The UK property market continues to attract foreign investors from across the globe – thanks to its transparency, security, capital growth potential, and global prestige. Whether you’re based in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, or North America, buying UK real estate is straightforward when you have the right guidance.
At Fraser Bond, we provide end-to-end support for international buyers. From sourcing and financing to legal coordination and rental management, this step-by-step guide explains the UK property buying process for foreign investors.
Before beginning the search, clearly outline your purpose:
Buy-to-let for monthly rental income
Capital appreciation for long-term growth
Second home or lifestyle property
Student accommodation for children studying in the UK
Portfolio expansion for wealth preservation
Fraser Bond helps refine your investment strategy and recommends suitable property types and locations based on your goals.
Foreign investors should determine:
Purchase budget (in GBP)
Source of funds (cash vs mortgage)
Currency exchange strategy
Tax implications and structuring
UK mortgages are available for non-residents
Deposits typically range from 25–40%
Sharia-compliant and offshore lending options available
Fraser Bond connects clients with trusted UK lenders and currency specialists to optimise financing and cross-border transfers.
Fraser Bond gives international investors access to:
Prime London assets (Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf)
New-build and off-plan developments with rental guarantees
High-yield regional investments (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds)
Student housing and purpose-built lettings
Commercial and mixed-use opportunities
We provide virtual tours, development brochures, rental forecasts, and market comparisons to support your decision-making.
Foreign buyers must appoint a UK-qualified conveyancing solicitor to:
Conduct due diligence and local authority searches
Review contracts and legal title
Calculate and manage Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Liaise with the seller’s solicitor and handle exchange/completion
We can recommend experienced property lawyers familiar with international clients and multilingual documentation.
Once a suitable property is identified:
A reservation fee (£2,000–£5,000) is paid to take the unit off the market
Exchange of contracts typically occurs within 14–28 days
A deposit (usually 10%) is transferred upon exchange
Fraser Bond oversees this process, ensuring secure documentation and timely action.
Foreign buyers must comply with UK regulations, including:
Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Provide certified ID, proof of address, and source of funds
Register of Overseas Entities (ROE): Required if purchasing through a non-UK company or trust
Non-Resident Landlord Scheme (NRLS): For those earning rental income
Our team coordinates all compliance documentation in partnership with your legal and financial advisors.
Once all legal checks and funds are in place:
Final balance (90%) is transferred to complete the purchase
Keys are released, and you become the legal owner
For new builds, completion may occur upon construction finalisation
Fraser Bond handles property handover, snagging checks (for new builds), and onboarding with building management where required.
Fraser Bond provides comprehensive after-sales support, including:
Lettings and rental management
Tenant vetting and onboarding
Furnishing and staging services
Tax filing support and landlord registration
Portfolio planning and resale advisory
We continue to manage and protect your investment long after the purchase is complete.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Define goals and select investment strategy |
| 2 | Determine budget and financing structure |
| 3 | Choose and reserve the right property |
| 4 | Instruct a UK solicitor for conveyancing |
| 5 | Submit AML and ROE documentation |
| 6 | Exchange contracts and complete purchase |
| 7 | Appoint Fraser Bond for post-sale support |
Buying UK property as a foreign investor is a well-structured process – provided you have the right partners. From legal compliance to asset selection and management, Fraser Bond ensures that your journey into UK real estate is secure, profitable, and stress-free.
Whether you’re buying your first UK property or expanding your global portfolio, we offer the expertise, access, and aftercare that international investors need to succeed.
