CarltonCrabbe

REDACTED we use Nedbank Private Bank for our clients which is an offshore bank based in the Isle of Man. They will offer up to 60% loan to value on a property. Superb service, i use them myself.


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Greenways

We are going through this process now as we need to change our mortgage to buy to let, our current lenders didn't offer this. Rightly or wrongly we are going with HSBC. Rate is significantly less than our current fixed rate even with redemption.

Process is not easy though.
Get premier account (never thought it was worth it before)
Two hour initial call - outcome was effectively willing to lend less than we needed, turns out that including housing allowance and prospective uni fees (not yet started) in outgoings was not a good idea. It's algorythm based. Removed allowances from income and outgoings and all was good.
Discuss with HSBC advisor - we were going to uk so met them in person, absolutely the best thing we did, when...

The estimated rental income did not come up to scratch by surveyor, they did a quick phone call and surveyor agreed to revise figure ( valuation was fine).

hsbc issue an offer (posted) and appoint a solicitor and instruct a valuation.

Papers from solicitor are electronically available but you have to send them back via mail . Also need certified copies of id and utility bills. We had to find a solicitor here and get them copied and signed at 150 aed each. (This is despite bank having copies handed over).

Now we wait for final confirmation of offer and paperwork from solicitor who works out figures...

Frankly I'll be relieved when it's over..., and we are house hunting here (rent) too.

Opponent

Just started to look at mortgages myself and it's a royal pain. Current bank not willing to touch us with a barge pole and all other banks I have spoken to are not really interested

Millhouse

just pay cash.

OriginalSunshine

If you have enough for a 20% deposit! and the property is under 500k, most banks should take your business

Opponent

If I had that much spare cash I wouldn't be looking at mortgages.....

Opponent

I have 25% for a deposit and property prices are between 400k - 450k. Maybe I am not talking to the right banks, but as soon as I say non resident, they say that they can't accommodate us. I am referring to Halifax, nationwide etc

I have opened dialogue with barclays but their products are not the best

Any alternatives will be greatly welcomed.

OriginalSunshine

HSBC? I know there is a hate contingent out there for them, but in some aspects eg the Jersey branch, they can be ok

JamesandTamsin

I plan to revisit this week however I'm heading down much the same route as yourself. I filled out the application form for HSBC Expat (Jersey) and had all of the documents certified by HSBC Premier here in Qatar. Sent it via DHL (60 GBP!) only for them to find a spelling mistake so I have to do it all again. And I emailed it to them first for proof reading!

archie159

When I opened my HSBC Jersey account at HSBC Abu Dhabi, all the paperwork went via their internal mail... didn't cost anything.

Greenways

That's painful! I think managing to do it in UK was the easiest way, after the hassle of the call centre. However we are still navigating our way through the Scottish solicitor requirements. Need to do proof of Dubai address..... but nothing we have has our names on it AND our residential address. Either our names but no adresss at all (du/etisalat) or no names and residential address (dewa/anything else) or names and work address. and they don't accept the tenancy contract. It's painful, very painful. Be prepared and good luck

Muzzertron

We are a couple who have been living and working in the UAE for the past two years. We are now looking to purchase a buy-to-let property in London (our home city). We have spoken to a couple of brokers in London, however the feedback was that most lenders see expats as a higher risk even with a 25%+ deposit.

We would like to know what the best way to do this is? Any feedback and advice will be highly appreciated.