Prime Central London Expat Property Guide: Navigating Purchases and Finance in 2026

25-01-2026

Welcome to the Prime Central London Expat Property Guide for 2026.

This guide is designed for expatriates and international buyers considering property purchases in prime central London, providing essential insights to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the 2026 market. Whether you’re a UK national working abroad, a US or Middle Eastern professional eyeing a London base, or an investor seeking long-term capital appreciation in one of the world’s most resilient property markets, this guide will help you navigate the complexity.

Buying property in prime central London as an expat has never been straightforward, but 2026 presents a rare window of opportunity. After years of price corrections, softening transaction volumes, and post-Budget uncertainty, the London property market is stabilising just as international buyers regain confidence.

This guide is written from Fox Davidson’s perspective as a specialist UK expat mortgage broker specialising in expat and international buyer finance. We’ll walk you through everything from visa considerations to neighbourhood analysis, tax structuring to financing options, and practical case studies showing how real buyers are funding PCL purchases today. We will also cover the key factors expats should consider when purchasing property in prime central London.

Who should read this guide and why it matters:
This guide is designed for expatriates and international buyers considering property purchases in prime central London, providing essential insights to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the 2026 market. Understanding the latest market trends, regulatory changes, and financing options is crucial for making informed decisions and maximising investment returns in one of the world’s most competitive property markets.

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2026 at a Glance: Is Now the Right Time for Expats to Buy in Prime Central London?

Prime Central London refers to the most prestigious and valuable neighbourhoods in the city, such as Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster. These areas are known for their affluent character and global appeal.

Prime central London covers some of the world’s most prestigious addresses: Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster. It also extends into increasingly sought-after “prime fringe” zones like Marylebone, Fitzrovia, and Pimlico, where expats find slightly keener pricing without sacrificing quality or connectivity.

2026 Key Factors for Expat Buyers:

• Deposit requirements for non-resident mortgages generally range from 25% to 40%
• Expatriates face a 2% non-resident surcharge on SDLT in 2026
• Lenders are expected to be increasingly cautious, using more conservative stress tests
• Lenders often assume higher notional interest rates during stress tests
• Interest-only mortgages are popular among affluent buyers
• Many overseas investors do not need a UK credit history to obtain a mortgage
• Lenders typically require a credible repayment strategy before approving mortgages for non-residents
• International buyers often have significant cash reserves, reducing reliance on traditional mortgage financing
• The process for overseas buyers typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion
• The Prime Central London property market is expected to remain a buyer’s market due to high inventory levels and subdued buyer sentiment
• The market is characterized by stabilization in prices after recent corrections, with forecasted price growth ranging from 1% to 3.5%
• In 2026, expatriates can successfully buy property in Prime Central London, navigating a strong buyer’s market with improved affordability

Looking back at 2025, the central London property market experienced a notable reset. Transaction volumes dropped approximately 20% year-on-year, while stock levels climbed 10-20% higher than prior periods. Inventory levels in Prime Central London are now at their highest in roughly a decade, and subdued buyer sentiment is contributing to these conditions. Recent price trends in prime central London show that while values have corrected, the market has demonstrated resilience compared to other regions. This created a genuine buyer’s market, with average discounts off asking prices reaching 8-10%—and sometimes higher in the super-prime segment, where property prices sit 38% below their 2014 peaks in real terms. The Prime Central London property market is expected to remain a buyer’s market in 2026 due to these high inventory levels and subdued buyer sentiment.

For 2026, forecasts converge around modest expectations: flat to 3% price growth across most PCL postcodes, with some analysts projecting up to 5% in select areas. The outlook for house prices suggests continued stability, which could support attractive investment returns for international buyers seeking long-term capital appreciation. However, the rental market tells a different story. Prime rents surged through 2025—now 35% above pre-pandemic levels—with steady rental demand forecast to push yields toward 4.8% and rents up another 4% in 2026.

