Arranging a UK mortgage as an international self-employed borrower

In the world of property finance, there are few circumstances more complicated than being an international self-employed mortgage applicant. These two factors in isolation make it tricky to secure high-value finance. Combined, it can feel almost impossible to find a mortgage that meets your needs, whether you’re buying or refinancing.

This can quickly become incredibly frustrating. Whether you’re a global entrepreneur with multiple income streams, an international company director, or a contractor with clients across the world, your net worth may be significant – meaning you can easily service a large loan.

Unfortunately, the majority of mortgage providers are unable to assess international self-employed mortgage applicants so simply. For lenders, the issue is always one of risk – and the dual factors of an individual living abroad, and also having variable income as a result of being self-employed, invariably creates a higher-risk situation.

However, as the Articus Finance team regularly proves, difficult does not mean impossible. By considering the subtleties of your circumstances, structuring your application appropriately, matching you with the right lender, and negotiating hard for a favourable outcome, even the trickiest of cases can find a solution.

Understanding your circumstances as a global self-employed mortgage applicant 

Securing a UK mortgage as an international self-employed borrower is tricky. The first step is simply to create a clear picture of your scenario. A number of factors will affect your chances of a successful application, particularly since different lenders have different risk appetites for varied types of clients. The below is by no means an exhaustive list, but circumstances we often see include:

  • Self-employed British expats who have moved abroad and wish to refinance a residential property to a buy-to-let mortgage
  • Self-employed British expats who live abroad, but wish to maintain a British residence or build a property portfolio in the UK
  • Global business people (non-UK passport holders) who wish to own a residential property in the UK to stay in while they visit the country
  • Self-employed foreign nationals looking to purchase property for their family to live in (for example, when a child is studying at a British university)
  • International investors who wish to start or expand a UK buy to let property portfolio

Whatever category you fit into, taking the time to understand your circumstances upfront creates the best chance of structuring your case appropriately and matching you to the right lender.

Structuring your case appropriately 

Self-employment can take many different forms, and lenders will look at your case differently depending on how you are self-employed and the way you take your income. For example, you may primarily receive income through dividends, or the global nature of your business could mean you have income in different currencies.

Lenders will also view your case differently depending on whether you are a sole trader or the director of one or more limited companies. Whatever your situation is, the use of a skilled accountant and an expert broker can ensure that your situation is presented in the clearest light, making it easier for a lender to look favourably on your application. The right accountant and broker can also help to overcome challenges such as not having two years’ worth of accounts to show to a prospective lender.

Finding the appropriate lender 

It’s certainly true that many lenders won’t work with international self-employed applicants, particularly in terms of the high street banks. The good news is that no matter your circumstance, there is likely a lender somewhere in the market who can meet your needs – whether you’re a British expat in Australia hoping to refinance a home to buy to let, a Saudi Arabian national buying a flat in London, or an American entrepreneur investing in UK property.

However, finding those lenders is almost impossible without the right assistance, particularly because each lender’s risk appetite continually changes. That’s why the team at Articus is in constant communication with a full spectrum of UK mortgage lenders, meaning we always have an up-to-date view on the best possible match for your case.

Negotiating for the best mortgage rate 

From prestigious private banks to niche specialist lenders, our team can assist international self-employed mortgage seekers no matter how complicated your background or the mortgage application in question.

Better still, our strong lender relationships mean we’re able to negotiate for the best rate on your behalf. Fortunately, mortgage rates in the UK are currently at historic lows – so while self-employed global applicants of high-value loans won’t be able to access the headline rates offered by mainstream banks, you may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome you’re able to achieve.

Want more advice about financing UK property as a self-employed expat or foreign national? Our downloadable guides can help. Or, speak to a broker to discuss your case directly. 

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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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 for 8 years and has solid knowledge of the property market, combined with a good knowledge of the mortgage industry. Jack is currently studying for his CEMAP exams in order to become a qualified advisor. 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 is a Business Development professional with 15+ years working directly with clients and partners in financial services. 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 has over 7 years’ financial services experience managing HNW 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 has over 7 years’ experience 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 has over 15 years’ experience working across London’s property and financial services market. 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 has over 8 years’ experience 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 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.