Case Snapshot
- Client: US Citizen
- Client Location: United States
- Property Location: Cotswolds, UK
- Property Type: High-Value Residential / Holiday Home
- Purchase Price: £2.25 million
- Mortgage Amount: £1.35 million
- Loan to Value: 60%
- Purpose: UK Holiday Home Purchase
- Income: US Employment and Investment Income
- Income Currency: US Dollars (USD)
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Why the Client Chose Articus Finance
Buying a high-value property in the UK as a US citizen can be considerably more complex than arranging a standard UK mortgage.
Our client wanted a specialist broker with experience arranging UK mortgages for US citizens, as well as access to private banks and specialist lenders comfortable assessing overseas income, assets and more complex international circumstances.
As an FCA-regulated mortgage broker, Articus Finance also provided the client with the reassurance of working with a regulated UK firm experienced in advising international and high-net-worth borrowers.
At Articus Finance, we regularly arrange UK mortgages for US citizens and residents, including high-value residential purchases, second homes and investment properties.
For larger transactions, we can also access high-net-worth mortgage and private bank mortgage solutions.
Are you a US resident/citizen and looking for a UK mortgage? Click here to talk to one of the team today
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Related Services
- UK Mortgages for US Citizens & Residents
- High-Net-Worth Mortgages
- Private Bank Mortgages
- High-Value UK Mortgages
- View All Case Studies
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The Challenge
Our client was a US citizen living and working in the United States who wanted to purchase a £2.25 million holiday home in the Cotswolds for use during regular visits to the UK.
They required a mortgage of £1.35 million, representing 60% loan to value.
Although the client had a strong financial profile, significant assets and a substantial deposit, many mainstream lenders were unable to accommodate the transaction.
The combination of US residency, income received in US Dollars and the intended use of the property as a second home significantly reduced the number of suitable lenders.
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Why Can Getting a UK Mortgage as a US Citizen Be More Complex?
US citizens can face additional challenges when applying for UK mortgages because lenders need to consider both the borrower’s overseas financial position and their own policies towards US-connected clients.
Potential considerations include:
- US residency and citizenship.
- Income received in US Dollars.
- Overseas employment and investment income.
- Limited UK credit history.
- Source of wealth and deposit.
- UK second-home lending criteria.
- Additional compliance requirements.
This made lender selection particularly important. Approaching an unsuitable lender could have resulted in unnecessary delays or a declined application despite the strength of the client’s overall financial position.
Are you looking for a UK mortgage as an overseas resident? Download our guide here for further information
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Our Solution
After reviewing the client’s income, assets and objectives, Articus Finance approached lenders experienced in providing high-value mortgages for UK property to international borrowers.
Rather than relying solely on a conventional UK affordability assessment, we identified a lender capable of considering the client’s wider financial position, including their US Dollar income and overseas assets.
We presented the application comprehensively from the outset and managed communication between the client, lender, valuer and solicitors throughout the transaction.
The resulting facility provided the £1.35 million mortgage required to complete the Cotswolds purchase.
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The Outcome
The client successfully purchased their £2.25 million Cotswolds holiday home while continuing to live and work in the United States.
The final structure provided:
- £1.35 million mortgage.
- 60% loan to value.
- Acceptance of US Dollar income.
- Finance for a high-value UK holiday home.
- A lender experienced with US citizens and international borrowers.
The case demonstrates that US citizenship or overseas residency does not necessarily prevent a borrower from obtaining a high-value UK mortgage. The key is identifying a lender whose criteria and underwriting approach suit the client’s circumstances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a US citizen get a mortgage in the UK?
Yes. A number of UK lenders, specialist banks and private banks will consider applications from US citizens. However, criteria vary considerably, which is why specialist advice can be particularly valuable.
Can an American get a mortgage for a UK holiday home?
Yes. Some lenders will provide mortgages to US citizens purchasing UK second homes or holiday properties, subject to the borrower’s financial circumstances and intended use of the property.
Will UK mortgage lenders accept income in US Dollars?
Some lenders will accept USD income. The way foreign currency income is assessed varies, and lenders may apply their own exchange-rate assumptions when calculating affordability.
Do I need to live in the UK to get a UK mortgage?
Not necessarily. Articus Finance regularly assists overseas residents with UK property finance. Our high-net-worth mortgage service includes solutions for foreign nationals and non-UK residents.
Can US citizens get private bank mortgages in the UK?
Yes, although individual private banks have different policies towards US-connected clients. Our private bank mortgage team can identify institutions with an appropriate appetite for the transaction.
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Looking to Buy a UK Property From the United States?
If you are a US citizen or resident considering purchasing a home, second home or investment property in the UK, Articus Finance can help navigate the specialist mortgage market.
We work with lenders experienced in international borrowers, foreign currency income and high-value UK property transactions.