What does this mean for expats? London remains a safe-haven market for globally mobile professionals and entrepreneurs. USD and GCC-based buyers, in particular, benefit from currency advantages as a weaker pound enhances purchasing power. International buyer interest rose 17% year-on-year in 2025, with foreign buyers comprising over 50% of transactions in affluent central areas, continuing to shape demand and influence market dynamics.

Fox Davidson focuses on structuring finance and mitigating cross-border complexity for expats. If you’re considering a 2026 purchase, understanding your visa position, tax exposure, and financing options before you start viewing properties will save time and potentially significant costs.

With the 2026 market outlook in mind, the next step is to understand how your visa and residency status will shape your buying options in Prime Central London.

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How Visa & Residency Status Shape What You Can Buy in 2026

Foreign buyers can purchase property in the UK without needing a visa or UK residency. The UK property market is one of the most open in the world for international buyers, with no restrictions on foreign ownership. However, purchasing property in the UK does not automatically grant residency or citizenship to expatriates.

UK property is open to non-UK residents, there’s no legal barrier preventing foreigners from buying property in London. However, your visa status, tax residency, and lender residency criteria all affect what finance is available and at what cost.

Common Expat Profiles

Profile	Key Considerations
UK nationals working abroad	Easiest path to finance; lenders treat as “expat” with familiar income structures
EU citizens post-Brexit	May need proof of settled/pre-settled status or alternative visa route
Non-EU professionals on Skilled Worker visas	Lenders want to see visa validity, sponsorship stability, and UK income
Non-resident investors (no UK residency intent)	Widest lender restrictions; typically need 30-40% deposits

Visa Routes and Lender Appetite

It’s worth stating clearly: buying property does not grant a UK visa. The Tier 1 Investor Visa (the so-called “golden visa”) closed in February 2022. Today, expats typically enter through:

• Skilled Worker visa – Requires employer sponsorship; enables family relocation and eventual indefinite leave to remain after five years
• Global Talent visa – For recognised leaders in science, humanities, engineering, arts, or digital technology
• High Potential Individual (HPI) visa – Targets recent graduates from top global universities; two-year stay with no job offer required

Different immigration routes directly affect lender appetite. A Skilled Worker visa holder with UK income in GBP faces fewer hurdles than a remote worker paid in AED or SGD. Lenders differentiate between:

• UK expats paid in GBP versus those paid in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, AED, SGD, HKD)
• Non-UK nationals with or without UK credit history

Remote Workers and Tax Residency

Remote workers using London as a “base” must consider several overlapping factors:

• Right-to-rent checks – Landlords must verify immigration status for tenants; owners face similar scrutiny from lenders
• Time physically in the UK – Spending more than 183 days in the UK typically triggers tax residency
• Mortgage product eligibility – Some lenders require a minimum UK presence; others are flexible for genuine expats

Fox Davidson regularly helps clients navigate these nuances, matching borrowers to lenders comfortable with their specific jurisdiction, currency, and visa situation.

With your visa and residency status clarified, the next step is to consider which prime central London neighbourhood best fits your needs.

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Prime Central London Neighbourhoods: Where Expats Are Buying in 2026

Understanding property values in these neighbourhoods is crucial for making informed investment decisions and maximising returns.

Prime central London attracts international professionals, families, and global high net worth buyers for reasons beyond mere prestige. World class education options, cultural institutions, transport connectivity, and relative political stability combine to create enduring global appeal. This makes property investment in prime central London particularly attractive for expats seeking both lifestyle benefits and strong long-term returns.

Many overseas investors now mix “trophy” PCL assets held primarily for wealth preservation and capital growth with higher-yield holdings in prime fringe or outer zones. Fox Davidson can structure finance across both strategies, optimising leverage and cash flow according to your goals.

Mayfair & St James’s

Mayfair and St James’s remain the apex of London’s ultra-prime market, centred around Grosvenor Square, Berkeley Square, and St James’s Street. Proximity to the West End, Green Park, and major private members’ clubs makes this the natural home for dollar-based HNWIs and Middle East families seeking secure long-term wealth storage.

