Overseas buyer guide
Plan a UK home purchase from overseas with the right support.
Buying from another country adds questions about identity checks, banking, tax, timing and remote viewing. Use independent UK legal and tax advice and verify the exact home before you buy.
Your buying steps
Keep the important checks in the right order.
Use these steps to keep your budget, mortgage, legal checks and the exact home in view while the purchase moves forward.
- 01
Explain why you are buying
Tell your advisers whether the home is for you, a family member or an investment before arranging finance and ownership.
- 02
Prepare your documents
Ask the solicitor and lender which identity, address and source-of-funds documents they will need.
- 03
Check tax and finance
Understand lender rules, currency risk, residence tests and possible stamp duty surcharges before setting the budget.
- 04
Check the exact home remotely
Request a live video tour, exact plans, the written specification and an independent inspection where appropriate.
Buyer checklist
Keep the important documents and figures together.
Use this list to prepare your questions. Your solicitor, lender and other advisers can confirm what applies to your purchase.
GOV.UK: SDLT for non-UK residents- Independent UK solicitor and tax advice
- Identity, address and source-of-funds documents
- Currency-transfer timing and costs
- Mortgage availability and offer expiry
- Non-UK resident and additional-property stamp duty position
- Signing or power-of-attorney arrangements if needed
Tell us about your move
Start with the home and area you actually need.
Share your location, budget, bedrooms and timing. Property email updates are optional and separate from your enquiry.
Enquiry
Tell us about your UK property plans.
Share why you are buying, the preferred area, budget, finance position and the best time zone for a reply.
Buyer questions
Questions to answer before you move forward.
Clear answers for buyers following the overseas buyer guide route.
01Can a non-UK resident buy a home in England?
Yes, but finance, identity checks, tax and ownership arrangements need individual advice. A non-UK resident stamp duty surcharge may apply.
02Can I complete the whole purchase remotely?
Many steps can be handled remotely, but identity checks, signing and lender requirements vary. Agree the process with your solicitor and lender at the start.
03Does the website provide investment or tax advice?
No. The website provides general property information. Get independent legal, tax and financial advice for your circumstances.
Your next step
Tell us what you’re looking for.
Browse selected new-build homes or tell us what you need for your move.