Which UK Lenders Accept Foreign Currency Income?
DIRECTOR AND MORTGAGE ADVISER
Specialist broker for high-earning professionals and complex income cases.
Quick Take
Yes—some UK lenders accept foreign currency income, but policies vary by currency, residency and evidence. Expect accepted‑currency lists, possible haircuts to income, and extra exchange risk disclosures. Start early and package documents cleanly.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
What Counts as a “Foreign Currency” Mortgage?
A mortgage is classed as a foreign currency mortgage if any income used for affordability, or any interest‑only repayment strategy, is denominated in a non‑GBP currency. Under the Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD), lenders must give specific foreign exchange risk warnings and monitor exchange‑rate movements relative to completion.
High‑Street Lenders That Commonly Consider Foreign Currency Income
Important: Availability, accepted currencies and documentation change frequently. Treat the list below as indicative and check live criteria.
HSBC (Intermediaries)
Accepts a wide list of countries/currencies; applies currency haircuts depending on perceived volatility.
Also lists accepted currencies for repayment strategies (e.g., where assets used to repay an interest‑only element are in foreign currency).
NatWest (Intermediaries)
States it will use 100% of converted income with no haircut (from an acceptable currency list) and will monitor exchange rate exposure post‑completion.
Halifax (Intermediaries)
Accepts a defined set of five non‑sterling currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, AUD, INR, CHF) for income, with process guidance on evidence.
Santander (Intermediaries)
Offers GBP mortgages that can be classed as foreign currency where income and/or repayment assets are in a foreign currency; accepted currency lists apply. Recent updates indicate broader currency acceptance in specific cases.
How We’ve Helped Clients Like You
These clients faced similar challenges - here’s how we helped them secure the right deal.
Private Banks & Building Societies
Select private banks and specialist building societies (e.g., expat‑focused) may consider a wider range of currencies and profiles on a manual‑underwrite basis. Expect detailed evidence, potential asset/AUM links, and conservative assumptions.
How Lenders Treat Foreign Income
Accepted Currency Lists: Each lender keeps a list; some are quite limited, others include broader markets.
Haircuts/Conversion: Some lenders reduce gross income by a set percentage before affordability; others use 100% of the converted figure.
Monitoring & Disclosures: Post‑completion exchange rate monitoring (e.g., 20% adverse‑move alerts) is common.
Residency/Contract: UK residency usually required for high‑street lending; expat routes are more bespoke.
Repayment Strategies: If interest‑only, foreign‑denominated assets may be accepted or discounted depending on currency and liquidity.
Speak To An Expert Today
Get in touch for a fee free, no-obligation chat about how we might be able to help you.
Documents Checklist (Helps Speed Up Underwriting)
ID/Address proofs (recent).
Employment/Income Evidence: Payslips/contract(s), employer letter or LLP/SA302s as relevant. For contractors: signed contract, renewal history, and matching bank credits.
Currency Evidence: Statements showing currency of pay, and a clear conversion trail to GBP if applicable.
Bank Statements: 3–6 months for personal (and business, if self‑employed).
Asset/Liability Snapshot: Particularly if any repayment strategy (interest‑only) is in foreign currency.
Context Note: One page on role, currency, location, expected changes (bonus/vesting), and reasons for UK borrowing.
What Our Clients Say
How Kite Mortgages Helps
We confirm which lenders are live for your currency, role and residency—and explain their nuances in plain English.
We map a document plan (what to request from HR, HMRC or your firm) to keep underwriting clean.
We compare high‑street, specialist and private‑bank options, including structures like offset or part interest‑only where suitable.
We manage timelines (rate locks, offer expiry, relocation dates) so you can proceed with confidence.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
FAQs
-
It varies. Major currencies like USD, EUR, CHF, and sometimes AUD/INR/AED, are more commonly seen. Always check the lender’s current list.
-
Some lenders apply a fixed reduction to foreign income before affordability; others use 100% post‑conversion. Policy differs by lender and currency.
-
Sometimes—subject to the lender’s accepted currency list and asset type/liquidity. They may apply a haircut to the asset value or require additional comfort.
-
For most high‑street routes, yes. If you’re an expat or moving back to the UK, specialist/private‑bank options may be more suitable.
-
Yes—in principle. Offset affects interest cost, not income used for affordability. Whether foreign income is acceptable is a separate policy question.
Related Articles
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSESSED IF YOU DON’T KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Kite Mortgages is a trading style of Kite Financial Ltd which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
APPROVED BY THE OPENWORK PARTNERSHIP ON 22/09/2025.