Key characteristics:

• Who it suits: US hedge fund professionals, Middle Eastern family offices, established UHNW individuals
• Price tone: Quality two-bed flats in good blocks typically trade from £3m–£6m; top stock significantly higher
• Yield tone: Often 2.5–3.25% – modest, but rents are high in absolute terms
• Lifestyle drivers: Private members’ clubs, Michelin dining, Bond Street retail, proximity to corporate headquarters

Kensington, Chelsea & Belgravia

These interconnected neighbourhoods draw French, Italian, Middle Eastern, and US families due to the concentration of international schools (including the Lycée Français), embassies, and proximity to Hyde Park.

Many flats in these areas remain priced below their mid-2010s peak in real terms. For long-term expat buyers, this represents relative value compared with pre-Brexit highs—particularly when factoring in currency advantages for US buyers and GCC nationals.

Typical 2025–26 pricing:

Property Type	Guide Range
Good two-bed flat	£1.5m – £3m
Family house	£4m+ (highly dependent on street and condition)

Compared to the same period last year, current prices and rental yields have shown moderate growth, reflecting ongoing demand and limited supply.

The rental market here is exceptionally strong. Family houses near top schools and transport, Gloucester Road, Sloane Square, South Kensington, let quickly, often to corporate tenants on generous packages. Tenant demand from relocating executives supports strong rental performance.

Knightsbridge & Hyde Park

Knightsbridge acts as a magnet for GCC and Asian buyers, with ultra-prime stock including One Hyde Park and luxury portered mansion blocks around Brompton Road and Sloane Street. Park-facing apartments and branded residences command substantial premiums over secondary stock on busier roads.

What to know:

• Yields: Around 3- 3.5%, but absolute rents are among London’s highest
• Use case: Suited to expats seeking part-time use plus blue-chip capital preservation
• Key considerations: Security, concierge services, parking arrangements—critical for overseas owners visiting irregularly

Westminster & Victoria

Westminster and Victoria offer a mix of period conversions and newer schemes, particularly around Victoria Street and near St James’s Park. These areas appeal to expats needing fast access to government, legal, and corporate offices.

Typical buyer profiles:

• Senior civil servants on foreign postings
• International law firm partners
• Diplomatic staff wanting walkable commutes

Rental yields tend to outperform ultra-prime postcodes, and the market shows stable mid-to-long term rental demand rather than speculative short-term churn. For property investors prioritising rental income over trophy status, Westminster offers compelling fundamentals.

Marylebone, Fitzrovia & “Prime Fringe” Areas

Areas like Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Pimlico, and parts of the South Bank are increasingly popular with expats seeking a “village” feel at keener price points than Knightsbridge or Mayfair.

Who’s buying here:

• Media, tech, and professional services expats
• Buyers valuing walkability, independent cafes, and boutique retail
• Families wanting community atmosphere without ultra-prime formality

Indicative 2025–26 pricing:

Property Type	Guide Range
Well-located one-bed	£800k–£1.2m
Two-bed apartment	£1.2m–£2m

Yields nudge higher than core golden postcodes, often reaching 4%+. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) influence, particularly at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road—has enhanced connectivity for commuting expats and frequent travellers.

Once you’ve identified your preferred neighbourhood, it’s essential to understand the tax and structuring implications for expat buyers in 2026.

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Tax & Structuring for Expat Buyers: What’s Different in 2026?

Fox Davidson is not a tax adviser, and we strongly recommend expats seek UK and home-country tax advice before purchasing. It is essential to understand the tax implications of purchasing property in prime central London, including obligations such as stamp duty and capital gains tax, to ensure compliance and effective tax planning. However, we outline the key concepts lenders expect borrowers to understand and that directly affect financing eligibility and costs.

