Self-Employed Hong Kong Entrepreneur Investing in Permanent UK Residence
Arranging finance for a self-employed Hong Kong entrepreneur investing in permanent UK residence comes with complexities such as limited account history and overseas deposits. This case study demonstrates how Articus Finance secured a £1 million mortgage at 71% LTV, even though the client had only two years of UK residency and just one profitable year of accounts.
Introduction
Securing a mortgage as a self-employed Hong Kong entrepreneur investing in permanent UK residence is challenging. UK high street lenders often require several years of UK business accounts, extensive local credit history, and fixed income streams. Our client, however, had established an entrepreneurial business in just two years and required significant funding to acquire a £1.4 million residential property in London. We structured a solution tailored to his unique profile.
Client Background
The client was a Hong Kong national who had relocated to the UK on an entrepreneurial visa. Over the course of two years, he created and grew a company that specialised in helping Hong Kong nationals settle in the UK. Although the business initially incurred startup losses, year two demonstrated strong profitability and long-term viability.
- Nationality: Hong Kong national with UK residence
- Residency: Two years in the UK under an entrepreneurial visa
- Business: Advising Hong Kong nationals relocating to the UK
- Property Value: £1.4 million
- Loan Amount: £1 million
- LTV: 71%
- Deposit Source: Funds remitted from Hong Kong
The Challenge
The barriers in arranging finance for this self-employed Hong Kong entrepreneur investing in permanent UK residence were considerable:
- Self-Employed Accounts: Only two years of trading history, with just one profitable year.
- Residency Tenure: A short two-year stay in the UK, failing typical high street bank criteria.
- Overseas Deposit: Using savings transferred from Hong Kong, triggering enhanced lender due diligence on source of funds.
- Large Loan Size: Requirement of £1 million mortgage finance at competitive rates.
These elements combined to greatly restrict options among mainstream lenders, requiring expertise to identify and approach a more flexible institution.
Our Solution
Articus Finance’s approach centred on identifying a lender with specialist experience in self-employed clients and foreign nationals:
- Specialist Building Society: We sourced a UK lender prepared to work on the strength of one profitable year’s accounts, provided the longer-term viability of the business could be evidenced.
- Residency Flexibility: We demonstrated the two-year residency and entrepreneurial visa provided sufficient stability for mortgage approval.
- Deposit Comfort: Ensured the lender was satisfied with the remittance of personal funds directly from Hong Kong, supported by transparent documentation.
- Competitive Terms: Secured a £1 million loan at 71% LTV with competitive market rates, matched against private banks and niche providers.
By reframing the client’s entrepreneurial track record and proving the business’s strong trajectory, we were able to bypass the rigid requirements of high street lenders. The client completed his purchase successfully and established a permanent residence in the UK.
Key Highlights
- Client: Self-employed Hong Kong entrepreneur, UK resident
- Residence Length: 2 years
- Business: Consultancy supporting Hong Kong relocations
- Property: £1.4 million London residence
- Loan: £1 million
- LTV: 71%
- Solution: Specialist lender accepting one year of accounts
- Outcome: Successful purchase at competitive rates
Why Articus Finance Delivered
Traditional lenders would not consider a self-employed Hong Kong entrepreneur investing in permanent UK residence with only one year of strong accounts. However, Articus Finance has both the expertise and the network to deliver bespoke solutions. Our holistic presentation of the client’s entrepreneurial success, combined with our relationships with niche lenders, unlocked finance where it seemed unattainable.
Securing favourable mortgage terms for self-employed and foreign national clients requires far more than finding a willing lender; it requires leveraging credibility, connections, and negotiation. Our ability to achieve 71% LTV with competitive rates reflects our strength as a specialist advisor to international clients.
Articus Finance regularly supports clients across similar profiles, whether through Self-Employed Mortgages, Foreign National Mortgages, High Net Worth Mortgages, or Private Bank Lending. Each case is tailored discreetly to match client background with lender appetite.
Explore Related Insights
- UK Mortgages for Foreign Nationals
- Expat Mortgage Guidance
- Self-Employed Lending
- High Net Worth Mortgage Solutions
- Private Bank Mortgage Facilities
- Interest Only Structuring
- Further Case Studies
- Mortgage Insight Guides
- FCA Guidance on Overseas Mortgage Lending
Final Thoughts
This case proves how a self-employed Hong Kong entrepreneur investing in permanent UK residence can obtain large-scale mortgage funding despite modest account history and overseas deposits. Through expert advocacy, Articus Finance secured a £1 million mortgage at 71% LTV, enabling the client to cement permanent residence in the UK. For international entrepreneurs, our expertise ensures complex applications are transformed into successful outcomes.