Table of Content
Buying a home in the UK is exciting – but if your deposit is coming from abroad, the process can feel a little daunting. Whether it’s savings you’ve built up overseas, inheritance, or a gift from a family member abroad, lenders and solicitors will want to see proof that the funds are legitimate.
At Strive Mortgages, we specialise in helping foreign nationals and UK buyers using overseas deposits. This guide explains everything you need to know: how UK mortgage lenders treat deposits from abroad, what proof you need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Can You Use a Deposit from Abroad for a UK Mortgage?
Yes. UK mortgage lenders can accept deposits from overseas, but you’ll need to provide clear evidence of where the money came from. This is because both lenders and solicitors must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
If your deposit is already in a UK bank account, things are generally easier. If the funds are still abroad, expect extra checks, translations, and potentially longer timescales.
How Do Mortgage Lenders Treat Deposits from Abroad?
Mortgage lenders will consider:
Timing of transfer – some lenders insist the money is in the UK before application; others allow it to be transferred later.
Type of deposit – savings, gift, inheritance, or property sale.
Who is providing the funds – some lenders only allow gifts from direct family.
Country of origin – deposits from EU countries are usually simpler; outside the EU often requires more evidence.
Audit trail – lenders and solicitors must see a clear trail showing the origin of the money.
Outstanding service and clear communication are at the core of what we do. But don’t just take our word for it—read firsthand experiences from our clients and discover why they rate us a 5-star mortgage broker.
How Different Lenders View Overseas Deposits
Each UK lender has its own stance on deposits from abroad. Here are some examples:
Halifax
- More lenient.
- Often don’t require proof of deposit up front, instead relying on the solicitor’s checks.
- Don’t accept gifted deposits from non-family members.
Nationwide
- Stricter approach.
- Require 6+ months of donor bank statements for gifted deposits.
- May ask for evidence of how the donor accumulated the money.
Barclays
- For non-UK nationals living in the UK less than 2 years, they usually require the deposit to be in a UK account before application.
Other lenders fall somewhere in between, with some leaving most checks to solicitors and others asking for a full audit trail before proceeding.
Important: Solicitor Requirements Differ
Even if your lender is happy, your solicitor might not be. Different law firms apply different levels of scrutiny. Some may be comfortable with basic evidence, while others demand extensive documentation.
👉 Always check with your broker and solicitor early to make sure both are comfortable with your deposit source.
Are Loans from Family Accepted as Deposits?
In most cases, no. UK mortgage lenders and solicitors usually insist that any money provided by family must be a genuine gift, not a loan.
If the money is a loan (even interest-free), most lenders will not accept it as a deposit. For example, debt consolidation is usually only allowed on the repayment element in part & part cases. If that’s a consideration, you’ll want to look at our debt consolidation mortgage guide. considered.
A gift letter must confirm the funds do not need to be repaid.
Speak to a mortgage expert today for the best deal.
Types of Overseas Deposits Accepted
1. Savings Held Abroad
Accepted if you can show:
- 3–12 months of bank statements.
- Payslips or documents proving income.
- A clear trail showing how the savings were accumulated.
2. Gifted Deposits from Overseas
Yes, but rules vary by lender. You’ll usually need:
- A gift letter confirming it’s not repayable.
- Donor’s ID and proof of address.
- 3–12 months of donor’s bank statements.
- Translations if not in English.
3. Inheritance from Abroad
Inheritance is acceptable. Expect to provide:
- Probate documents.
- Solicitor’s or legal confirmation.
- Bank statements showing funds being transferred.
4. Proceeds from Property Sale Overseas
Accepted with:
- Sales contract or memorandum of sale.
- Solicitor/legal paperwork confirming the sale.
- Bank statements showing the money transferred.
What Proof Do Solicitors Require for Overseas Deposits?
Expect them to request:
- 6–12 months of bank statements from the overseas account.
- Official translations if not in English.
- Gift letters if gifted.
- Donor ID for gifts.
- Probate or sale documents for inheritance/property proceeds.
Deposits Inside vs. Outside the EU
- Inside the EU: Generally easier, fewer checks, faster processing.
- Outside the EU: More checks, closer scrutiny.
- High-risk or sanctioned countries: Often not accepted at all.
Common Questions About Deposits from Abroad
Can UK mortgage lenders accept savings from abroad?
Yes, with proof of income and 3–12 months of statements.
Can UK mortgage lenders accept gifts from abroad?
Yes, usually from close family only, with donor ID and gift letter.
Can inheritance from abroad be used as a deposit?
Yes, with probate papers, legal confirmation, and statements.
Can proceeds from a property sale abroad be used?
Yes, with the correct legal paperwork and transfer evidence.
Why is it harder to use a deposit from abroad?
Because of AML regulations — lenders and solicitors need a clear audit trail.
Why Choose Strive Mortgages for Overseas Deposits?
At Strive Mortgages, we’ve been helping UK buyers and foreign nationals with deposits from abroad for over a decade. We know which lenders are flexible, which are strict, and what paperwork solicitors expect.
Working with us means:
- We’ll identify lenders that accept overseas deposits.
- We’ll guide you on exactly what documentation is required.
- We’ll liaise with solicitors to prevent delays.
- We’ll save you time, stress, and money.
Strive: Experts in Deposits from Abroad
Using a deposit from abroad for a UK mortgage is absolutely possible – but it comes with extra checks and stricter requirements. Some lenders, like Halifax, are more lenient, while others, like Nationwide, ask for extensive donor evidence. On top of that, solicitors vary in how tough they are.
The key is preparation: gather your paperwork early and work with a broker who understands the process.
👉 If your deposit is coming from overseas, contact Strive Mortgages today. We’ll help you navigate the rules and secure your mortgage with confidence
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