Stamp Duty Land Tax & Non-Resident Surcharge

In 2026, expatriates face a 2% non-resident surcharge on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for residential properties costing over £40,000. If the property is a second home or buy-to-let, an additional 5% SDLT surcharge applies.

Stamp duty land tax represents one of the largest upfront costs for PCL buyers. The SDLT bands hit higher thresholds quickly given typical prime central areas purchase prices.

Key surcharges for expats:

Surcharge	Rate
Second homes/buy-to-let	Additional 3%
Non-resident surcharge	Additional 2%
Combined top rate (properties over £1.5m)	Up to 17%

Worked example: A non-resident investor purchasing a £3m second home faces combined duty land tax potentially exceeding £200,000. This must be budgeted separately—lenders finance the purchase price, not SDLT and associated costs. Expats must fund tax from their own capital or separate borrowing.

Income Tax, Non-Resident Landlords & Double Tax Treaties

Under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme, tenants or letting agents may need to deduct basic rate income tax from rent unless HMRC approval is obtained to receive gross payments.

Key points for expat landlords:

• Declare UK rental income on UK tax returns
• Offset allowable expenses including mortgage interest (subject to current rules), management costs, and maintenance
• Double tax treaties may prevent double taxation, but require proper filing in both jurisdictions
• Lenders assess how post-tax rental income supports affordability stress tests, especially for higher-LTV expat mortgages

Capital Gains Tax & Succession Planning

Since April 2015, non-residents fall within scope for UK capital gains tax on disposals of UK residential property. CGT rates of 18-24% (depending on total gains) apply, though principal private residence relief exempts primary homes.

Important considerations:

• CGT must be reported within 60 days of completion
• Inheritance tax exposure (40% over £325,000 thresholds) arises for UK-situated assets
• Post-2025 reforms around non-dom status affect holding structure decisions

Fox Davidson regularly works alongside private client law and tax specialists to ensure financing dovetails with wider estate and succession plans. Lenders funding high-value PCL property expect clarity on ownership structure, beneficial owners, and source of funds to meet AML requirements.

Structuring options lenders will consider:

Structure	Typical Use Case	Lender Availability
Personal name (non-resident individual)	Main home or second home	Widely available
UK limited company (SPV)	Buy to let properties	Specialist lenders
Trust/Offshore company	Legacy ultra-prime; complex compliance	Very limited

With a clear understanding of tax and structuring, expats can now explore the financing options available in 2026’s evolving lending landscape.

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Financing Options for Expats in 2026: Mortgages, Bridging & Beyond

The 2025–26 interest rates environment sees Bank Rate plateauing around 4–5%. Prime residential and buy-to-let expat rates typically run higher than equivalent UK-resident deals—often by 0.5–1.5% depending on complexity.

As a specialist expat mortgage broker, Fox Davidson sources:

• Expat residential mortgages for main or second homes
• Expat buy-to-let and portfolio loans
• Bridging finance for fast or complex PCL acquisitions
• Development and refurbishment finance for value-add projects
• Commercial property finance for expats seeking to acquire or invest in commercial property assets in prime central London

Mainstream UK banks, private banks, and specialist lenders each apply different criteria on minimum loan sizes (often £500k+ for PCL), acceptable currencies, and jurisdictions.

Development and refurbishment finance can also support office-to-residential conversions, a popular value-add strategy in prime central London where repurposing commercial spaces into residential units offers potential for higher returns and addresses planning complexities.

Expat Residential & Second-Home Mortgages

Expat residential mortgages suit buyers purchasing:

• A London base while working abroad
• A future main residence (planning UK return in 2–5 years)
• A pied-à-terre used for business trips with rental periods between visits

Common product designs:

Feature	Options
Repayment type	Capital-and-interest or interest-only
Fixed periods	2, 5, or 10 years
Variable options	Tracker linked to Bank of England base rate

Lender sensitivities include foreign income currency, bonuses and equity compensation, and complex tax arrangements for senior executives. Some private banks take a holistic view, using global assets and investment portfolios as supporting evidence—Fox Davidson can access these for appropriate clients.

