should factor this into the total cost of your mortgage over the initial period to decide whether it’s a good deal.
Current account mortgage (Cam)
Your mortgage, credit card and loan debts and your current and savings account balances are combined into one account. Your credit balances offset your debts so you only pay interest on the difference. These are usually more expensive than conventional mortgages.
Discounted-rate mortgage
A discounted-rate deal is one where the interest rate you are charged is a set amount less than your mortgage lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). For example, if the lender has an SVR of 5.5% and the discount is 1%, then you will pay 4.5%. Read more about discount mortgages.
Endowment mortgage
A form of interest-only mortgage where you also pay money into a type of investment called an endowment to pay off the mortgage at the end of the term. Read more about interest-only mortgages.
Equity
The amount of the property that you own outright, i.e. your deposit plus the capital you’ve paid off on your mortgage.
Equity release scheme
An equity release scheme allows older homeowners to release the cash tied up in their property. There are two types: lifetime mortgages and home-reversion schemes. These schemes should only be taken out after getting independent financial advice.
Fixed-rate mortgage
The mortgage interest rate stays the same for the initial period of the deal, which can be anything from one to 10 years. This means you can be sure of exactly what you will be paying on your mortgage each month, as your rate won’t go up – or down – with the Bank of England base rate.
Flexible mortgage
A flexible mortgage deal allows you to overpay, underpay or even take a payment holiday from your mortgage. This can help you pay your mortgage off early and save money on interest, but flexible mortgages are usually more expensive than conventional ones.
Freehold
You own the building and the land it stands on. Find out more about buying a freehold property.
Guarantor
A third party who agrees to meet the monthly mortgage repayments if you are unable to. This is most common with first-time buyers, and the guarantor is usually their parent or guardian. Read more about guarantor mortgages.
Higher lending charge (HLC)
This is sometimes charged by your mortgage lender if you are borrowing more than 75% of the property’s value. It protects the lender against you defaulting on your mortgage.
Interest-only mortgage
You only pay the interest on your mortgage each month, without repaying any of the capital loan itself. The idea is that you build up enough money to be able to pay off the mortgage at the end of the term in other ways – for example through investing in stocks and shares, pension endowment or the sale of another property. Read more about interest-only mortgages.
Intermediary
An adviser who can help you arrange a mortgage. Be aware that some intermediaries will get paid more commission for recommending certain deals than others; also, some of the most competitive mortgage deals are only available if you apply directly.
Leasehold
You own the building but not the land it stands on, and only for a certain period (anything up to 999 years). You may find it hard to get a mortgage if there are fewer than 70 years left on the lease of the property you want to buy. Find out more about buying a leasehold property.
Loan-to-value (LTV)
The size of your mortgage as a percentage of the property’s value. The cheapest deals tend to be available to people who are borrowing 60% or less.
Monthly repayment
The amount you pay your mortgage lender each month. If you’re on a repayment mortgage (the most common kind), the payment will cover a percentage of your mortgage plus interest.
Mortgage deed
A formal contract between lender and borrower, outlining the legal obligations of the borrower and the rights the lender has if the borrower fails to make a repayment.
Mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI)
Insurance that covers your mortgage, usually for a year, if you are unable to work due to accident, sickness or unemployment. It is also know as ASU insurance. Read more about mortgage insurance.
Mortgage term
The amount of time you are taking the mortgage out for; 25 years, for example
Negative equity
When the value of your home falls to a level which is below the amount remaining on your mortgage.
Offset mortgage
An offset mortgage links your mortgage with your savings and, sometimes, your current account. Your credit balances are offset against your mortgage debt so you only pay interest on the difference, while also paying off the capital. Read more about offset mortgages.
Portability
A portable mortgage will allow you to transfer your borrowing from one property to another if you move, without paying arrangement fees.
Rebuild cost
For insurance purposes: the cost of rebuilding your home if it is destroyed.
Remortgage
When you change your mortgage without moving house. You can do this to save money, to change to a different type of mortgage or to release equity from your home.
Repayment mortgage
You pay off the mortgage interest and part of the capital of your loan each month. Unless you miss any repayments, you are guaranteed to have paid off the mortgage by the end of the term.
Repayment vehicle
Required by lenders if you take out an interest-only mortgage, this is the means by which you’re intending to pay off your mortgage at the end of the term – for example, another property, or a stocks and shares portfolio. Read more about interest-only mortgages.
Standard variable rate (SVR)
The default mortgage interest rate your lender will charge after your initial mortgage deal period ends. This could be higher or lower than your original rate.
Valuation survey
Lenders always carry out a valuation survey to check whether the property is worth roughly the amount you’re paying for it. You should always have your own survey done too, to check for structural problems. Read more about property surveys.
Variable-rate mortgage
The interest rate on your mortgage can go up or down according to your lender’s standard variable rate. Read more about standard variable rate mortgages.
Always consult qualified professionals before making overseas property decisions.
It is important that you seek independent legal and taxation advice on any property that you are going to purchase.
Simon Conn is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seico Insurance & Mortgages Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 300024 in respect of UK mortgage, insurance and consumer credit related activities only.
If a mortgage is denominated in a currency other than your home currency, there is a risk that changes in the exchange rate may increase the equivalent value of the debt in terms of your home currency
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Please note that the FCA does not regulate all forms of our business activities. We will provide you with a free initial consultation and as we offer a bespoke service our lending sources charges can vary and the actual amount payable will be shown on any eventual quote they produce and will depend on the country where you require finance, plus your personal circumstances and loan requirements.
It is important to note that Buy-to-Let Mortgages (unless more than 40% owner occupied), Commercial Mortgages and Mortgages Secured on Property Outside the UK are not covered by statutory UK regulation. It is important that you seek independent legal and taxation advice on any property that you are going to purchase.