Date: 28 October 2026If you live in the UK on a visa, you may think you need a large deposit to buy a home. In the past, many lenders expected foreign national applicants to have a deposit of 15%, 20% or even 25%.The good news is that some lenders may now consider a 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders. This means you could be able to apply for a mortgage up to 95% loan to value, also known as 95% LTV.
This could make buying a home in the UK possible much sooner than you expected.
Yes, it may be possible to get a 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders, but it depends on your circumstances. Lenders will usually look at your visa type, income, time in the UK, credit history and deposit source.
Every lender has different rules. That is why it is important to get advice before you apply. A mortgage broker can help you understand which lenders may accept your situation.
Eligibility depends on several factors. These include how long you have lived in the UK, how much you earn and whether your credit profile meets lender requirements.
If you have lived in the UK for more than five years, some lenders may consider you for a 95% mortgage. This means you may only need a 5% deposit, subject to affordability and credit checks.
For example, if you wanted to buy a property worth £250,000, a 5% deposit would be £12,500.
If you have lived in the UK for more than one year, you may still be able to apply for a 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders. However, some lenders may have minimum income requirements.
Typical criteria can include:
If you have been in the UK for less than one year, you may still have options. Some lenders may consider applicants with a strong income and stable employment.
Typical criteria can include:
This can be helpful for skilled professionals who have recently moved to the UK.
Some lenders offer products designed to help buyers get onto the property ladder with a smaller cash deposit. In some cases, applicants may be able to buy with a minimum deposit of £5,000.
Whether this is available to you will depend on the lender, the property value and your personal circumstances. Visa status, affordability and credit history will still be checked.
When you apply for a 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders, lenders will usually assess several key areas.
These checks help lenders decide whether the mortgage is affordable and suitable.
A 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders is a specialist area. Lender criteria can change often, and not every bank or building society will accept the same type of application.
Getting advice early can save time and help you avoid applying to the wrong lender. It can also give you a clearer idea of how much you may be able to borrow.
At MDJ Mortgages, we help clients understand their mortgage options when living in the UK on a visa.
We can help you review:
If you are looking for a 5% deposit mortgage for visa holders, we would be happy to explore your options.
Contact MDJ Mortgages today for a free initial discussion.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