Typical expat requirements:

• Deposits of 25–40% (sometimes 60% for complex cases)
• Higher minimum income thresholds
• Detailed documentation: overseas payslips, tax returns, bank statements, employment contracts

Expat Buy-to-Let, HMOs & MUFBs in Prime and Prime-Fringe London

Many overseas investors invest via buy-to-let structures targeting:

• Standard PCL flats aimed at professionals
• Small blocks of flats (MUFBs) or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in zones 2–3

This approach balances PCL capital appreciation with stronger rental yields in outer areas.

Lender expectations:

• Minimum rental coverage ratios (typically 125–145% of interest at stressed rates)
• Stress-testing at notional interest rates of 5.5–8%
• Separate underwriting pathways for limited-company SPV borrowers

Specialist lenders open to expat applications include those accepting:

• Expat directors of UK SPVs
• Properties valued above £1m–£2m per unit
• Student accommodation or serviced apartments with appropriate leases

Fox Davidson regularly places complex PCL buy-to-let cases with lenders comfortable with international ownership structures.

Bridging Finance for Fast or Complex Prime Central London Purchases

Bridging finance suits expats who need to:

• Buy at short notice (e.g., competitive off-market deal in Knightsbridge)
• Purchase before selling another international asset
• Fund heavy refurbishment to reposition a tired PCL flat or townhouse

Key features:

Aspect	Typical Terms
Term	6–24 months
Interest	Often rolled up (added to loan)
Exit	Sale or refinance to long-term mortgage

Bridging can be secured on UK property or sometimes cross-collateralised with overseas security if acceptable to the lender. The critical requirement is a clear exit strategy with realistic timings, particularly given 2026–27 sales cycles and conveyancing timelines.

Working with an Expat-Focused Mortgage Broker

Fox Davidson’s role includes:

• Assessing expat income and assets across multiple countries
• Matching borrowers to lenders willing to accept their currency, jurisdiction, and structure
• Negotiating bespoke terms with private banks where loan sizes warrant it
• Coordinating with UK solicitors, valuers, and lenders across time zones

Document checklist for expats:

• Passport and proof of address (UK and overseas)
• Last 2–3 years’ tax returns
• Recent payslips or employment contract
• 6–12 months’ bank statements
• Portfolio/investment statements if using assets as supporting evidence
• Company accounts (if using UK SPV structure)

Early finance discussions, before instructing agents, allow expats to move quickly when suitable prime central London property appears. This is critical in competitive off-market segments where cash buyers and domestic buyers may otherwise have the advantage.

With your financing strategy in place, you’re ready to navigate the buying process from offer to completion.

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Buying Process for Expats: From Offer to Completion

The PCL purchase process for non-resident buyers follows the same legal framework as domestic purchases, but with practical differences at each stage.

Step-by-step overview:

1. Pre-approval/finance in principle – Work with a broker to establish borrowing capacity before viewing
2. Shortlisting – Engage prime-focused agents or a buying agent to access on- and off-market property listings
3. Offer and acceptance – Negotiate price (current market dynamics support 8–10% discounts)
4. Instruct solicitors – Choose a UK solicitor experienced in high-value and expat transactions
5. Due diligence – Survey, searches, lease review, AML checks
6. Exchange and completion – Typically 8–12 weeks from offer; longer if leasehold complexities arise

Extra considerations for expats:

• Remote ID verification and potential power of attorney requirements
• Verifying freehold/leasehold details and remaining lease term
• Service charges, ground rent, and building reserve funds for prime blocks
• Short-let restrictions, including the 90-day Airbnb rule in Greater London

Surveys, Valuations & Managing Prime Building Risks

A mortgage valuation satisfies the lender but protects their security, not your interests. Expats should commission an independent RICS building survey, especially for period stock.

