Property & Expat Mortgages
We work with a global panel of Property Developers to ensure maximum diversity at an industry-leading standard.
Our extensive due diligence is not just about numbers, it's about understanding your unique investment goals.
This tailored approach ensures that the global property portfolio we build for you is as tax efficient as possible, making you feel valued and understood.
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Below, we have outlined what we look for in the location and quality of a particular development before making it available to clients. This process ensures that investment yield and capital appreciation consistently meet our clients' needs and expectations.
Our Property Guidlines
01
Corporate Relocation
Over the last decades, the world's leading corporations have been relocating their main bases of operations from their nations' capitals to other major cities.
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A new work from home culture, vastly improved transportation and government incentives and cheaper commercial rent outside capitals, have accelerated this corporate migration.
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In turn, this has created a new demand of high quality units in city centre locations in new and thriving commercial hubs.
02
Transport Links
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Cities with multiple forms of national and international transport will always be attractive to professionals and the affluent.
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High-speed rail, road, tram, and airport links all provide quick and easy access to key destinations, both business and pleasure.
03
Education & Student Retention
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Cities with recognised universities have a key advantage in their future growth, especially when their rates of student retention and conversion into the professional community are high.
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Additionally, students who extend their studies into postgraduate courses typically desire a higher standard of living in contrast to typical student accommodation.
04
Developer Track Record​
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No-one wants to buy off-plan, only to realise that it will never complete. Or, to hand over on a property and find out the build quality has been significantly under-delivered. For us, this is one of the most important factors when recommending a project, or not.
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Most leading developers will have their own contractors to ensure they complete on time and within budget. With this safeguard in place, investor confidence naturally follows.
Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Interest Rates and Fees
Interest rates for expat mortgages can be higher than for domestic ones. Compare different lenders to find the best rate. Additionally, be aware of extra fees such as arrangement fees, legal fees, and valuation fees.
Expat Mortgages
Buying a property in another country has its challenges.
Eligibility Criteria​
When applying for an expat mortgage, your residency status is crucial. Different lenders have varying requirements; some may only consider permanent residents, while others accept non-residents. Stable employment with a reputable company enhances your approval chances. Self-employed expats, however, might face stricter scrutiny.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio
Expats might need to provide a larger deposit, often around 25-40% of the property value. Understand the LTV ratio offered by the lender, as it impacts the amount you can borrow and the interest rate.
Interest Rates and Fees
Interest rates for expat mortgages can be higher than for domestic ones. Compare different lenders to find the best rate. Additionally, be aware of extra fees such as arrangement fees, legal fees, and valuation fees.
Legal and Tax Implications
Ensure compliance with local property laws and regulations. Hiring a local solicitor might be beneficial. Understand the tax implications in both the country where the property is located and your home country. Double taxation treaties can affect your liabilities.
Repayment Terms​
Check the maximum loan tenure offered by lenders. Some might have shorter terms for expats. Consider whether the mortgage is a repayment or interest-only mortgage, as each has different implications for monthly payments and long-term costs.
Expat equity release
Expat equity release allows homeowners living abroad to unlock the value tied up in their property back home without needing to sell it. This option has become increasingly popular among expats as it does not trigger capital gains tax and can help reduce inheritance tax liabilities. Over the last few decades, property prices have surged significantly, increasing the equity held in homes.
By tapping into this growing value, expats can access funds for home improvements, investing in further property, or enhancing their retirement lifestyle. Working with a financial advisor experienced in both UK and international markets ensures that your equity release is aligned with your long-term financial goals, making the most of the wealth built in your property.
Transport
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Cities with multiple forms of national and international transport will always be attractive to professionals and the affluent.
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High-speed rail, road, tram, and airport links all provide quick and easy access to key destinations, both business and pleasure.