Key Facts
- Client Location: Switzerland
- Property Value: £1,350,000
- Purchase Price: £945,000
- Loan To Value: 70%
- Purpose: Residential Purchase
- Employment: Employed in Switzerland
- Income Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Finance Type: UK Expat Mortgage
Why the Client Chose Articus Finance
Purchasing a property in the UK whilst living overseas can be significantly more complex than obtaining a standard residential mortgage.
Our client wanted a mortgage adviser with specialist experience arranging finance for British expats and access to lenders who understood overseas income, foreign currency earnings and complex cross-border applications.
At Articus Finance, we specialise in arranging mortgages for British nationals living abroad, including clients based in Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, the USA and across Europe. We work with a wide panel of specialist lenders and private banks to find the most appropriate solution for every client’s circumstances.
Related Services
Are you an expat looking to refinance your UK property? Click here to get in contact with one of our experienced brokers today.
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The Challenge:
Our client, a British citizen living and working in Switzerland, had found their ideal family home in the UK and wanted to complete the purchase before relocating back in the future.
Although they had an excellent income, strong assets and a healthy deposit, obtaining finance was not straightforward.
Many high street lenders either do not lend to borrowers living overseas or apply much stricter affordability assessments for expat applicants. The fact that the client’s income was earned in Swiss Francs (CHF) further reduced the number of lenders willing to consider the application.
The client wanted a competitive mortgage, a smooth application process and confidence that the lender understood expatriate borrowing.
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Why Was This Transaction More Complex?
UK mortgages for British expats often involve additional underwriting compared to domestic applications.
Lenders may need to assess:
- Overseas income and employment contracts.
- Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
- Residency status.
- Future plans to return to the UK.
- International bank statements.
- Overseas tax documentation.
Every lender has different criteria, meaning selecting the right lender from the outset can save weeks of unnecessary delays and significantly improve the likelihood of approval.
This is where specialist advice from Articus Finance can make all the difference.
Looking for further infomation on how to secure a UK mortgage as an expat? Download our guide here
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Our Solution
Following an in-depth review of the client’s circumstances, Articus Finance approached a specialist lender with a strong appetite for British expats living in Switzerland.
We presented the application with a detailed overview of the client’s income, assets and long-term plans, ensuring the underwriters had a complete understanding of the case from the beginning.
Throughout the transaction, we managed communication between the lender, solicitors and the client, helping to overcome the practical challenges of different time zones and international documentation.
Because we selected the right lender from the outset, the application progressed smoothly through underwriting and completed within the required timescale.
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The Outcome
The client successfully purchased their £1.35 million UK property with a £945,000 mortgage, allowing them to secure their long-term family home while continuing to live and work in Switzerland until they were ready to relocate.
By using a lender experienced in expatriate lending, the transaction progressed efficiently despite the additional complexity of overseas income and documentation.
Most importantly, the client achieved their objective without compromising on the property they wanted or accepting less favourable lending terms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a UK mortgage whilst living in Switzerland?
Yes. Many specialist lenders are happy to lend to British nationals living in Switzerland, although lender criteria differ significantly. Working with an experienced expat mortgage broker can help identify the most suitable lenders.
Will UK lenders accept income paid in Swiss Francs?
Some lenders will assess foreign currency income, including Swiss Francs, although each lender applies different affordability models and exchange rate assumptions.
Is it harder for expats to buy property in the UK?
Generally, yes. The pool of lenders is smaller, documentation requirements are more detailed and lender selection becomes increasingly important. However, with the right advice, many British expats successfully purchase property in the UK every year.
Why use an expat mortgage broker?
An expat mortgage broker understands which lenders actively support overseas borrowers and can often access products and lending solutions that are not widely available through mainstream banks.
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Looking to Buy Property in the UK Whilst Living Overseas?
Whether you are based in Switzerland, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, the USA or elsewhere overseas, Articus Finance can help you secure the right UK mortgage.
Our advisers specialise in complex residential lending and have extensive experience helping British expats purchase and refinance UK property.
Related Case Studies
- British Expat Refinancing a UK Property Whilst Living in Singapore
- Residential mortgage for dual-nationality client (US–UK)
- Buy to Let Mortgage for UK National Residing in Switzerland: Expert Expat Financing Solution
Contact Articus Finance today for a confidential discussion about refinancing your UK property whilst living overseas via our Contact Us Page