Good news for foreign nationals looking to buy their first property!

If you’re a foreign national thinking about buying your first home in the UK, the last couple of months have brought some genuinely positive changes.

Lenders are starting to open up more—especially when it comes to smaller deposits—and it’s making homeownership feel much more achievable than it did even a year ago.

The biggest update comes from Santander, which made a notable move on 26 June 2026. They’ve confirmed they can now offer up to 90% LTV (just a 10% deposit) to foreign nationals who don’t have permanent residency in the UK.

That’s a big step forward. Previously, most high-street lenders would typically limit borrowing to around 75% LTV for applicants in this position, meaning a much larger deposit was needed to get started.

What’s encouraging is that Santander has also made it clearer what you need to qualify. If you’ve been in the UK for at least a year, you could access these higher borrowing levels with an income of around £50,000 (or £75,000 joint). If you’ve only recently arrived, it’s still possible—but usually with a higher income requirement to support the application.

They’re also placing more importance on having your finances set up in the UK. That means showing your salary going into a UK bank account, providing a few months of statements, and holding your deposit here too. It might sound detailed, but it’s about showing you’re financially settled and stable.

👉 If you’re unsure where you stand, you can learn more here:
https://www.advantagefs.co.uk/foreign-national-mortgages/

Santander isn’t alone in moving things forward.

Across the market, more lenders are becoming open to higher loan-to-value lending for foreign nationals and first-time buyers, provided the basics are strong—steady income, some UK history, and clear documentation of your deposit and finances.

👉 You can explore more about your options here:
https://www.advantagefs.co.uk/mortgages-for-visa-holders/

💡 What this means for you as a first-time buyer

The key takeaway is simple: you may not need as big a deposit—or as long a UK history—as you once thought.

There are now real opportunities to buy with:

• Smaller deposits (sometimes as low as 5–10%)
• Around 12 months in the UK (or less in some cases)
• A strong, stable income

At the same time, lenders are looking more closely at how everything fits together. Having clear, well-documented finances can make all the difference to your application.

✅ The bottom line

For foreign national buyers, things are improving.

Where you might once have needed a large deposit and years of UK history, you may now be able to get on the ladder much sooner—especially with the right guidance.

📞 Ready to get started?

If you’re thinking about buying in the UK and want to understand your options, speaking to a specialist can make all the difference.

👉 Visit https://www.advantagefs.co.uk to see what you could realistically borrow and which lenders may suit your situation.

Your first home might be closer than you think.

⚠️ Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.