Typical PCL issues to investigate:

Risk Area	What to Check
Heritage buildings	Ongoing maintenance programmes, listed building restrictions
Post-2000 blocks	Cladding/remediation concerns, EWS1 certification
Townhouses	Basement extensions, structural alterations, party wall matters

Lenders pay close attention to service charge levels and planned major works, particularly in ultra-prime schemes with hotel-style amenities. Fox Davidson can coordinate valuers acceptable to both lender and buyer, streamlining the process for expats abroad.

Leasehold Nuances in Prime Central London

Many PCL flats are leasehold, with premium blocks often featuring complex head-lease and management structures.

Key checks:

• Years remaining on lease (lenders typically require 80+ years at completion)
• Ground rent terms—watch for doubling clauses or RPI-linked escalation
• Restrictions on sub-letting, Airbnb use, or alterations
• Share of freehold arrangements or collective enfranchisement opportunities

If you’re considering short leases or unusual tenure, involve your broker early. Limited housing supply of quality stock means compromise is sometimes necessary—but financing constraints must be understood upfront.

With the buying process mapped out, it’s important to consider how remote work and lifestyle trends are shaping expat demand in Prime Central London.

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Remote Work, Lifestyle Shifts & the Future of PCL Expat Demand

Remote Work Trends

Post-pandemic hybrid and remote work have fundamentally reshaped expat demand for central London property. Rather than permanent relocations, many internationally mobile professionals now seek:

• Longer “stays” of 3–6 months rather than full-time residence
• Family arrangements splitting time between London and another hub (Dubai, Singapore, New York)
• Pied-à-terre ownership with corporate letting during absences

This has boosted demand for larger apartments and houses with dedicated workspaces, buildings offering business-grade broadband and on-site services, and locations with easy airport access.

Why PCL Connectivity Matters

London’s position, Heathrow connections, Eurostar access, concentration of global HQs and city centre offices continues to attract internationally mobile professionals even if they’re not office-based five days per week.

Looking ahead to 2026–2030:

• Modest price growth (3–5% compounded) as base rate cuts support affordability
• Sustained strong rental demand amid limited supply
• Greater emphasis on ESG credentials and building efficiency in high-value stock
• Growing build-to-rent institutional presence, raising standards but creating competition for private landlords
• The strength of the UK economy is expected to further support the resilience and long-term growth of the prime central London property market, making it attractive for expat investors.
• While other UK cities offer appealing investment opportunities with strong rental yields and capital growth, prime central London remains uniquely attractive to expat buyers due to its global connectivity, prestige, and international demand.

Short-Lets, Corporate Lets & Regulatory Considerations

Many expats initially consider Airbnb or short-let strategies to maximise rental income. However, navigating regulations is essential:

Key constraints:

Regulation	Impact
90-day rule (Greater London)	Short-lets capped at 90 nights annually without planning permission
Head-lease covenants	Many prime blocks prohibit or restrict short-term letting
Local authority enforcement	Increasing scrutiny and fines for non-compliance

Mid-term corporate lets (3–12 months) offer a practical alternative. Demand from relocation clients, project teams, and international families remains strong and this model typically satisfies lender criteria.

Fox Davidson can arrange finance for properties let on Assured Shorthold Tenancies or appropriate corporate agreements. However, not all lenders accept serviced apartment or hotel-style models structuring correctly from the outset avoids refinancing difficulties later.

With these lifestyle and regulatory trends in mind, let’s look at real-world examples of how expats are funding their Prime Central London purchases in 2026.

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Case Studies: How Expats Are Funding Prime Central London Purchases

The following anonymised case studies illustrate how Fox Davidson structures finance for real-world expat scenarios. Outcomes are tailored to individual profiles, currency, visa status, leverage appetite, rather than generic solutions.

Case Study 1 – UAE-Based Professional Buying a Knightsbridge Pied-à-Terre

Scenario: British national working in Dubai, paid in AED/USD, purchasing a £2.5m Knightsbridge apartment for part-time use plus corporate-standard letting.

