£2 million mortgage for UK expat

The Story

As a leading UK mortgage broker specialising in large mortgage loans for British expat clients, we recently navigated the intricate landscape of securing a £2 million mortgage for an expat working at a blue-chip international company in Switzerland. This case study sheds light on the complexities associated with expat mortgages, particularly addressing challenges stemming from currency fluctuations, earnings in a foreign income, and the heightened due diligence required by UK mortgage lenders.

The Challenge

Securing a mortgage for expats presents unique challenges that demand a thorough understanding of international finance and the intricacies associated with borrowers residing overseas. In the case of our client based in Switzerland, several challenges need to be addressed:

• Currency Fluctuations:

One of the primary challenges in securing a mortgage for an expat is dealing with currency fluctuations. Mortgage lenders often approach foreign income with caution due to the potential volatility and uncertainties. However, our client’s income earned in Switzerland came from an international company and they had a consistent track record of their earnings. The mortgage lender still applied a ‘haircut’ to their earnings to allow for currency fluctuations. 

• Expat Due Diligence:

Lenders impose additional due diligence requirements for expat mortgages. This includes analysis of the country’s currency fluctuations versus GBP, checks to ensure the country is not a FATF high-risk country and additional AML checks. Often a client will require a notary in their country of residence to certify ID and proof of address. Sometimes their documents are in a foreign language which also requires additional underwriting from the mortgage lender.

The Solution

Outcome of the Expat Loan:

Fox Davidson successfully navigated these challenges, using our specialised expertise and lender relationships to secure a £2 million mortgage for our expat client. 

Fox Davidson’s established relationships with lenders specialising in expat mortgages played a crucial role. We engaged in negotiations with lenders, highlighting the unique attributes of our client’s financial profile and the use of the property in the UK as a main residence for their family to reside in. Our goal was to secure competitive interest rates and terms that aligned with the client’s financial goals.

Recognising the importance of an efficient due diligence process, Fox Davidson streamlined the client’s file, ensuring all required documentation was organised and presented in a manner that facilitated a quicker and smoother review by lenders. This expedited process was essential given the client’s international location.

Conclusion:

The successful outcome of securing a £2 million mortgage for our expat client in Switzerland showcases Fox Davidson’s commitment to overcoming the complexities associated with expat mortgages. By addressing challenges related to currency fluctuations, foreign income considerations, and heightened due diligence, we demonstrated our ability to navigate international financial landscapes and secure tailored solutions for our clients. This case study underscores our dedication to providing exceptional service to expats seeking large mortgage loans, positioning Fox Davidson as a leading mortgage broker for large loans for UK expat clients. 

To discuss large mortgage loans for British expats please do get in touch with one of our advisors.