Many foreign nationals believe they need Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before they can even think about buying a property in the UK. It’s a common question we hear: “Can you get a UK mortgage without indefinite leave to remain?” The short answer is yes, and for most people, waiting for ILR isn’t necessary at all.
This myth often comes from outdated advice or from high street banks with stricter criteria than specialist lenders. If you’ve only spoken to your bank, you may have been told you need ILR, but the reality is there are plenty of lenders who will consider you long before you get permanent residency.
Why Lenders Ask About ILR
From a lender’s point of view, ILR removes immigration-based uncertainty, it shows you can stay in the UK without visa restrictions. That said, many lenders are comfortable with visa holders if other factors, such as income stability and deposit size, balance out the perceived risk.
For example:
- With ILR: You’ll have access to almost all UK lenders, even with a 5% deposit.
- On a visa: With a 10% deposit or more, you can still access highly competitive rates, sometimes virtually identical to those offered to ILR holders.
The only time ILR makes a big difference in cost is when you have a 5% deposit. Without ILR, you may be limited to a smaller pool of lenders, typically 2–5 specialist options.
What Really Matters More Than ILR
When applying for a UK mortgage without indefinite leave to remain, lenders will look at your entire profile:
- Residency Status
- Type of visa
- How long you’ve been in the UK
- How much time is left before your visa expires
- Deposit Size
- A 10% deposit opens far more options than 5%
- A higher deposit can secure better interest rates and lower monthly repayments
- Income & Affordability
- Lenders typically offer up to 4.5× household income (sometimes more with certain lenders)
- All credit commitments, dependent costs, and living expenses are factored into how much you can borrow
- Credit Profile
- No need for a perfect score, but clean credit (no missed payments or CCJs) helps
- Build your UK credit record through utility bills, mobile phone contracts, or a credit card
For a full breakdown of how different visas impact your mortgage options, see our UK mortgage requirements for visa holders
Real Client Examples
- Client A: Skilled Worker visa, in the UK for 14 months, 10% deposit — secured a mortgage rate within 0.15% of ILR rates.
- Client B: Spouse visa, in the UK for 8 months, 15% deposit — approved within 3 weeks with a specialist lender.
Should You Wait for ILR?
For most people, no. Waiting for ILR often means years of extra rent payments and missing out on getting onto the property ladder sooner. If you have the deposit and a stable income now, it’s worth exploring your options.
What to Do Next if You’re on a Visa
- Save at least a 10% deposit if possible
- Start building your UK credit profile
- Speak to a specialist mortgage broker early to match with the right lenders
- Don’t rely on advice from high street banks alone
At First Time Finance, we’ve helped hundreds of foreign nationals secure mortgages in the UK without ILR, often with the same rates as permanent residents. If you’re ready to explore your options, get in touch and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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