Buying a home in the UK is a significant step for many Chinese residents seeking long-term stability and wealth growth. However, the UK mortgage system can feel very different from what buyers are used to in mainland China, Hong Kong, or other regions. Especially when deciding between a residential vs. investment property, or applying under a personal name vs. through a limited company (SPV), the differences matter. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to secure a mortgage in the UK with the support of a trusted Chinese mortgage advisor.

1. Residential Mortgages vs. Buy-to-Let Mortgages

🏠 Residential Mortgage

Ideal for buyers who intend to live in the property themselves. Most lenders allow borrowing 4.5–5.5 times your annual income, with a loan-to-value (LTV) up to 90%.

• Deposit: Starting from 10% (or 5% with special schemes)
• Interest Rate: Typically 3.7% to 5.5%
• Term: 25–35 years, usually ending at retirement age
• Repayment: Capital + Interest (Repayment mortgage)

🏢 Buy-to-Let Mortgage

Designed for properties that will be rented out. Rental income must sufficiently cover mortgage payments, and borrowing is based on a property valuation.

• Deposit: Minimum 25%
• Key Criteria: Rental income must typically cover 125%–145% of monthly payments
• Rates: Often higher than residential, though recent market changes show some BTL rates falling below residential
• Repayment: Usually interest-only

2. Personal purchase vs. SPV (Limited Company) Mortgage

Personal purchase Best for small-scale investors.

• Pros: Easier to apply, wider choice of products
• Cons: Less tax-efficient, especially if owning multiple properties

SPV / Limited Company Mortgage Ideal for those planning to own multiple rental properties or invest long-term.

• Pros: Tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers (corporate tax rates may apply)
• Cons: Slightly higher rates, additional setup and accounting costs

3. Overview of Mortgage Types

• Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Interest rate is locked in for a period of time, offering predictable monthly payments.
• Tracker / Variable Rate Mortgage: Linked to the Bank of England base rate, better for buyers who expect falling rates or want flexibility.

4. Borrowing Amounts & Basic Requirements

• Loan Size: For residential, Typically 4–5x your annual income； and for buy to let, borrowing is based on  property valuation and is usually 50-75% of the property price.
• Credit Score: A strong credit history improves your approval chances and helps secure better rates
• Visa/Status: Most lenders accept various immigration statuses, including Tier 2 Work Visas, Permanent Residency, PSW, Student Visas, and overseas nationals, though criteria may differ

5. FAQs for Chinese Homebuyers in the UK

1. Can I get a mortgage on a work visa?
Yes. Many lenders accept Tier 2 or Tier 5 visa holders, usually provided you have at least 6 months remaining on your visa at the time of application.

2. What if I don’t have a good credit score?
You can still apply through specialist lenders that accept lower credit scores. Alternatively, take 6–12 months to improve your credit before applying.

3. Can I get a mortgage without UK income?
Yes. Some international banks and lenders accept proof of income from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, or other overseas regions if properly documented.

6. Why Choose Oceantide Wealth – the Chinese mortgage advisor UK?

Looking for a reliable Chinese mortgage advisor in the UK?
Oceantide Wealth is an FCA-authorised mortgage brokerage with over 10 years of experience helping Chinese-speaking clients secure home loans across the UK.

We provide:
✅ Mandarin & Cantonese support
✅ Whole-market mortgage access
✅ Specialist guidance for buy-to-let, overseas income, and SPV limited company mortgages
✅ One-stop advisory from initial consultation to completion

No matter how complex your situation is, we’ll recommend the most suitable mortgage product tailored to your goals.

👉 Get in touch for a free Chinese-language consultation and take the first step toward your new home in the UK.

Mortgage availability depends upon your circumstances. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Business Buy to Let Mortgages and Commercial Mortgages to Limited Companies. Not all services we offer are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.