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Articus Finance secured a residential mortgage for dual-nationality client (US–UK) with USD income and UK property ambitions. By aligning cross-border affordability, currency, and compliance, we delivered competitive pricing and a seamless completion—demonstrating our expertise with complex international borrower profiles.
Introduction
Securing a residential mortgage for dual-nationality client (US–UK) poses unique challenges: multi-jurisdictional income, FX considerations, and lender policy nuance. In this case, our client worked for a US employer, earned in dollars, and wished to purchase a London home. We structured a lender-approved path through affordability, documentation, and regulatory requirements—without compromising timeframes or pricing. For context on complex borrower types, see our Foreign National Mortgages.
Client Background
The client held both US and UK citizenship, was employed by a US-based firm, and received salary in USD. They had strong savings, an established employment track record, and a clear intention to purchase a primary residence in London. The property was valued at £1,100,000 with a target loan of £770,000 (70% LTV). For clients with elevated income profiles and complex assets, our High Net Worth Mortgages expertise often streamlines underwriting assumptions.
The Challenge
While the profile was high quality, the path to approval was not. UK lenders differ considerably in how they treat non-GBP income, currency haircuts, and employer jurisdiction risk. Common friction points included:
- Affordability: Converting USD income into GBP using prudent FX haircuts required lender alignment on methodology and rate selection.
- Policy: Ensuring the chosen lender accepted dual nationality with foreign currency income, and had appetite for US-based employment arrangements.
- Documentation: Evidencing stable USD earnings, bonus consistency, and tax position across jurisdictions without overburdening the client.
- Compliance: Maintaining adherence to UK mortgage conduct rules and responsible lending practices while navigating cross-border paperwork.
Additionally, the client wanted confidence on completion timelines and minimal FX exposure between offer and drawdown. In comparable situations, Private Bank Mortgages can be advantageous where bespoke income treatment and asset consideration are required.
Our Solution
We matched the case to a lender known for cross-border income expertise. Our approach included:
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- Early policy mapping: We pre-vetted lender criteria for USD income, acceptable documentation, and affordability assessments to eliminate false starts.
- Structured FX methodology: We agreed the conversion basis and stress assumptions upfront to provide transparency on affordability and avoid last-minute recalculations.
- Document choreography: We curated employer letters, pay evidence, bank statements, tax confirmations, and proof of savings—sequenced to meet underwriter expectations while reducing back-and-forth.
- Rate strategy: We appraised fixed and tracker options versus the client’s FX view and risk tolerance, concluding on a competitive fixed-rate product to anchor costs through completion. Where cash flow optimisation is a consideration, we also evaluate Interest Only Mortgages where suitable.
- Completion discipline: We coordinated valuation, legal milestones, and funding logistics to protect timelines and reduce exposure to FX volatility.
The outcome was a clean approval on the requested £770,000 facility at c.70% LTV, with terms aligned to the client’s long-term residency and income profile. For future refinancing or rate management, our Remortgage team provides proactive reviews.
Key Highlights
- 70% LTV against a £1.1m property with USD income accepted on transparent affordability.
- Lender selection prioritised cross-border competence and pragmatic underwriting.
- Competitive fixed-rate outcome to stabilise cash flow and mitigate FX timing risk.
- Concise documentation pack minimised underwriting queries and expedites offer.
- Clear regulatory alignment and responsible-lending framework throughout.
Why Articus Finance Delivered
International borrowers need precision. Articus combines policy intelligence, lender access, and disciplined execution to deliver predictable results for complex profiles. For UHNWIs, expats, and international executives, our approach offers:
- Strategic lender matching based on real underwriting behaviour, not generic criteria lists.
- Affordability clarity using agreed FX methodologies and realistic income treatment.
- Discreet management of legal, valuation, and timing dependencies.
- Access to specialist products via private banks and niche lenders where appropriate.
If your circumstances span multiple jurisdictions—income, assets, or residency—we assemble the right route from the outset. To begin a discreet conversation, please contact Articus Finance.
Explore Related Insights
- Articus Finance
- Overseas Mortgages
- Guide: Expat & Foreign National
- High Net Worth Mortgages
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Final Thoughts
This case underscores how a residential mortgage for dual-nationality client benefits from lender selection, structured FX treatment, and rigorous documentation. For clients with cross-border income, Articus Finance brings the precision and access needed to secure the right outcome—confidently and on time.
Disclaimer: Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or secured loan.
