Self-Employed Hong Kong Entrepreneur Investing in Permanent UK Residence

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.

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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.

 

Proven Expertise

Our specialist mortgage brokers based in London are highly experienced in negotiating the best mortgages and mortgage rates, no matter how complex your situation.

With over 20 years’ combined experience sourcing the best mortgage deals for global clients, our brokers have the skills, knowledge, and lender relationships to turn your property aspirations into a reality. To find out how we do it, explore our case studies.

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we find creative solutions for High Net Worth individuals who require financing on their worldwide assets.

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Henry Wong

Mortgage Broker

Henry has amassed over five years of experience in the finance industry, where he has honed his skills in arranging financing facilities for both businesses and individual consumers. At Articus, he leverages his expertise in corporate finance to guide clients in achieving their business objectives, combining a deep understanding of market dynamics with a steadfast commitment to client success. Henry prides himself in problem solving and no deal is too large or complex for him to tackle, he enjoys crafting innovative solutions that drive results. His dedication to his clients is evident in his proactive communication style and his ability to build lasting relationships. Henry holds a degree in Economics from Queen Mary University London and outside of work, he is a creative within the music industry and is an avid fan of Liverpool FC.

Tafouse Raza

Client Services

Tafouse brings expertise from the prime London property market, excelling in client care. Dedicated to exceptional service, Tafouse goes above and beyond to meet your needs. Passionate about rugby, travel, and showjumping, his diverse interests reflect a commitment to excellence in every interaction.

Harry Lart

Mortgage Broker

Harry has over 16 years of experience within the Finance, Housing and Development sector. He started off his career as a CIMA Qualified Chartered Accountant and transitioned over to financial services in 2019. During this time he has dealt with a range of complex financial arrangements from ex pat mortgages to large development loans. Harry has a can do attitude and believes there’s a solution to every situation and will work tirelessly to ensure your deal crosses the line. In his spare time Harry likes to play poker, travel and try new cuisines.

Carolina Barreiros

Marketing Manager

Carolina is a multilingual Marketing Manager originally from Portugal. She specialises in International Marketing and Business, helping organisations expand their brand awareness globally over the last 4 years. Her past work includes supporting start-ups to multinational companies in the UK and across Europe. She is a creative and passionate individual, bringing a fresh perspective to the financial industry and delivering high quality research.

In her spare time, Carolina enjoys socialising & travelling around the world, embracing different cultures and experiences. 

Antonia Grieve

Office Manager

Antonia brings fantastic planning, organisational and time management skills to her role as office manager, ensuring that operations at Articus run smoothly. An experienced administrator with fantastic problem solving skills, Antonia began her career working in medical administration, so she is highly experienced working with confidential client data.

Jack Cuthbert

Client Services Executive

Jack comes from a background of delivering great customer service. He has worked in the property industry since 2016 and has solid knowledge of the property market, combined with a good knowledge of the mortgage industry. Jack is CeMap qualified and enjoys looking after his clients and building strong working relationships. Away from work, Jack spends most of his time travelling with friends, playing football and watching Charlton Athletic.

Matthew Currey

Case Manager

Matthew has experience working as a mortgage administrator and assisting with clients of any calibre. His main strength is his ability to develop a close relationship to his brokers and clients, allowing for a smooth transition throughout your mortgage journey, his friendly nature helps in making the process a lot less intimidating than it needs to be. Outside of work Matthew spends his time playing Chess and exploring the world with his Girlfriend.

Danny Doran

Business Development Manager

Danny started his career in financial services in 2005. He has developed an ability to build relationships and collaborate for success, through consistent communication, a holistic approach to deal building and an ability to swiftly problem solve. Danny has worked with Private and High Net Worth clients for over a decade and is driven by a strong, natural desire to ensure his clients and their businesses reach their full potential. As a property investor himself, he is well placed and experienced in all things property related. Outside of work, Danny has a keen interest in psychology, the outdoors and travelling.

Theo Osborn

Mortgage Broker

Theo started his journey in the specialist finance industry while working as a journalist at an industry trade magazine. During this time he amassed a great knowledge of mortgages, bridging, development and commercial funding and established a wealth of relationships in the industry. He transferred these skills and now specialises in assisting clients with their specialist finance requirements. Working alongside the CEO, Theo has learnt the nuances of ultra-complex transactions and knows how to most efficiently manage the funding process to completion. Theo aims to achieve the best solution for every client he deals with a particular focus on sourcing funding for developments and refurbishment.

Stefanos Petrou

Mortgage Broker

Stefanos started in financial services in 2013 managing clients across central London. Consistently providing a high level of thorough service. Prioritising communication, research, and innovation in order to meet his clients complex goals. Stefanos strengths lie in maintaining long standing relationships and being by his clients side throughout the process. Outside of work Stefanos enjoys spending time with his friends and family, unless of course Arsenal F.C are playing.

