Moving to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa is a life-changing milestone. Whether you are a tech
professional in London, an engineer in Birmingham, or an NHS doctor in Manchester, the
Transition from renting to owning a home is often the next logical step in your journey.
However, many international professionals are met with a common roadblock when they
approach high-street banks: the “residency rule.” If you have been told you need to wait three
years or have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before buying, we have good news. At
Mortgage Bazaar, we specialize in helping visa holders secure property finance—often with as
little as 12 months of residency.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the reality of Skilled Worker Visa Mortgages
in 2026.
1. Can You Actually Get a Mortgage on a Skilled Worker Visa?
The short answer is yes. There are no legal restrictions preventing foreign nationals on a visa
from owning property in the UK.
The challenge lies in the “risk appetite” of individual lenders. Most high-street banks view visa
holders as higher risk because your right to stay in the UK is tied to your employment. If you
lose your job, your visa could be at risk, and by extension, your ability to pay the mortgage.
However, because the UK government has expanded the Skilled Worker route to address labour
shortages, more lenders have updated their criteria to accommodate these high-value borrowers.
2. Key Eligibility Requirements for 2026
While every lender has different rules, at Mortgage Bazaar, we generally look for the following
“sweet spots” to ensure your application is successful:
- Time Spent in the UK: While some specialist lenders can consider you from day one, most prefer at least 12 months of UK residency. This allows you to build a traceable credit footprint.
- Time Remaining on Visa: Lenders typically like to see at least 12 to 24 months remaining on your current visa at the time of application.
- Employment Stability: Being in a permanent role or having passed your initial probation period is vital. For those in high-demand sectors like IT or Healthcare, lenders are often more flexible.
- Minimum Income: Following the 2024/25 salary threshold increases, most Skilled Worker Visa holders already meet the minimum income requirements for mortgage affordability.
3. The Deposit Dilemma: 5% vs. 25%
The most common question we receive is: “How much deposit do I need?”
Traditionally, banks asked visa holders for a 25% deposit. In 2026, the market is much more
accessible:
- 5% to 10% Deposit: Possible if you have lived in the UK for 2+ years and have a strong credit score.
- 15% Deposit: Often, the threshold at which more mainstream lenders (like Barclays or HSBC) become available to you.
- 25% Deposit: Required if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months or have a “thin” credit file.
At Mortgage Bazaar, we have access to over 200 lenders, including niche building societies
that specialize in low-deposit options for foreign nationals.
4. Building Your UK Credit History
One of the biggest hurdles for visa holders isn’t their income—it’s their Credit Score. If you
have only been here for a year, your “financial footprint” is small. Here is how to prepare:
- Register for the Electoral Roll: (If eligible, such as Commonwealth citizens). If not, ensure your address history is consistent across all accounts.
- Open a UK Bank Account: Avoid using international digital-only banks as your primary account for salary.
- Get a Credit Builder Card: Use it for small purchases and pay the balance in full every month.
- Utilities in Your Name: Ensure your name is on the electricity, water, or council tax bills.
5. The “Share Code” Advantage
In 2026, the mortgage application process for visa holders has become significantly faster
thanks to the eVisa system.
You no longer need to send physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) through the mail.
Instead, you can provide your broker with a 9-character Share Code from the UK Government
website. This allows lenders to instantly verify your right to work and stay, often shaving a week
off the approval time.
6. Specialist Advice for NHS & Health Workers
If you are in the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa, you may benefit from even more
flexible lending criteria. Many UK lenders recognize the long-term stability of NHS roles.
Some lenders will even consider your overtime and bank shifts at 100% of their value when
calculating how much you can borrow, which can significantly boost your “Loan-to-Income” (LTI)
ratio.
7. Why Use Mortgage Bazaar?
Navigating the UK mortgage market as a foreign national is like walking through a minefield of
“Computer Says No.” If you apply to the wrong bank and get rejected, it leaves a hard search on
your credit file, making the next application even harder.
We provide a tailored service that includes:
- Pre-Vetting: We check your visa and credit profile before any application is made.
- Lender Access: We use our relationships with 200+ lenders to find the one that fits your specific visa type.
- End-to-End Support: From your initial Agreement in Principle (AIP) to the day you get your keys.
- No “Visa Surcharge”: We find you mainstream rates, so you don’t pay more just because you aren’t a UK citizen.
Conclusion: Your UK Home is Within Reach
Your visa status should be a badge of your skill and value to the UK, not a barrier to
homeownership. With the right preparation and a specialist broker by your side, 2026 can be the
year you stop paying your landlord’s mortgage and start paying your own.
Ready to start? Let’s see what you can borrow.
Contact Mortgage Bazaar Today
Get a Quote:
Mortgage Advisor: Nikhil Bhatia
WhatsApp/ Call: +44 7760747504
Email: nikhil@mortgagebazaar.co.uk
Website: https://www.mortgagebazaar.co.uk/
Disclaimer: THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR
PROPERTY | YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP
REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.