Can you get a mortgage on a Spouse visa?
Yes, getting a mortgage on a spouse visa is possible. We’ve arranged plenty of mortgages for clients living in the UK on a spouse visa, and it’s often more straightforward than couples expect.
A spouse visa is a long-term route that allows you to live and work in the UK. Lenders recognise you’re planning to stay in the UK, and it can work in your favour when applying jointly with a British or settled partner.
Some lenders may ask visa holders for a larger deposit, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of options for buyers with smaller deposits, and most of the time we’re able to secure high street rates.
What do lenders look at?
Every lender is different, but most will want to see the following when you apply on a Spouse visa:
- A valid UK visa — Spouse Visa, Family Visa 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
Lender criteria can vary, so don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. It’s our job to help you find the right product for your circumstances.
Joint mortgages on a spouse visa
Most of our spouse visa clients buy jointly with their partner, and because a spouse visa means your partner is a British citizen or has settled status, lenders tend to view a joint application very favourably.
Applying together has some real advantages. Both incomes count towards what you can borrow, which can significantly increase your budget. And with a British or settled partner on the application, you’ll typically have a wider choice of lenders, access to more competitive rates, and in some cases a lower deposit requirement.
You can also apply in your sole name if that suits your circumstances better. For example, if you’re the main earner. Fewer lenders cater for this, but it’s certainly possible, and we’ll talk you through both routes so you can see how each affects your borrowing power.
Which lenders offer Spouse visa mortgages?
Many high street lenders accept applicants on a spouse visas. That said, every lender has its own criteria around time in the UK, visa length, deposit and income, and they don’t always advertise them clearly.
It’s common for couples to approach their own bank first, get turned down, and assume no one will lend to them. In reality, they’ve simply asked the wrong lender for their profile.
That’s where we come in. As independent, whole-of-market advisers, we know which lenders welcome spouse visa applicants and what each one wants to see. We’ll match you with the right lender first time, rather than letting one rejection knock your confidence.
On a visa now, settled later
A spouse visa is granted for around two and a half years at a time and can be extended, with many holders able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years in the UK.
This matters for your mortgage: the more time you have left on your visa, the more lenders will consider you. And once you hold settled status, you’re treated just like any other UK resident. Wherever you are on that journey, we’ll match you with a lender that fits.
Why Mortgage Synergy?
Buying a home in a new country while navigating visa renewals and everything else that comes with settling in can feel like a lot. 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 spouse 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 and your partner can focus on finding the right home.
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Spouse Visa Mortgage FAQs
Yes. Lenders view the spouse visa as a stable, long-term route. It allows you to live and work in the UK and leads towards settlement. You can apply jointly with your partner or, with the right lender, in your sole name. Criteria vary between lenders, which is exactly where our whole-of-market knowledge helps.
Yes. In fact, it’s the most common way spouse visa holders buy. With a British or settled partner on the application, you’ll usually have more lenders to choose from, both incomes count towards affordability, and you may be able to put down a smaller deposit.
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. Applying jointly with a settled partner can improve your options further.
Often, yes. Many lenders like to see at least 12 months remaining, but some are more flexible, especially on a joint application with a British or settled partner, or where you’re clearly on the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can help.
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.
Meet your mortgage advice team
Dale Farnham, Mortgage & Protection Advisor
Tatiana Dring, Mortgage & Protection Advisor
