Hi All, I am in the process of purchasing a two bed apartment in the UK, but live and work overseas, therefore Non Resident. As a result the mortgager offers are not very good; higher rates of interest, penalties and deposits in the region of 20 - 25%. Can anyone advise a "Non Resident friendly" Mortgage provider, or other options on raising the required funds with better conditions? Thanks in advanace.

Hi Franklyn, I am in the same position. It is so difficult to get a UK mortgage. I often read posts from UK residents complaining of difficulties getting mortgages in other countries but I don't think they have any idea how difficult it is for us. I have bought a 2bed in Manchester and have agreed a 4 year lease which will cover a 80% mortgage + the 30% over. I can't even get 70% based on that. They want all my income from Ireland and will not accept self assesment. I can't understand it if the lease will easily cover it. I have no problem with Poland.

John.. Franklyn_D I'm in exactly the same postion. I live and work in South East Asia. To be honest, I got so frustrated with the whole UK Mortage thing, I chose to buy in the Czech Republic and (as you did Franklyn) Poland. The UK offers were pretty poor and in some case the rates were quite for some reason (probably just becuase they can). I got some story about 'added risk' of a Non Resident. I think this was because at the time I was living in country that had been bombed. Anyway, I also had difficulty raising equity on a property that I already owned, too. Very messy. Having trawled the web there were a few that were promising but by then, I had missed the opportunity I was chasing. Its all difficult from afar, is it not?

Hi John D, Thanks for your input. Looks like you did not have any luck in this area either. Rgds Franklin_D

Hi Kevin H, Thanks for your input. You say that there were a few Mortgage companies that were promising, do you remember which ones. I have a Mortage Advisor that I have dealt with for a number of years, initially when remortgaging my own property, but as I am now operating from abroad, she has found two options, but the conditions are not ideal. Can I also ask about your Non Residency? Were you able to get the Inland Revenue to provide written confirmation of your N.R? I find that they are rather slow in this area, as I have worked outside the UK for five years and have not gone anywhere near the 90 days allowed. Rgds Franklyn_D.