Dino Lazarides

Mortgage Broker

With over 20 years of financial services experience Dino is an accomplished mortgage adviser who relishes the more complex cases, enjoys a challenge and always does everything he can to ensure his clients not only get the result they need but to achieve their property goals.   A fully qualified financial adviser Dino quickly realised that property and mortgages were his passion and over the years gained his experience helping investors build their property portfolios.  When not working Dino enjoys spending time with his family, loves modern and classic performance cars, popular culture, technology, mountain biking and is a supporter of West Ham United.

William Gleeson

Mortgage Broker

William started in financial services 2014 arranging finance for HNW clients and their families. One of his main strengths is building deep, long standing relationships with his clients, which enables him to fully understand their needs and tailor solutions to fit each client individually. William has relationships with a variety of lenders ranging from international private banks to some of the largest lenders within the UK. Outside of work, William enjoys spending time with his young family and is an avid rugby player.

Steven Boyde

Mortgage Broker

Steven started working across London’s property and financial services market in 2007. He specialises in development, bridging and commercial finance and has completed many multi-million transactions. Steven believes in customer focused relationships and has many clients who have been with him for years. Away from work, Steven spends most of his time with his two children and wife, on the golf course or watching Plymouth Argyle.

Samuel Asante

Mortgage Broker

Whether you require access to bespoke funding, or need to fund a project of any scale, Samuel will always find a solution to meet the requirements of any client. No matter how complex your case is, through his innovative and determined nature, he can find a structure to finance a client’s plans. As a trained martial artist, Samuel’s passion and confidence carries over into the workplace, and you can expect a clear and concise transaction journey from start to finish.

Jason Hunt

Mortgage Broker

Jason started in 2012 in financial services working across London’s property and financial services markets for HNW individuals. He is able to construct tailor-made solutions to suit his client’s needs, no matter how complicated. He has completed multi-million pound residential, buy to let and commercial developments across the UK. Jason is a confident and motivated individual whom takes pride in offering an exceptional and professional level of service to all of his clients. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, cycling and traveling the world with his sights set on Base Camp Everest.

Assad Younis

Mortgage Broker

Assad prides himself on being open minded and thinking outside the box. Through a personalised approach and consistent communication; Assad’s strong relationships with specialist lenders gives him the ability to reach the ideal outcome for his clients. With a particular strength in dealing with foreign nationals and ex-pats he approaches his clients with a can-do attitude. His attention to detail allows him to actively support his clients and build a long-term relationship by giving a truly tailored approach.  Outside of work, Assad is a keen explorer and foodie, regularly travelling to remote destinations and testing out the local cuisines.

Shyan Zubair

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Shyan is a global businessman with keen commercial acumen and a deep understanding of the UK property market. Following the successful completion of an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Mathematics from King’s College London, Shyan has held a range of highly strategic roles, with a focus on UK property investment – meaning he is well versed in the world of HNW property finance. Not only is he an experienced UK landlord, he has an impressive history in the world of property trading, and has played a pivotal role in the completion of a number of large scale development projects with values up to £30 million.

Oliver Hines-Lloyd

Co-Founder & CEO

Ollie entered the world of high net worth mortgages after living in Geneva, where he provided tailored financial advice to private clients. This experience shaped his career trajectory, giving him first-hand experience in understanding and communicating the benefits of financial advice – all while developing the ability to build exceptional client relationships. Following this, Ollie moved back to London where he began specialising in mortgages. His drive, ambition and natural flair for anticipating the needs of his clients led him to progress quickly from Client Services to broker, where he honed his skillset after passing his CeMap exams. Outside of work, Ollie is an avid traveller – and an equally keen supporter of his local club, Fulham FC.

Antonio Michael

Co-Founder & CEO

Antonio has over a decade’s experience arranging and negotiating mortgage finance for some of the UK property market’s most complex transactions. During his career, he has worked at some of the UK’s most prestigious mortgage brokerages, as well as the fast-paced world of currency broking. As a result, he has a wealth of relevant experience in handling complicated cases, like clients buying properties through trusts. Crucially, Antonio has developed an almost unparalleled network of close industry relationships. This enables him to navigate challenging situations with ease, and he relishes taking on cases that have struggled to progress elsewhere and seeing them through to completion.

Antonio Michael

Co-Founder & CEO

Antonio started in financial services in 2006, arranging and negotiating mortgage finance for some of the UK property market’s most complex transactions. During his career, he has worked at some of the UK’s most prestigious mortgage brokerages, as well as the fast-paced world of currency broking.

As a result, he has a wealth of relevant experience in handling complicated cases, like clients buying properties through trusts. Crucially, Antonio has developed an almost unparalleled network of close industry relationships. This enables him to navigate challenging situations with ease, and he relishes taking on cases that have struggled to progress elsewhere and seeing them through to completion.