Can you get a mortgage on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes you can, and it’s often far more straightforward than people expect. We’ve arranged plenty of mortgages for clients living and working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa (previously known as the Tier 2 General visa).
Because you’re here on a sponsored, salaried role with a licensed UK employer, lenders tend to view your income as stable and predictable, which can work in your favour.
Some lenders ask visa holders for a larger deposit, but that’s not the full picture. There are plenty of options for buyers with smaller deposits, and Skilled Worker visa holders in particular tend to have more doors open to them. Most of the time we’re able to secure high street rates, so there’s no need to assume you’ll be stuck with a specialist lender and a higher rate just because you’re on a visa.
What do lenders look at?
Every lender is different, but most will want to see the following when you apply on a Skilled Worker visa:
- A valid UK visa — Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Tier 2, or a related route
- Time in the UK — usually 6 to 12 months, though some lenders make exceptions for a shorter period
- Proof of income — standard for any residential application, whatever your visa status
- A UK bank account
- A deposit — typically 10–25%, though lower-deposit options are available
- At least 12 months remaining on your visa — again, some lenders can be flexible here
- A UK credit history — ideal, but not essential. Some lenders will accept a credit report from your previous country
- Employment history — usually at least 3 months with your current employer, although some lenders will accept clients in a sponsored Skilled Worker role or an NHS position even if you’re due to start within the next 3 months
Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. Criteria vary widely from one lender to the next, and finding the one that fits your circumstances is exactly what we do.
How much deposit do you need?
For many of our visa clients, a deposit of around 10% is enough to access high street rates. If you’re buying a new build, that can often be split into a 5% builder’s deposit and 5% of your own funds — meaning you may need less upfront than you’d think.
A larger deposit can open up more options, but a smaller one certainly doesn’t rule you out. We’ll look at your full situation and find the most competitive deal you qualify for.
Why Mortgage Synergy?
Applying for a mortgage on a visa can feel daunting, especially if you’re still finding your feet in a new country. That’s where we come in.
As independent, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, we have access to lenders right across the UK market — including those who are comfortable lending to Skilled Worker visa holders. We know which lenders to approach, what they’ll ask for, and how to present your application in the best possible light. We’ll break down the jargon, guide you through every step, and take the stress out of the process so you can focus on finding the right home.
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Whether you’ve just arrived or you’ve been settled here for years, we’d love to help you buy your home in the UK. Tell us about your mortgage requirements and one of our specialist advisers will be in touch within 24 hours.
Skilled Worker Visa Mortgage FAQs
It’s possible, but most lenders prefer you to have been in the UK for 6–12 months first. Some will consider a shorter period, and we can help you find them. The sooner you speak to us, the sooner we can map out a realistic timeline.
Deposits typically range from 10% to 25%. Many of our clients access high street rates with around 10%, and new build purchases can sometimes be arranged with a 5% builder’s deposit plus 5% of your own funds.
Often, yes. While many lenders like to see at least 12 months remaining, some are more flexible, particularly for Skilled Worker and NHS roles. It’s always worth a conversation.
A UK credit history helps, but it isn’t essential. Some lenders will accept a credit report from your home country, and we can point you towards ways to build your UK credit profile in the meantime.
Sometimes. Certain lenders will accept applicants in a sponsored Skilled Worker role or an NHS position who are due to start within the next three months, using your signed contract as proof of income.
Effectively, yes. The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa at the end of 2020. If you hear either term, lenders are talking about the same type of sponsored work visa.
Not usually, if you already live here. The 2% surcharge in England and Northern Ireland is based on how many days you’ve spent in the UK — 183 or more in the 12 months before completion means you count as a UK resident, whatever your visa. If you buy shortly after moving to the UK you might pay it initially and reclaim it later. We’ll always flag this early so there are no surprises.