Moving to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa opens the door to career opportunities, cultural experiences, and the chance to build a long-term future. For many foreign nationals, buying a home is a key part of settling in.
But how straightforward is the process? What costs should you budget for? And how long do you need to be in the UK before you can realistically buy?
This guide answers the most common questions and provides a clear roadmap for Skilled Worker visa holders who want to buy property in the UK.
What Are the Costs of Buying a Home in the UK?
Buying property in the UK involves several costs beyond your deposit. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget carefully:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT):
- Standard Stamp Duty applies to most purchases above £250,000 (with reduced rates for first-time buyers).
- If you already own property overseas or elsewhere in the UK, you will usually pay an extra 5% surcharge on top of the normal Stamp Duty. If you do not own property anywhere else, you won’t pay this surcharge.
- Solicitors’ or conveyancing fees: Around £2,000–£2,500 for standard purchases. More complex cases, such as deposits coming from overseas, may cost slightly more.
- Survey costs: These range from £500–£1,000 depending on the level of detail (basic valuation, homebuyer’s report, or full structural survey).
- Mortgage broker fees: Some brokers charge nothing, while others charge up to £600. This is often money well spent if you need access to specialist lenders.
- Mortgage arrangement fees: Lenders sometimes charge fees for setting up a mortgage, typically £1,000–£2,000, though these can sometimes be added to the loan.
- Other costs: Removal fees, insurance, and furnishing should also be factored in.
What Is the Process of Buying a Home?
The UK buying process is relatively structured. Here’s how it usually works:
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP): This gives you an idea of how much you can borrow and shows estate agents you’re a serious buyer.
- Find a property and make an offer: Once accepted, the home is marked “under offer.”
- Instruct a solicitor: They handle contracts, legal checks, and liaising with the seller’s solicitor.
- Mortgage application: Submit your full application with payslips, bank statements, and visa documents.
- Survey and valuation: The lender checks the property’s value, and you may commission an independent survey.
- Exchange of contracts: Once all checks are complete, contracts are signed, and you pay the deposit (usually 10%).
- Completion: The mortgage funds are released, ownership transfers, and you collect the keys.
How Long Does It Take?
On average, the UK buying process takes 8–12 weeks from offer to completion. Complex cases, such as deposits from overseas or long property chains, may take longer.
How Long Do You Need to Be in the UK Before You Can Buy?
There’s no legal rule saying you must live in the UK for a set period before buying property. In fact, you could buy almost immediately if you have the funds.
The question is more about mortgage eligibility. Some lenders require Skilled Worker visa holders to have been in the UK for 6–12 months before applying. Others will accept applications from newcomers with strong employment contracts and larger deposits.
What Deposit Is Needed?
Deposit requirements vary between lenders:
- Some lenders ask foreign nationals for a 25% deposit, especially if they are new to the UK.
- Others are more flexible, accepting 10% or even 5% if your job and finances are strong.
The bigger your deposit, the more lenders you’ll have access to and the better your rates will be.
How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?
A UK credit history is crucial for mortgage applications. Even if you had excellent credit abroad, UK lenders can’t see it.
It usually takes six months of activity — such as using a UK bank account, setting up bills, or taking a small credit card — to generate a usable score. After a year, your credit file will be stronger and your mortgage options wider.
How Much Can You Borrow?
Most UK lenders allow borrowing of around 4.5 to 5 times your annual income, depending on your outgoings and overall financial profile.
For example, if you earn £40,000 a year, you might expect to borrow around £180,000–£200,000. Couples can combine incomes to increase this amount.
What If You Already Have an Overseas Mortgage?
Owning property abroad does not stop you from getting a mortgage in the UK, but lenders will take it into account. Any repayments on your overseas mortgage will be factored into affordability assessments, just like a UK loan.
The main impact is that if you still own property overseas, you may need to pay the 5% Stamp Duty surcharge when buying in the UK.
Can You Use an Overseas Deposit?
Yes, you can use savings from abroad for your deposit. However, strict anti–money laundering checks apply. Lenders and solicitors will want clear documentation showing where the funds came from.
To make the process smoother:
- Keep a clear paper trail of your savings.
- Transfer the money into a UK bank account well before applying for a mortgage.
- Use a solicitor experienced in handling international transactions.
How the Mortgage Process Works for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
When you apply for a mortgage as a Skilled Worker visa holder, lenders will look closely at:
- Visa length: Many want at least 12 months remaining, though some are more flexible.
- Employment contract: Permanent contracts are stronger than fixed-term, but both can work.
- Income stability: Proof of salary through payslips and bank statements is essential.
- Credit profile: Lenders want to see UK activity, ideally six months or more.
- Deposit: Bigger deposits often make lenders more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa is achievable but requires careful planning. The key points to remember are:
- Factor in all costs: solicitors (£2,000–£2,500), surveys (£500–£1,000), broker fees (up to £600), and Stamp Duty (plus 5% surcharge if you own abroad).
- Build your credit history early — aim for six months minimum.
- Save as large a deposit as possible to maximise lender options.
- Be realistic about timelines: from offer to completion, expect around 2–3 months.
- Owning property overseas won’t stop you, but it affects affordability and tax.
- Overseas savings can be used, but paperwork is crucial.
For foreign nationals on a Skilled Worker visa, the journey to homeownership may involve a few more steps, but with preparation it is absolutely possible. Many professionals secure mortgages and buy homes in the UK each year — turning a temporary move into a permanent home.