If you’re wondering whether you can buy a home in the UK with a partner on a visa, the short answer is yes, but there are a few rules and potential pitfalls you should know about before you start booking viewings.
It’s common for couples to have different residency statuses. Maybe one partner is a British citizen or has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), while the other is here on a spouse visa, skilled worker visa, or health and social care visa. Lenders see these mixed-status applications all the time, and for the most part, there are routes forward. But the details matter.
How Joint Mortgage Applications Work
When you apply for a mortgage together, lenders will look at both applicants’:
- Income and employment history
- Credit records in the UK (and sometimes abroad)
- Visa or residency status
- How long each of you has lived in the UK
If one partner is a British citizen or holds ILR, and the other is on a valid visa, many lenders will still consider you for a joint mortgage. In fact, you could get approved with as little as a 5% deposit, though deposit requirements can vary depending on the lender.
That’s where it gets tricky. While some lenders are very open to mixed-status couples, others have rules that can block your application entirely. Knowing which lenders to approach is key.
What If Your Partner Is New to the UK?
If your partner has just arrived in the UK on a spouse visa or work visa, you may still be able to apply together, but some lenders will want to see:
- At least 6–12 months of UK residency
- A minimum amount of time left on their visa (often at least 6 months, preferably 12+)
- Evidence of UK credit activity, even if limited
If your partner is not living in the UK long-term or is here as a visitor, most lenders will not approve a joint application. In those cases, it’s usually best to wait until they have the right visa and time in the UK before applying.
Deposit and Rate Differences
For couples where one partner is on a visa:
- 5% deposit: Possible with certain lenders, but options are limited and criteria are tighter.
- 10%+ deposit: Opens up far more lenders, often with rates very close to those offered to British citizens.
Contrary to popular belief, mortgage rates for visa holders are not always much higher. The bigger factor is your choice of lender.
Why Working With a Specialist Helps
The difference between approval and rejection often comes down to matching your profile to the right lender from the start. At First Time Finance, we work with couples in all kinds of visa and residency situations, from one partner just arriving on a spouse visa, to both partners on work visas, and we know which lenders are more flexible.
By getting the right advice early, you can avoid wasted applications, protect your credit score, and get a clear plan for when and how to apply.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can buy a home in the UK with a partner on a visa, but success depends on:
- The type of visa
- How long you’ve both been in the UK
- Time remaining on the visa
- Your deposit size
- Your income and credit history
If you’re thinking about applying, the best first step is to speak to a broker who understands the foreign national mortgage market. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s possible now, and what steps to take if you need to prepare for later.
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