Are you looking to get on the real estate wave and invest in properties in the UK, or planning to move to the UK soon and confused about how to buy a house as a foreigner? You’ve come to the right place.

Buying property in the UK as a non-resident can seem complicated, it comes with numerous legal requirements, taxes, and mortgage options to navigate.

So if you're interested in UK real estate as a long-term investment, planning to buy-to-let, or simply want to own a home before relocating, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

We'll help you understand the UK property market, help you build a feasible deposit budget, and discuss how stamp duty applies to foreign buyers.

What do you need to buy property in the UK as a foreigner?

You can buy a property in the UK as an EU citizen, a non-EU national, an expat living abroad, or even if you work in the UK on a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa. However, you might be required to provide:

• A valid passport or national ID card
• Proof of your current address (like a utility bill or bank statement)
• Additional documentation may be requested to prove the source of your funds, especially due to anti-money laundering laws. 

N.B: As a foreigner expect stricter identity checks and prepare for additional taxes and fees.

How do buy property in the UK as a foreigner.

1. Set your budget and research locations

Decide how much you're willing to spend and where you’d like to live or invest, before you dive into listings.

2. Get your finances in order

Foreign buyers are often required to pay a larger deposit, usually around 25–30%. It is also advised that you:

Gather your proof of funds

Secure a mortgage in principle (a document showing how much a UK lender is willing to offer you)

Speak with a mortgage broker experienced with non-residents to explore your options

3. Start house hunting

You can search for properties on UK property websites like Rightmove or Zoopla, or use a local estate agent who understands the market and foreign buyer needs.

4. Schedule property viewings

If you are abroad, some agencies offer virtual property tours. Regardless, if you can, it's advisable to view the property in person or send a trusted representative.

5. Make an offer

Once you’ve found the perfect home, make an offer through the estate agent or directly to the seller. Be ready to negotiate, especially in competitive markets.

6. Apply for your mortgage

Once your offer is accepted, submit a formal mortgage application. Lenders may ask for:

• ID and proof of address
• Proof of income or employment
• Credit history (in the UK or internationally)

7. Hire a UK conveyancer or solicitor

They’ll handle all the legal paperwork and property checks for you, including searches, contract exchange, and payment coordination.

8. Arrange a property survey

Although not always required, getting a survey done helps uncover any hidden issues like damp, structural problems, or repairs.

9.  Exchange contracts and pay the deposit

When everything checks out, your solicitor will exchange contracts with the seller’s legal team. At this point, you’ll pay your deposit (usually 10%), and the deal becomes legally binding.

10. Complete the purchase

Your solicitor finalizes the deal by transferring the remaining balance and registering your ownership with the UK Land Registry.

If buying a home outright seems out of reach right now, you could consider alternative strategies like becoming a UK rent-to-rent property investor, which offers a lower-barrier entry into the property market.

How much does it cost to buy property in the UK as a non-resident.

The total cost of buying a property will definitely go beyond the listing price, especially if you are a foreigner.

If you are non-UK resident preparing to buy a property in the UK, here's a clear breakdown of everything you'll need to budget for 

1. Property price 

As of May 2024, the average price of a property in the UK was £285,201but this figure varies based on the location and type of property:

Based on location.

2. Stamp duty for non-residents

If you’re a non-UK resident, you’ll pay an extra 2% Stamp Duty surcharge on top of standard rates. Stamp Duty applies to any property costing more than £125,000 and can range between 2% and 12%, depending on the property value.

3. Mortgage deposit

Most lenders require a deposit of 25–40% of the property’s value for non-residents. This is higher than for UK citizens, especially if you have no UK credit history.

4. Mortgage fee

If you plan on taking out a mortgage, expect to be charged the following fees:

• Booking fee: £100–£250
• Arrangement fee: Can go up to £2,000
• Valuation fee: ~£150–£1,500 (depending on the property’s value)

5. Legal fees

Whether or not you use a mortgage, hiring a UK solicitor or conveyancer is essential. Legal fees can range from £850 to £1,500, depending on the complexity of the purchase.

6. Land registry fees

You’ll also need to pay to register your ownership with HM Land Registry. This fee depends on the property price and ranges from £20 to £910.

7. Ongoing property taxes

After your purchase, you’ll be responsible for council tax, which varies by property band and location.

Convert your currency easily with OhentPay

As a non-UK resident buying property in the UK, one major step you’ll need to take is converting your local currency to British Pounds (GBP).

Regardless of what you plan on-  paying a deposit, legal fees, or the full property price, getting a great exchange rate can save you thousands.

With OhentPay, you can:

• Convert your foreign currency to GBP instantly
• Enjoy competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees
• Transfer funds quickly and securely to your UK solicitor or agent
• Track your transactions and rates in real time

We also offer a free currency converter tool, it's perfect if you want to compare exchange rates or calculate how much your money is worth in GBP before committing.

Check out our currency converter to see how much more you save with OhentPay.