Element	Detail
Property	Two-bed apartment, portered block near Brompton Road
Purchase price	£2.5m
Deposit	40% (£1m from bonuses and overseas savings)
Mortgage	60% LTV interest-only via UK private bank
Rate	4.2% fixed for 5 years
Rental strategy	Corporate lets at c.£6,500/month; covers interest plus running costs

Key structuring decisions:

• Private bank accepted foreign income based on overall wealth profile
• SDLT, legal fees, and light refurbishment funded from cash reserves
• Currency risk managed through five-year fixed rate, providing cash flow certainty

Case Study 2 – US Dollar Buyer Acquiring a Marylebone Investment Flat via UK Company

Scenario: US-based tech executive purchasing a £1.4m Marylebone two-bed as a pure investment property, using a UK SPV limited company.

Element	Detail
Property	Two-bed Victorian conversion near Marylebone High Street
Purchase price	£1.4m
Structure	UK limited company (SPV)
Deposit	30% (£420k)
Mortgage	70% LTV part-and-part repayment
Projected yield	Gross 3.8%; net c.2.5% after costs

Fox Davidson’s role:

• Sourced specialist expat buy-to-let lender accepting newly incorporated UK company with US-resident directors
• Lender accepted USD income and US tax returns for affordability assessment
• Coordinated with UK accountants to align debt structure with client’s US-UK tax planning

Case Study 3 – Hong Kong Family Upsizing to a Kensington House Using Bridging & Refinance

Scenario: Hong Kong family already owning a smaller London flat, wanting to secure a £4.5m Kensington family house before selling their existing UK asset.

Element	Detail
New property	Four-bed Kensington townhouse
Purchase price	£4.5m
Existing asset	£1.8m flat in Chelsea
Initial financing	Bridging loan secured against both properties
Exit strategy	Sell Chelsea flat; refinance to long-term residential mortgage

Key outcomes:

• Bridging enabled the family to move quickly on a rare, best-in-class property without being “in chain”
• Clear exit strategy with realistic Chelsea pricing prevented refinancing complications
• Coordination across estate agents, solicitors, and lenders minimised delays despite time-zone challenges

These case studies demonstrate the importance of tailored finance solutions for expats in Prime Central London. Next, discover how Fox Davidson can help you navigate your own purchase in 2026.

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How Fox Davidson Helps Expats Navigate PCL in 2026

Fox Davidson operates as an expert mortgage broker for expats and international investors across prime central London. Our role is to bridge the gap between complex international profiles and UK lenders’ requirements.

What we offer:

• Access to mainstream banks, specialist expat lenders, and private banks willing to consider complex international structures
• Experience structuring large loans (£1m+ with no formal upper limit) across residential, buy-to-let, and bridging for PCL properties
• Coordination with UK solicitors, agents, and tax advisers to keep overseas clients informed and transactions on track

Our approach:

Challenge	How We Help
Currency complexity	Match borrowers to lenders accepting USD, EUR, AED, SGD, HKD income
Time-zone difficulties	Manage UK-side coordination; provide regular updates at convenient hours
Limited UK credit history	Source lenders using alternative underwriting criteria
Complex structures (SPVs, trusts)	Place cases with specialist lenders comfortable with international ownership

Whether you’re a US dollar buyer eyeing Marylebone, a GCC family seeking a Knightsbridge trophy asset, or a Hong Kong professional planning a Kensington family home, structuring finance correctly from day one can make or break your purchase.

Ready to discuss your 2026 PCL purchase?

Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with Fox Davidson to explore:

• Your residency and visa position
• Target London areas and realistic budgets
• Preferred level of leverage and repayment strategy
• Timeline for purchase and any bridging requirements

Contact us early, before you start viewing, to ensure you can move quickly when the right property appears. In today’s market dynamics, preparation is the difference between securing your ideal central London property and losing out to better-prepared foreign investors or cash buyers.