Getting a Mortgage on a Tier 2 Visa: A Complete Guide for 2025
📌 Table of Contents
1️⃣ Can Tier 2 Visa Holders Get a Mortgage in the UK?
2️⃣ Which Visa Types Are Accepted for a UK Mortgage?
3️⃣ Challenges for Tier 2 Visa Holders Applying for a Mortgage
4️⃣ How to Improve Your Credit Score as a Visa Holder
5️⃣ Eligibility Criteria for a Tier 2 Visa Mortgage
6️⃣ Minimum Deposit Requirements for Visa Holders
7️⃣ Best UK Lenders for Tier 2 Visa Mortgages
8️⃣ How a Mortgage Broker Can Help Tier 2 Visa Holders
9️⃣ FAQs for Tier 2 Visa Mortgage Applicants
🔟 Next Steps: Secure Your Mortgage in 2025
Introduction
For many skilled workers moving to the UK on a Tier 2 visa (now called the Skilled Worker Visa), buying a home is a significant milestone. However, navigating the mortgage process as a visa holder can be complex, with stricter lending criteria, higher deposit requirements, and the challenge of limited UK credit history.
If you’re wondering, “Can I get a mortgage on a Tier 2 visa?”—the answer is yes! Many UK lenders offer mortgages to visa holders, provided you meet specific requirements.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about securing a mortgage on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa, common challenges, and how we at Quanstrom Financial can help.
1. Can Tier 2 Visa Holders Get a Mortgage in the UK?
Yes, you can get a mortgage as a Tier 2 visa holder—but the process is slightly different from that of a British citizen or someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
UK mortgage lenders consider visa holders higher risk because of the nature of their temporary residency status. As a result, some lenders may require a higher deposit or a minimum period of time living in the UK before approving a mortgage.
2. Which Visa Types Are Accepted for a UK Mortgage?
While this guide focuses on Tier 2 visa holders, other visa types may also be eligible for a mortgage, depending on the lender. These include:
• Tier 1 (Investor or Entrepreneur) Visa – High-net-worth individuals often have more mortgage options.
• Spouse/Partner Visa – More lenders accept these applicants, especially if their partner is a UK citizen.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) & Pre-Settled/Settled Status – Considered equivalent to UK citizens by most lenders.
3. Challenges for Tier 2 Visa Holders Applying for a Mortgage
A) Limited Lender Options
Not all lenders offer mortgages to visa holders, meaning fewer choices and potentially higher interest rates.
B) Higher Deposit Requirements
We can help VISA holders secure a mortgage with a deposit as low as 5% of the purchase price price, whereas many lenders on the high-street will require a deposit of 25%+.
C) Visa Expiry Concerns
Lenders often require you to have at least 12-24 months left on your visa when applying. If your visa has less than 12 months remaining, don't panic, we still have access to lenders who can help.
4. Credit History: A Major Challenge for New Visa Holders
One of the biggest barriers for Tier 2 visa holders is building a UK credit history. Lenders rely on credit scores to assess reliability, but if you haven’t been in the UK long, your credit file may be too thin.
How to Improve Your Credit Score as a Visa Holder
• Get on the Electoral Roll – If eligible, registering to vote can boost your credit score.
• Open a UK Bank Account – Having a long-standing bank account strengthens your financial profile.
• Use a UK Credit Card – Responsible credit card usage helps build a credit history. Ensure your credit card is repaid monthly, in full, by direct debit.
• Set Up Direct Debits – Paying bills (utilities, phone contracts) on time builds trust with lenders.
• Check Your Credit Report – Services like Checkmyfile allow you to check your credit file and correct any errors.
If you have no UK credit history, some lenders may consider your international credit score, but this is rare. A mortgage broker can guide you on the best approach.
