Our Expat Buy to Let Mortgages

Living abroad does not have to limit your ability to invest in UK property. An expat buy to let mortgage (BTL) allows British citizens living overseas residents to purchase or remortgage a rental property in the UK. 

At The Cambridge Building Society, we support overseas landlords with our specialist expat buy to let mortgages and a personal, adviser‑led approach. Our range now offers up to 80% loan‑to‑value (LTV), giving expat landlords greater flexibility when investing in the UK rental market.

 

What is an expat buy to let mortgage?

An expat buy to let mortgage is designed for people who live and work outside the UK but want to own and let a residential property within the UK.

These mortgages work in a similar way to standard buy to let mortgages, but take into account the additional complexity of overseas income, residency and currency considerations. Rental income from the UK property is a key factor in affordability assessments, alongside personal and financial circumstances.

Expat buy to let mortgages can be used to:

•    Purchase a new rental property in the UK
•    Remortgage an existing buy to let property
•    Expand or manage an existing property portfolio

 

Can you get a UK buy to let mortgage living abroad?

Yes, it is possible to get a UK buy to let mortgage while living abroad, although eligibility criteria can be more complex than for UK‑based applicants.

Lenders will usually consider factors such as:

•   Your country of residence and citizenship
•   Your income and the currency you're paid in
•   Your UK credit history and correspondence address
•   The expected rental income from the property

At The Cambridge Building Society, we consider applications from expats living in a wide range of countries and earning in different currencies, subject to underwriting criteria and UK Government financial sanctions requirements.

Expat buy to let mortgage options

The Cambridge Building Society offers a dedicated expat buy to let mortgage range, designed to support overseas landlords with flexible and responsible lending.

Key features of our expat buy to let mortgages include a maximum 80% loan to value ratio (LTV) - which was increased in January 2026 from 75%. There is also no upper age limit on our expat buy to let mortgages, and holiday lets may be considered under the appropriate product range.

By bringing expat buy to let mortgages in line with our core buy to let products, we aim to provide more choice and consistency for landlords navigating changing market conditions.

 

Eligibility criteria for expat buy to let mortgages

Eligibility for an overseas landlord mortgage is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. Criteria may include, but is not limited to:

•    British citizenship or acceptable residency status
•    Minimum personal income (typically £25,000 per application)
•    Acceptable country of residence and currency
•    A UK correspondence address
•    Rental income meeting minimum stress tested coverage requirements
•    Property type and location within the UK

Self‑employed applicants are usually considered where the business is UK‑based. Additional documentation may be required where applicants own property outside the UK.

First-time buyers are not eligible for expat BTL mortgages. However, first time landlord may still be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Expat buy to let mortgage rates

Buy to let mortgage rates for expats can differ from standard buy to let products and may reflect the additional risk and complexity of overseas residency.

Rates, fees and availability can change, and affordability is assessed using rental stress testing alongside other financial considerations. Speaking to a mortgage specialist can help you understand how current expat buy to let mortgage rates may apply to your situation.

 

Why choose The Cambridge for expat buy to let mortgages?

With over 175 years of experience, The Cambridge Building Society takes a measured and personal approach to buy to let lending. Talking to one of our Mortgage Advisers is a great place to start - the team can talk you through our current rates, the deposit you'll need and how we would assess your application for affordability.

By listening to landlords and intermediaries, we continue to evolve our buy to let proposition in line with changing needs.

Expat buy to let mortgages can offer a flexible way to invest in UK property, with applications assessed on a case-by-case basis, with options available depending on your circumstances and where you live.

 

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE