About The Author

mortgage broker damian youell

See some of Damian's client reviews below

Damian is an experienced mortgage broker, founder of NeedingAdvice.co.uk Ltd and company director. With over a decade working as a mortgage broker he has a strong understanding of hard to place mortgage cases. With hundreds of 5 star client reviews. hundreds of repeat clients his work speaks for himself.

He started NeedingAdvice.co.uk as a one man band with the philosophy of putting clients needs ahead of his own. This ethos of offering excellent customer service has helped the business grow over the years. He gets satisfaction on getting cases pushed through to offer stage where other mortgage broker and companies have failed.

Throughout his time as an adviser he has carved out a niche area of advice helping clients with their business protection requirements too. Having helped hundreds of client with Relevant Life Policies, Shareholder Protection Insurance, Keyperson Policies and other important protection requirements of large to small businesses.

At home he is a family man and likes to spend his time with his four children and wife Lisa. He enjoys going on holidays spending time with friends and going for walks.

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UK expat mortgages can be a great way for UK residents living and working in Germany to buy a property in the UK. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when applying for an expat mortgage, such as your income, credit history, and the deposit you will need to put down. This article provides a detailed overview of UK expat mortgages, including how to apply and what to expect.

Can I get an expat mortgage if living and working in Germany?

The straight answer is “Yes”, you can get an expat mortgage for a property in the UK if living and working in Germany. There are many mortgage lenders who are ready to approve your mortgage application but you may need have a good credit history, deposit and income. Apart from these three requirements, lenders may also have additional criteria for your mortgage application. So, it is always better to contact a specialist mortgager broker to help you with application process.

Damian Youell

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How We Work

1: We contact you and take down your details, income outgoings, name, address etc.

2: We will research the whole market and email you a detailed quote as well as a list of documents to proceed.

3: You upload the documents and information needed via our channel our online portal.

Feel Free to Contact Us

What types of expat mortgages are available?

There are no specific mortgage product for expats, as every lender has different name for their mortgage products. Generally, UK expats living in Germany can find mortgages for all types of properties including buy to let and commercial mortgages. However, we have simplified it into three types of mortgages:

  • Owner-occupier mortgages: These mortgages are for expats who want to buy a property in the UK to live in.
  • Buy-to-let mortgages: These mortgages are for expats who want to buy a property in the UK to rent out.
  • Remortgages: These mortgages are for expats who already own a property in the UK and want to switch to a new mortgage deal.

Expat mortgages can be available on both a repayment and interest-only basis. With a repayment mortgage, you repay the loan amount plus interest over the term of the mortgage. With an interest-only mortgage, you only repay the interest on the loan each month. The balance of the loan is repaid at the end of the term, typically through the sale of the property.

Expat mortgages can also have fixed, tracker, or variable interest rates. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate will stay the same for the agreed term of the mortgage. With a tracker-rate mortgage, your interest rate will track a base rate, such as the Bank of England base rate. With a variable-rate mortgage, your interest rate can change at any time.

The type of expat mortgage that is best for you will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your income, employment status, and how long you plan to live abroad.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about expat mortgages in the UK:

Mortgage lenders may have stricter eligibility criteria for expat mortgages: This is because lenders may view expats as a higher risk. For example,

  • Lenders may require expats to have a larger deposit or have a higher income.
  • Lenders may offer lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for expat mortgages: This means that you may need to put down a larger deposit when buying a property with an expat mortgage.
  • Expat mortgages may have higher interest rates: This is because lenders may view expats as a higher risk.

What is the application process for an expat mortgage?

The mortgage application process for UK expats living and working in Germany is similar to other applications, with some additional requirements. You will need to provide evidence of your income, credit history, deposit amount and assets such as property or savings . You will also need to provide proof of your residency in Germany and evidence of your employment status.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can start the application process. A mortgage adviser will need to complete a mortgage application form and submit it to a lender for review. Depending on the lender, they may require additional documents or information at this stage.

Once your application is approved , the lender will assess your property and arrange a surveyor to visit the property. Once this is done, the lender will issue a mortgage offer and you can proceed with the purchase of your property.

What do I need to apply for an expat mortgage?

In order to be eligible for an expat mortgage, you must meet a certain set of criteria. This includes having a good credit history and being able to demonstrate your income. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency in Germany, as well as evidence that you can afford the repayments on the property.

When applying for an expat mortgage, you should also consider the type of property that you want to purchase. For example, some lenders may offer different rates or terms for properties located in certain areas. It is important to make sure that you understand the different criteria and requirements for each lender, so that you can find the right mortgage product for your needs.

In addition, it is important to consider the fees associated with an expat mortgage. This can include arrangement fees, valuation fees, and exit fees. It is important to look at all the costs involved before taking out a mortgage, so that you are aware of the total amount that you will need to repay.

What is the effect of the European Mortgage Credit Directive on such mortgages?

The European Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD) has made it more difficult for expats to obtain mortgages in the UK. This is because lenders are now required to carry out more thorough credit checks and affordability assessments on all borrowers, including expats. Lenders are also now required to provide expats with more information about the terms and conditions of their mortgages, and to give them a cooling-off period before they sign any contracts.

As a result of these changes, some lenders have decided to stop offering expat mortgages altogether. Other lenders have made their expat mortgages more expensive or have tightened their eligibility criteria.

The MCD has also had an impact on the types of expat mortgages that are available. For example, some lenders now only offer expat mortgages to borrowers who have a UK income or assets. Other lenders have stopped offering expat mortgages on buy-to-let properties.

So, it will be better to contact a specialist mortgage adviser before starting any mortgage application.

What does this mean for UK expats living and working in Germany who are interested in buying a property on mortgage in the UK?

It means that you may find it more difficult and expensive to obtain a mortgage in the UK than it was before the MCD came into force. However, there are still some lenders that offer expat mortgages, and it is important to shop around to find the best deal.

Here are some tips for UK expats living and working in Germany who are interested in buying a property on mortgage in the UK:

  • Start your search early: The more time you have to find a mortgage, the better. This will give you time to shop around and compare different deals.
  • Get your finances in order: Make sure that you have a good credit score and that you can afford the monthly mortgage payments.
  • Use a mortgage broker: A mortgage broker can help you to find the best mortgage deal for your needs. They can also help you to negotiate with lenders on your behalf.

It is also important to be aware that some lenders may have additional requirements for expat borrowers. For example, they may require you to have a larger deposit or to have a higher income. It is important to check with the lenders that you are interested in to find out what their specific requirements are.

Next Steps

Getting a mortgage as an expat can be a tricky process, so it is important that you research your options thoroughly and contact a specialist mortgage adviser for help. Doing this will ensure that you find the best deal for your needs and that you are able to purchase the property of your dreams.

Damian Youell

Feel Free To Start WhatsApp Chat With Us...

How We Work

1: We contact you and take down your details, income outgoings, name, address etc.

2: We will research the whole market and email you a detailed quote as well as a list of documents to proceed.

3: You upload the documents and information needed via our channel our online portal.

Feel Free to Contact Us

FAQs

What should you know when applying for a UK mortgage from Germany?
When applying for a UK mortgage from Germany, you should be aware of the key requirements such as having a good credit history, a stable income, and a sufficient deposit. You’ll also need to provide proof of your residency in Germany and employment status. Lenders may have stricter criteria for expats, including higher income requirements and larger deposits.

How can a UK expat in Germany secure a mortgage?
A UK expat in Germany can secure a mortgage by meeting the lender’s criteria, which usually includes a good credit history, stable income, and a sufficient deposit. It’s advisable to consult a specialist mortgage broker who can guide you through the application process and help you find a lender that suits your needs.

How much can UK expats in Germany borrow for a mortgage?
The amount UK expats in Germany can borrow varies by lender and is generally determined by your income, credit history, and the size of your deposit. Lenders may also offer lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for expat mortgages, requiring you to put down a larger deposit.

Are buy-to-let mortgages an option for UK expats in Germany?
Yes, buy-to-let mortgages are an option for UK expats living in Germany. However, the eligibility criteria may be stricter, and you may face higher interest rates due to the perceived higher risk associated with expat borrowers.

What is an expat mortgage and how does it differ from a standard UK mortgage?
An expat mortgage is a mortgage product designed for UK citizens living abroad. While the core elements are similar to a standard UK mortgage, expat mortgages often have stricter eligibility criteria, may require larger deposits, and could have higher interest rates.

Which lenders are open to expat mortgage applications?
Various lenders are open to expat mortgage applications, but their criteria can differ. It’s advisable to consult a specialist mortgage broker to find a lender that matches your specific circumstances.

What are the recent changes affecting expat mortgages?
The European Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD) has introduced stricter credit checks and affordability assessments for all borrowers, including expats. This has led some lenders to stop offering expat mortgages or to tighten their eligibility criteria.

How do you prepare for an expat mortgage application?
To prepare, gather all required documents such as proof of income, credit history, and deposit amount. Also, prepare proof of your residency in Germany and employment status. It’s beneficial to consult a mortgage broker to guide you through the process.

What is the typical time frame for securing an expat mortgage?
The time frame can vary depending on the lender and the complexity of your application. However, starting your search early will give you ample time to compare different deals and meet all the lender’s requirements.

How can you obtain an expat mortgage while residing abroad?
To obtain an expat mortgage while residing abroad, you’ll need to meet the lender’s criteria and provide all required documents, including proof of your overseas residency and employment. Consulting a specialist mortgage broker can simplify the process and help you find a suitable lender.

Damian Youell

Feel Free To Start WhatsApp Chat With Us...

How We Work

1: We contact you and take down your details, income outgoings, name, address etc.

2: We will research the whole market and email you a detailed quote as well as a list of documents to proceed.

3: You upload the documents and information needed via our channel our online portal.

Feel Free to Contact Us