Click here to view our guide on credit scores
5. Eligibility Criteria for a Tier 2 Visa Mortgage
To increase your chances of mortgage approval, you’ll generally:
✅ Minimum of 12 months left on your visa - If your VISA has less time than this, get in touch, as we may still be able to help
✅ Minimum 12 months UK residency - If you've lived in the UK for less than 12 months, get in touch, as we still may be able to help.
✅ Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
✅ Good credit score or steps to build credit
✅ Deposit funds be held in the UK (the source of funds can be from overseas, provided their is a sufficient paper-trail of the accumulated funds)
Some lenders may require additional documents, especially if you've lived in the UK for less than 12 months.
6. How Much Deposit Do Tier 2 Visa Holders Need?
• 5-10% deposit – Available for some Tier 2 visa holders with strong finances and credit scoring
• 15-25% deposit – Common requirement for most visa holders.
If saving a large deposit is a challenge, consider government schemes (covered below) or specialist mortgage products.
7. Best UK Mortgage Lenders for Tier 2 Visa Holders
Some high street banks and specialist lenders accept visa holders, including:
🏦 Halifax – Considers Tier 2 visa holders with a deposit as low at 5%, depending on income levels and residency history
🏦 Barclays – Considers Tier 2 visa holders with a deposit as low as 10%
🏦 Skipton Building Society - Considers Tier 2 visa holders with a deposit as low at 10%
🏦 Generation Home - Considers Tier 2 visa holders with a deposit as low at 10%
🏦 HSBC – Considers Tier 2 visa holders with a deposit as low at 15%
🏦 Specialist Lenders – Brokers can connect you with lenders that specialise in visa-holder mortgages.
There are many more lenders who can help - get in touch to ensure you are matched with the right lender for you.
8. What if my partner has a UK passport or has lived in the UK For more than 5 years?
Provided one applicant on the application has a UK passport or has 5 years UK address history, some lenders will disregard the second applicants visa status. This means that some high-street lenders may be available, and may simplify the mortgage application process, and reduce the deposit requirements.
9. How a Mortgage Broker at Quanstrom Financial Can Help
Navigating the mortgage process as a Tier 2 visa holder can be overwhelming. A mortgage broker can:
🔹 Identify lenders that accept visa holders.
🔹 Help you secure the lowest mortgage rates.
🔹 Assist with documentation & application process.
🔹 Improve your chances of approval by matching you with the right lender.
10. FAQs: Answering Common Mortgage Questions for Tier 2 Visa Holders
Q: Can I get a mortgage if my visa expires soon?
A: Most lenders require at least 12-24 months remaining, but some may accept shorter terms.
Q: Do I need a UK guarantor?
A: No
Q: Can I apply for a mortgage with no UK credit history?
A: It’s possible but difficult—consider credit-building strategies before applying.
Q: How long must I have lived in the UK to secure a mortgage on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa?
A: Some lenders have no minimum UK address history, whereas some require 2+ years, 3+ years or 5+ years.
Q: Can I use income derived from overseas to support a mortgage in the UK?
A: Most UK lenders require UK-based employment, but some specialist lenders may consider overseas earnings.
Q: Can I obtain a mortgage if I'm self-employed whilst on a Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa mortgage?
A: Yes! Whilst not all lenders allow this, we have access to lenders who will still consider your application.
Q: How long does the mortgage application process take?
A: The answer to this depends on the specific lender we use, but it can take anything from days, to a couple of weeks.
11. Next Steps: Secure Your Mortgage Today
If you’re a Tier 2 visa holder looking to buy a home, working with an experienced mortgage broker can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Securing a mortgage as a Tier 2 visa holder is challenging but absolutely possible with the right preparation. By building credit, saving a strong deposit, and working with a mortgage broker, you can achieve homeownership in the UK faster than you think.
Quanstrom Financial is an FCA-authorised mortgage broker with over a decade of experience in securing mortgages for visa holders.
📞 Struggling to get a mortgage on a Tier 2 visa? Let us match you with the best lender. Get a free mortgage consultation today!
